Flying ain’t what it used to be. Despite Covid changing the way we travel, Lismore Airport is still firmly in the local limelight.

Since The Lismore App recently reported on aircraft noise complaints made by local residents, the issue has been discussed at a Lismore Council meeting and now, a community consultation is set to take place.

To add to this, Caniaba resident Ross Robinson lives near the airport and contacted the Lismore App with concerns about the fencing that’s been built around the airport. 

In particular, he is worried about the unsuitability of the fencing that has been installed on a flood plain - across a creek bed and drain - on a bridge he regularly crosses on Caniaba Road.

“When it floods, water can come over the bridge up to two metres,” he said.

“I’m disappointed Council has wasted time and money building an unsuitable fence that won’t last.

“It should have been built up off the ground, or as a swinging fence, like at Lismore Showgrounds with hinges so it swings up and down when water comes through.

“The creek bed often has a lot of water come through in a heavy downpour of rain and the chain wire fence will collect any any rubbish that comes down, get bogged up, and fall over.”

“I understand the new fence is to keep kangaroos off the runway,” Ross said. “It is definitely not for security purposes because it can be crawled under.”

Council response

A Lismore City Council spokesperson said that the fence is actually a “first of its kind”.

“The fence was designed to be collapsible so that in the event of heavy rain it will not stop the flow of water in the drain,” the spokesperson said.

“The installation of fencing around Lismore Regional Airport is the final part of a $1.8 million NSW Government-funded project to upgrade the airport.

“The fence is necessary to improve security at the airport and to prevent wildlife, such as kangaroos, from wondering onto the tarmac creating safety issues.

“Other works carried out under this project included new runway lights, the refurbishment of the terminal, reseal of the runway and taxiways, street lighting at the general aviation end of the airport, one plane parking spot and a tourism display in the terminal.”

Noise complaint update 

Following complaints from residents about increased aircraft noise from flying schools, the noise issue was raised at a Lismore Council meeting earlier this month. 

Lismore mayor Vanessa Ekins said she is taking the issue seriously and will begin a consultation process with the local community and open up a conversation about aviation rights and responsibilities, good neighbour policies, Council’s role and the future of the airport.

“We know there is some confusion about what the regulations should be for plane noise and flying rules,” she said.

“The Civil Aviation Authority (CASA) determines allowed flight hours and heights, not Lismore City Council. 

“But if people are being disturbed by noise, we have an opportunity to review our good neighbour policy.

“Then we can the identify community expectations and begin a formal consultation process with CASA to make it clear.”

Ms Ekins said the first stage of the consultation will involve information sharing about how the airport operates and gauge community expectation about the future of the airport.

“It’s important we start getting information back from the community,” she said.

“Since Covid began, the nature of the airport has changed, with Rex reducing flight numbers.

“Aviation tourism has also increased the number of little planes flying into country areas – and the airport has expanded for flight schools to run out of Lismore airport.”