'Absolutely horrible': Nearby families kept awake by new Western Sydney airport

Families residing near Western Sydney International Airport have been struggling with sleep deprivation since the airport's opening in July, as it now operates around the clock. Despite a promise of noise mitigation efforts from the federal government, these residents claim the promised measures have not been implemented. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Transport Minister Catherine King have been invited to experience the residents' plight firsthand, with the PM even suggesting a three-night stay to fully grasp the situation.

One month after the airport's opening, Carolyn Wong and her daughter Katherine found themselves contemplating moving out of their 70-year-old home in Luddenham, a place they had resided for over seven decades. The constant noise from planes taking off and landing at night has left Katherine in tears, making it impossible for her to sleep through the night. This lack of sleep has also impacted her work, as she has begun avoiding long-distance trips and feels unprepared for her daily drives due to fatigue.

Barry Garousse, a truck driver living less than 1.5km from the runway, experiences similar struggles. On some nights, he only manages to get 1 hour and 40 minutes of uninterrupted sleep, forcing him to operate on little rest, which results in exhaustion, mood swings, and difficulty maintaining focus. His 12-year-old daughter Sophie, unable to sleep at home, falls asleep during class at school. Both families have reached out to politicians and authorities for assistance, but feel their concerns have been ignored.

The federal government had announced a free noise insulation program in 2023 for eligible homes in the surrounding suburbs, but as of now, only 74 out of 236 approved applications have been completed. Mr. Garousse, whose home is eligible for the program, has been waiting for his turn in the queue, despite having applied shortly after the airport's opening.

Belinda Camilleri, another resident, received confirmation that her application had been approved but expects to wait until April 2027 for the installation. She believes the government prioritized the airport's opening over addressing the concerns of local residents.