THERE are calls for Perth Airport to compensate local residents for costs resulting from increasing air traffic and airport expansion plans.
Belmont councillor Paul Hitt told last week’s council meeting compensation was often provided in the form of a subsidy to help people soundproof their homes against future increases in air traffic.
“A number of international airports and airport authorities provide some form of compensation to the residents and businesses which lay adjacent or underneath flight paths,” he said.
There has been a 61 per cent increase in air traffic from the airport in the past five years.
In addition, changes introduced last November reduced the airspace required between aircraft, effectively doubling the number of take-offs.
An Air Services Australia spokesman said while some areas east of the airport were concerned about the changes, there was a downward trend in noise complaints overall.
“We believe this is due to a combination of factors including the introduction of more modern, quieter jet aircraft, the use of more precise flight paths and the introduction of procedures which allow aircraft to approach the airport more quietly and over less densely populated areas,” he said.