Mr Horne asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 31 May 1999:

(1) Does his Department acknowledge that unacceptable noise levels affect a number of residential properties on Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown, NSW, in direct line with the flight path of the runway at RAAF Williamtown.

(2) Will he (a) authorise a survey of the area to determine how many properties are affected and (b) consider the acquisition of properties identified by the survey as adversely affected.

Mr Moore (Defence) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) techniques were developed in 1982 and forecasts of the area adjacent to RAAF Williamtown have been produced. The forecasts indicate that some properties in Nelson Bay Road, in direct alignment with the flight path, experience high noise levels.

(2) (a) The last endorsed ANEF for RAAF Williamtown was produced in 1992 and forecasts the level of noise exposure until 2002. Defence is developing a new model incorporating the Hawk Lead In Fighter aircraft which will replace the Macchi aircraft currently operating from RAAF Williamtown. The forecast will indicate those properties subjected to high noise levels and local authorities will need to implement appropriate land management planning for the relevant areas surrounding the airfield.

(b) Defence property acquisition is generally only undertaken in support of endorsed operational or training requirements. The Department does not acquire noise-affected property unless there are exceptional circumstances.