Update 15: Phase 3 and baseline model FAQs

Following the release of Phase 3 options we’ve received a number of questions from the community, so have gathered the most frequently asked questions here with answers. We've also included some tips to make the most of the new baseline model.

Q: What decisions have been made from previous phases and how do they relate to these new options?

The outcome of our assessment of flight path options from Phase 1 has now been released and we’re continuing to review feedback from our Phase 2 consultation. Options in Phase 3 are early drafts, which will be amended and further developed if they progress following current community engagement. That further development will include any changes progressing from previous phases. Future phases will also piece together some of these earlier options to show a more holistic proposed operating environment.

Q: Why was the Noise Action Plan for Brisbane developed only for Brisbane?

The Noise Action Plan for Brisbane is for areas affected by flights to and from Brisbane Airport. This greater Brisbane area includes parts of Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Logan, the Gold Coast and Redlands.

Q: Why are there only options for arrivals in Phase 3?

During 2023 we have implemented actions that we committed to as a priority, which included Package 2 options to increase over-water operations and Package 3 options to reduce the concentration of operations to the north-west of Brisbane Airport. Phase 1 and Phase 2 focused on departure operations and Phase 3 is focused on arrivals.

Q: For the proposals to reduce concentration of flight paths west of Brisbane Airport, how often were daytime arrivals used in 2022?

  • SMOKA ILS STAR from the north – 5723 flights

  • SMOKA RNP-AR STAR from the north – 1460 flights

  • WOODY ILS STAR from the west – 903 flights.

Please note: no noise sharing or other proposals from earlier phases have been implemented yet. We’re still operating the flight paths designed for the new parallel runway. If you’ve noticed changes in flight patterns, these are most likely due to scheduling of additional flights, temporary changes for operational reasons, or seasonal changes in weather conditions.

Baseline model

The online interactive baseline model has been developed to compare flight path options with current and historical flight operations. From 2024 it will be used to compare new options and preferred designs that have progressed following consultation on options, with current and pre-new runway operations. This is so community members can see how their experience of these operations may change if proposals are implemented.

Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of the baseline model tool:

  • be sure to watch the ‘how to use this tool’ video before you begin

  • keep in mind that data is shown for an area of 750m x 750m – this could be several streets or one large property, depending on the location

  • data is shown for aircraft that pass DIRECTLY overhead that 750 x 750 area; it won’t necessarily show all aircraft that you can see or hear from that location, just those that pass directly overhead

  • you can click in any area of the map to find flight path information for that location

  • if you search for an address and find it does not show aircraft activity in the data window, click on nearby areas to find the operations that may affect you

  • click on individual flight paths (where shown) to show the actual tracking for that path for the selected operation

  • change the operation you’ve selected in the top-left drop-down box to see if day/night and northerly/southerly winds make a difference.

You can access the baseline model here and provide feedback here.