[Peetwo]

Today there is a Senate RRAT Legislative committee public hearing in Melbourne for the Green's 'bollocks' Air Services (destroy aviation) Amendment Bill 2018. Reference:

About this inquiry
An inquiry into the Air Services Amendment Bill 2018.

• Inquiry home page
  
  
• Information about the bill
  
  
• Public Hearings
  
  
• Government Response
  

• Committee home page
  

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program (5).pdf Size: 28.98 KB  Downloads: 4

Note in the program attachment (above) that Harfwit for ASA, Dr A for CASA and Mr McFixit for the Dept all appear in the afternoon session.

Unfortunately there is no live videolink but if you would like to listen in to the afternoon session, click link below: 

22/06/2018 
9:00AM - 3:00PM AEST
Senate, Rural & Regional Affairs & Transport Legislation Committee (Air Services Amendment Bill 2018 (Melbourne, VIC)) Live

P2 comment: Perhaps Dr A will once again bamboozle the committee with the spin'n'bollocks and Hoodoo voodoo magic we all know and despise so well -    

Now although there is absolutely bugger all chance of any of this bollocks bill getting up, it should be noted that the Greens obviously have a very deep loathing for any GA activity in urban environments and actively campaigning to decrease aviation activity in all major cities.

Nowhere is the sheer ignorance and bloody mindedness approach  of the Greens towards aviation more clear than in the explanatory memorandum:

• Explanatory memorandum
  

  

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OUTLINE
 
The Air Services Amendment Bill 2018 is being introduced to create greater protections for communities affected by aircraft noise.
 
Communities affected by aircraft noise or changed flight paths above residential areas currently enjoy limited recourse beyond seeking voluntary agreements with aircraft operators known as ‘Fly Neighbourly Agreements’. Legislation is unclear as to the accountability of government agencies to respond to resident concerns.
 
This bill will set clear requirements for consultation and reporting on the part of Airservices Australia (AA). The bill will require AA to minimise impact of aircraft operations on the human and natural environment, community amenity and residential areas. The bill will also ensure that communities affected by aircraft noise are adequately consulted and have stronger representation in these consultations. It will do this by establishing an independent Aircraft Noise Ombudsman and an independent Community Aviation Advocate.
 
Due to the fact that, under the current legislation, Airservices Australia is not responsible for carrying out activities to protect community amenity and residential areas from the effects of aircraft noise, it does not control airspace at low altitudes over many residential areas. As such, in some residential areas, AA is unable to control the impact of low-flying small aircraft. In inner Melbourne, there are now specific and acute circumstances of high intensity flights of small aircraft in uncontrolled airspace. The bill will require Airservices Australia to prepare a plan for management of flight paths and air space in central Melbourne, including by prohibiting flights of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft below 2,000m above sea level within 5km of central Melbourne, with clear exemptions in the public interest for emergency services, hospitals, defence, and other like aircraft.
 
FINANCIAL IMPACT
 
The bill will have no financial impact. - UDB! 

 Get the impression the Greens won't be happy till we are all, once again, swinging from the trees. 

However there is a light at the end of the tunnel (with a rarity, a choccy frog for Carmody to share with Dr A -   ). The following is quoted from the CASA submission to the inquiry:   

...The bill seeks to declare prohibited airspace for all airspace users below 2,000m (6,000ft). This restriction is inconsistent and incompatible with the Airspace Act and regulations where CASA is responsible for managing and administering all Australian airspace. The bill is also inconsistent with CASA's power to declare restricted airspace, whereby CASA must conduct a risk-based assessment to support any airspace restriction. Airservices has no powers to restrict aircraft flight outside controlled airspace and CASA has no powers to declare prohibited airspace unless such a declaration is compliant with the Airspace Regulations.

This bill would significantly impact flight operations for all airspace users at Melbourne, Essendon, Moorabbin and Point Cook because a number of flight procedures would be removed if aircraft must remain above 6,000ft within 5 nm of the Melbourne CBD. This provision would preclude aircraft using many approaches and departure paths at these airports. The proposed restrictions would add an estimated minimum of 20nm to each arrival and departure path, with a significant increase in carbon emissions and fuel burn, while also increasing aircraft arrivals and departures over other residential areas. Commercial operators such as helicopters, scenic flights, media and licensed remotely piloted aircraft would be also prevented from operating within 5nm of the Melbourne CBD.

The airspace aspects of this bill do not deliver the necessary outcomes required to support aviation (safety, efficiency and equitable access), and could generate significant
environmental impacts. The bill would also have a major impact on the capacity and
efficiency of airports around Melbourne, with likely significant economic impacts on both
airspace users and passengers...

Hmm...that last paragraph would seem to indicate that CASA, on this matter at least, are considering the economic implications to industry if this bill were to get up?  

There was also a modicum of concern for industry in the Dept submission:  



P2 comment: Very clever that both submissions include observations of 'significant environmental impacts' through increased 'carbon emissions' and 'fuel burn'...  


MTF...P2