Aircraft noise is one of those issues that affects people very differently.

Some barely notice it. Others find repeated flights, particularly at night, incredibly disruptive. I’m thankful to be among those who aren’t greatly bothered by it, but that doesn’t make the distress experienced by others any less real.

And while Coochie isn’t specifically named in the latest changes, what happens over neighbouring islands is still worth watching.

What’s changing?

Airservices Australia has released its Package 3 outcomes under the Noise Action Plan for Brisbane.

Two decisions are particularly relevant to the Redlands and Southern Moreton Bay Islands:

• A new night-time departure path over the Redlands when winds are from the south.
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• A departure path from Brisbane’s legacy runway that will cross Russell Island.
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Airservices says the Russell Island route may be moved further south during detailed design. At this stage, though, there is no guarantee about exactly where that path will eventually sit.

And that is where Coochie’s interest comes in.

Why does it matter to us?

This does not mean aircraft are suddenly going to be routed directly over Coochie.

However, once populated islands become part of the solution for redistributing aircraft noise, it is reasonable for nearby island communities to keep an eye on where future routes may go.

Some residents believe aircraft should remain over water for as long as safely and operationally possible before crossing populated areas. That won’t remove aircraft noise altogether, but it could reduce the number of communities directly underneath flight paths.

Can we still have a say?

Yes, but there is an important catch.

Airservices says these Package 3 outcomes are final and are not being reconsidered through this feedback process. The current survey is asking whether the reports and the reasoning behind the decisions are clear, and it also gives people an opportunity to ask questions.

Feedback closes at midnight on Sunday 23 August 2026.

You can:

• Read the Package 3 outcomes and complete the feedback survey 
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• Email communityengagement@airservicesaustralia.com
• Write to Noise Action Plan for Brisbane, Locked Bag 747, Eagle Farm QLD 4009
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If you do respond, you could ask:

What consideration was given to keeping departing aircraft over water for longer before crossing populated Southern Moreton Bay islands, and what safeguards will prevent future detailed design from shifting additional aircraft noise over nearby island communities?

 

Whether aircraft noise drives you barmy or barely registers, it is worth knowing what is being decided around us. Today it is Russell Island being named. Where the next line appears on the map is the question nobody can answer just yet.

 Airservices Australia confirms the deadline and scope of feedback here.