Sound is such a normal part of everyday life, it provides a vast
array of functions in our lives that it is often not appreciated or
given second thought. That is, until the sound becomes annoying,
unpleasant or unwanted, at this point when it becomes an annoyance it is
often referred to as “noise”.
In urban areas nuisance noise can be attributed to a wide range of
sources including construction works, emergency sirens, barking dogs as
well as road, rail and air transport. Aircraft noise first became a
significant issue for communities in the early 1960’s with the
introduction of commercial jet aircraft. Since the 1970’s there has been
an enormous amount of research in regards to what creates aircraft
noise annoyance and how to effectively measure, monitor, manage and
improve the problem.
Cairns Airport (CNS) has grown significantly since Cairns Ports
assumed control of the airport in 1981 and continues to do so now under
Cairns Airport Pty Ltd (CAPL). Concurrent with increasing airport
activity the City of Cairns has also prospered during this time with a
recent population growth rate of approximately 2% per annum. Aircraft
movements have increased and so has the number of people living and
working in proximity to the airport. CAPL recognises that tourism
underpins the regions economy and accepts our responsibility to ensure
the Cairns Airport supports this industry. As is the case with many
established airports a primary management issue for Cairns Airport is
balancing urban growth regional development with minimising impacts on
the community and the environment.
Cairns Airport aims to continuously develop, improve and implement
aircaft noise initiatives that enhance the sustainability of airport
operations and address the community interests by minimising noise
impacts and the number of noise affected persons.
Cairns Airport has developed mechanisms for managing aircraft noise including but not limited to:
- Airport Environmental Consultative Committee
- Noise Abatement Procedures
- Aircraft Noise Exposure Patterns
- Aircraft Noise fact sheets
- Operational procedures and guidelines
- Helicopter Fly Neighbourly Procedure
- Ground Running Procedures