Concern for noise-sensitive exotic animals near new airport's flight path

Concerns are growing over the potential impact of noise from aircraft at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) on exotic and native animals in the surrounding area. An environmental impact assessment of the proposed flight paths found minimal impact on biodiversity, but those working with wildlife are worried about how the aircraft noise could affect their charges.

Zambi Wildlife Retreat, a sanctuary for exotic animals in Wallacia, is just a few kilometres from WSI. Sanctuary managing director Donna Wilson expressed worries about how some of her animals, particularly those who are noise-sensitive, will react to the aircraft noise. She noted that some endangered species at the retreat were particularly sensitive to noise, and recent low-flying Australian Defence Force flights had already caused a disturbance.

Sanctuary managing director and co-founder Annette Cam from the Blue Mountains Conservation Society also expressed concerns about the noise impact on native wildlife, including koalas, which could be affected by the aircraft noise. Cam highlighted that most studies on the impact of aircraft noise on animals have been conducted in North America, focusing mainly on birds.

While some studies have shown that some species can adapt to aircraft noise, it is unclear which animals might be more impacted in the Australian environment. The federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts stated that the design of WSI's flight paths was informed by an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and community feedback, with the assessment concluding low to no impact on biodiversity.

However, as the airport ramps up operations, managing the impact on nature remains a long-term issue to be addressed.