How do we decide where to install noise monitors?

15/12/2025

All noise monitors must be located in areas that effectively capture noise data from arriving and departing aircraft and therefore we try to locate monitors as close to flight paths as possible.  The decisions on final locations of monitors take into account a number of other factors, including security, licensing, facilities and background noise levels.

Long-term noise monitoring

We use the following criteria when identifying suitable locations for a long-term noise monitor:

  • site suitability to capture all major aircraft types and operations so that the noise data represents the range of aircraft noise in that community
  • site ability to effectively capture sufficient noise data (i.e. if aircraft are too far away and therefore produce low noise levels these generally won’t be captured effectively by a noise monitor)
  • the site is compliant with acoustic standards that ensure the operational aspects for monitoring can be achieved
  • site technical aspects including security, mobile data coverage, access to power, protection from wildlife, and a location within air traffic control radar coverage
  • the site is a public or commercial property (for example schools, council depots, childcare centres, as private residences are not suitable for long-term noise monitor locations)
  • consideration of background noise levels that can diminish the effectiveness of the noise monitor.

Short-term noise monitoring

We use the following information to identify potential locations for short-term noise monitors:

  • Site suitability to capture all major aircraft types and operations, so that the noise data is representative of the range of aircraft noise
  • No obstructions or reflective surfaces that would interfere with the operation of the monitor
  • Community feedback on suggested location/s
  • Site suitability to effectively capture sufficient noise data (i.e. if aircraft are too far away, the range of aircraft noise generally won’t be captured effectively by a noise monitor)
  • Site technical aspects including security, mobile data coverage, access to power, protection from wildlife, and a location within air traffic control radar coverage
  • Consideration of background noise levels that can impact the effectiveness of the noise monitor (e.g. locations with strong winds or other noise producing sources such as highways may mean aircraft noise cannot be collected effectively).