Dear Mr Murphy

Thank you for your letter dated 26 August 2011 about a petition recently submitted for the consideration of the Chair of the Standing Committee on Petitions, regarding Aircraft noise regulations in the area of Kareela, NSW.

I have noted the issues raised and the petitioners' desire for review of aircraft noise over the Sutherland Shire. Overflight of the Sutherland Shire is a matter that has been considered at length by both the Sydney Airport Community Forum and the Implementation and Monitoring Committee. Residents of Sutherland Shire have representation on both these bodies.

I am advised that this issue continues to be under review and trust that the ongoing discussions will lead to a successful resolution of the concerns that have been raised.

I will not approve the introduction of new air traffic management technologies such as Required Navigation Performance (RNP) in Sydney unless it can improve the Long Term Operating Plan (LTOP) and advance noise sharing.

Thank you for raising this matter.

from the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Albanese