About eligibility
Eligibility for the Noise Insulation Program depends on where a property is located, the type of building, and who is applying. This page explains how eligibility works under the Program Guidelines. Landowners can also use the Check eligibility tool to see whether a specific property address is located within the program eligibility area.
Check eligibility
You can check whether a property is located within the program eligibility area by entering the address into the Check eligibility tool.
Being located within the eligibility area does not automatically mean a property will receive noise treatment works. Eligibility is confirmed after an application is assessed against the Program Guidelines.
The program eligibility area is defined in the Program Guidelines. It is based on forecast aircraft noise levels for WSI.
The eligibility area is primarily based on the Australian Noise Exposure Concept (ANEC) 20 composite contour for the year 2040, as identified in the WSI airspace and flight path design Environmental Impact Statement. The ANEC 20 composite contour includes aircraft movements across all runway modes of operation, including night‑time operations, and represents the largest forecast aircraft noise footprint in 2040.
In addition to the ANEC 20 boundary, the eligibility area has been adjusted in accordance with the Program Guidelines to account for:
- whole property lots, where the ANEC 20 boundary crosses part of a property, provided the dwelling is within one kilometre of the contour
- some additional properties in close proximity to the ANEC 20 boundary where natural features such as roads, waterways, terrain or open space create a logical boundary
- specific local adjustments to ensure consistency where the contour runs along or across streets.
A general map of the program eligibility area is shown on this website. More detailed, larger‑scale eligibility maps are available for download. These maps show property boundaries in greater detail to help landowners identify whether their property is within the eligibility area.
Landowners can also search by address using the Check eligibility tool.
Owners of properties outside the program eligibility area are not eligible to apply to the program.
Noise contours
Noise contours are used to show forecast aircraft noise exposure around WSI.
The Australian Noise Exposure Concept (ANEC) is a noise mapping tool used to represent average aircraft noise over a 12‑month period. It combines all forecast aircraft movements to help understand the areas that are expected to be most affected by aircraft overflight noise.
ANEC contours for WSI model the approved flight path design for single‑runway operations.
The Noise Insulation Program uses the ANEC composite contour for the year 2040, when WSI is forecast to be operating at approximately 15 million annual passengers. The composite contour represents the largest forecast noise footprint in 2040, as it includes aircraft movements across all runway modes of operation, including night‑time operations.
Further information about aircraft noise modelling and flight path design is available at wsiflightpaths.gov.au.
The Noise Insulation Program applies to existing eligible buildings located on properties within the program eligibility area.
Two types of buildings may be considered for noise treatment works:
- Residential dwellings — houses and units used or intended for residential purposes, whether owner‑occupied, rented, or used as secondary homes.
- Noise‑sensitive non‑residential buildings — schools, childcare centres, health and medical facilities, and places of worship.
To be eligible, buildings must:
- have been constructed before the commencement of the program
- have the required planning and building approvals (for example, development and occupation approvals)
- not be vacant, unless there is a genuine intention for the building to be occupied in the immediate future.
The program does not provide noise treatment works to:
- caravans or other moveable dwellings
- unlawfully occupied or unapproved buildings or structures
- buildings that are required to include aircraft noise amelioration as a condition of previous planning or development approvals
- commercial (including retail) and industrial buildings.
Only landowners of eligible buildings located within the program eligibility area can apply to the Noise Insulation Program.
This includes:
- individual landowners
- joint landowners
- a person authorised to act on behalf of the landowner.
Tenants of residential properties cannot apply directly to the program. Noise treatment works may be delivered if the landowner chooses to apply.
Lessees of eligible non‑residential buildings may apply, but only with the written agreement of the landowner.
Eligibility is not automatic. All applications are assessed by the department against the Program Guidelines before any noise treatment works are approved.
Participation in the program is voluntary at all stages.