Program scope and eligibility

The Program will deliver noise insulation treatment works and other related building works on approved residential and non-residential buildings located within the Program eligibility area. The NIPA policy sets out how program eligibility is determined by the Department.

The Department is currently finalising the eligibility area for noise amelioration treatment under the Program. In accordance with the NIPA policy, the final eligibility area will be based on:

• application of the ANEC 20 composite contour for the 2040 assessment year

• application of the natural boundary rules (set out in the NIPA policy).

Based on existing analysis, the Department estimates there are approximately 236 buildings within the program eligibility area that are potentially eligible for noise amelioration treatment works.

The Department anticipates the actual number of buildings to be treated over the life of the Program to be lower, for a number of reasons:

• Some rural properties are vacant or have derelict or abandoned buildings.

• Some areas are currently undergoing rezoning from rural-residential to commercial-industrial, with this trend continuing given increasing developments within the surrounding Western Sydney Aerotropolis area.

• Some properties are currently, or likely to be, subject to acquisition processes related to NSW Government aerotropolis and transport planning and other local government acquisition processes.

• The Program Guidelines will exclude works on buildings with pre-existing obligations to undertake noise treatment works to achieve building compliance due to existing state and local planning laws.

• The Program Guidelines will exclude works on unapproved or non-compliant buildings and structures.

• Program eligibility guidelines for non-residential properties are limited to noise sensitive public buildings (educational facilities, health care and clinical facilities and places of worship).

The Program will also be voluntary in nature, with landowners of eligible properties choosing whether they participate. Departmental planning for the Program has estimated a take-up rate of approximately two-thirds. The anticipated timeframes for program delivery (detailed below) are predicated on this estimated take-up rate.

Based on these assumptions, the Department estimates that approximately 155 buildings would likely require treatment.

This assumption should be considered by RFI Respondents and potential RFT tenderers. Responses should also consider the impact of the number of buildings requiring noise treatment works being higher or lower than the Department’s estimates.