Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains residents are being encouraged to attend upcoming information sessions and monitor aircraft noise data as preparations continue for the opening of Western Sydney International Airport later this year.
With flights expected to begin operating from the new airport in July, concerns continue to grow across communities likely to experience increased aircraft activity and changing flight paths.
Community members will have several opportunities over coming weeks to speak directly with Airservices Australia representatives through a series of community pop-up sessions and online webinars focused on new airspace arrangements and expected flight operations.
Local pop-up sessions scheduled closest to the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains include:
- Wednesday 10 June, 2pm–6pm at Richmond Marketplace
- Thursday 18 June, 2pm–6pm at Westfield Penrith
Online webinars will also be held on:
- Monday 1 June, 6pm–7pm
- Monday 29 June, 6pm–7pm
Residents can access webinar registration details and information about additional community sessions through the Airservices Australia community engagement website.
Community concern about aircraft noise has continued to build as residents seek greater clarity about future flight paths and their impact on local communities, particularly across the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury Local Government Areas.
Temporary noise monitors have already been installed across parts of the region to establish baseline environmental noise levels before the airport begins operation.
Real-time monitoring data is currently available online from monitoring sites located in Blaxland, Warrimoo, Linden, Katoomba and Megalong Valley, along with locations across Western Sydney in response to active Councils, MP's and residents groups requests. None have been located in Hawkesbury particulary the Kurrajong Bilpin Districts which are expected to be impacted by increased aircraft noise.
Airservices Australia has also confirmed future temporary monitoring locations will include Faulconbridge, Linden and Springwood.
Local representatives continue to advocate for greater transparency and community consultation surrounding the airport’s long-term operational impacts.
Concerns raised by residents include overnight aircraft noise, impacts on quality of life, effects on tourism and natural environments, and uncertainty surrounding future flight frequency as the airport expands over coming decades.
Community members are being encouraged to review the available information, attend consultation sessions and continue providing feedback as planning and operational arrangements progress ahead of the airport opening.
Information on community sessions, newsletters, flight path engagement and live noise monitoring can be accessed through the Airservices Australia Western Sydney Airport engagement portal.
