A "fly neighbourly agreement" could be a measure to minimise aircraft noise around Port Macquarie Airport.
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A recommendation to go before Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's meeting on Wednesday (October 21) proposes the general manager investigate the establishment of a formal fly neighbourly agreement.
The agreement would include practical measures to minimise aircraft noise in the airport vicinity.
The council report said a fly neighbourly agreement is a voluntary agreement under which aircraft operators agree to operate in an manner to minimise disturbance caused by aircraft within a particular area.
The report to the council meeting follows community engagement about pilot training and aircraft noise.
The community engagement involved an online survey and written submissions.
Technical aircraft noise monitoring was also undertaken.
Residents unhappy with aircraft noise report that circuit activities significantly impact their quality of life.
There was also considerable support reported by survey respondents for general aviation including pilot training activities, the council report said.
Technical noise monitoring identified aircraft noise in the vicinity of the airport is within "acceptable" levels.
There has been a significant escalation in aircraft movements in recent years, primarily associated with an increase in pilot training and associated circuit training operations.
"This increase has led to an increased number of aircraft noise complaints being received by council from residents living in the vicinity of the airport and circuit flight path," the report said.
Port Macquarie Airport, which supports a wide range of aviation activities, is the fifth largest regional airport in the state, according to passenger numbers before the COVID-19 pandemic.
General aviation - from pilot training to aircraft maintenance, freight and charter operations, and patient transfers - represents about 90 per cent of aircraft activity at the airport.
Other items on the council meeting agenda include the procurement of design and environmental approvals for the Maria River Road upgrade and next steps towards the Kenwood Drive Bridge replacement.
Cr Peter Alley will raise the matter of climate emergency declaration considerations.
An alliance of six groups wrote to the council in late September officially requesting the council to declare a climate emergency.
The October 21 council meeting starts at 5.30pm and can be viewed on council's YouTube channel.
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