Region and District Plans note

There is a factual error in the current Greater Sydney Region Plan and the Western City, Eastern City and South District Plans with an incorrect reference made to the Commonwealth's approach to planning for noise around airports, known as Guideline A. The NSW Government continues to adopt the National Airports Safeguarding Framework, but has not adopted one of the guidelines relating to aircraft noise.

The NSW Government continues to apply the Australian Standard (AS2021), which uses the robust and scientifically-based Australian Noise Exposure Forecast methodology when considering the right zoning of land around airports.

Specifically, in each of these plans the following reference to noise controls is factually incorrect:

• Recognising and giving effect to the National Airports Safeguarding Framework, incorporating noise, turbulence and wildlife safety measures.

This sentence is included in:

• Strategy 16.1 in the Region Plan
• Action 28. k) in the Western City District Plan
• Action 30 k) in the Eastern City District Plan
• Action 56. e) in the South District Plan.

To align with the Government's approach to noise around airports the sentence should read:

• Recognising and giving effect to the National Airports Safeguarding Framework, incorporating airspace protection (e.g. height), turbulence and wildlife safety measures.

The Greater Sydney Commission worked with the Department of Planning and Environment to update all relevant plans to reflect the correct position. We apologise if this has caused any confusion.