Electorate Media Releases

HOCKEY SAYS NO TO CURFEW CHANGES

7th July 2008

Member for North Sydney, Joe Hockey MP, said today that he would fight any changes to the curfew at Sydney Airport.

Mr Hockey said that the curfew was an essential part of ensuring that residents had some overnight respite from aircraft noise.

“The proposal from some airlines to relax the curfew should be immediately rejected by the Federal Government," Mr Hockey said.

“We are already seeing increased aircraft noise over the lower North Shore in suburbs like Lane Cove and Hunters Hill as a result of the major works on the east-west runway.

“The suggestion that residents should have to endure more noise during the 11 pm to 6 am curfew is just wrong.

“I understand that airlines will always push for more flights to the airport but there have to be boundaries when you are talking about an airport which lies in the heart of a major city and which has its flight paths over residential areas.

“The current curfew is vital to ensuring that residents get a break from noise while they are trying to sleep.  To lift the curfew would be an attack on the lifestyles of residents in our area and the airlines must be told to back off."

Further information: Fiona Glaskin 0447 943 543