If you’re buying, developing, or investing in land near an airport, one critical planning tool to be aware of is the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF). ANEF contours are used to assess the impact of aircraft noise on surrounding land and help guide appropriate land use planning decisions.

Whether you're a homebuyer, developer, or planner, understanding ANEF maps is essential for avoiding costly surprises and ensuring developments meet regulatory standards.

What Is ANEF?

The Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) is a technical noise contour map developed by Airservices Australia and airport operators. It forecasts future levels of aircraft noise exposure based on:

• Projected flight paths
• Frequency of aircraft movements
• Types of aircraft
• Operating times (day/night)
• Growth in air traffic over a 20-year horizon

The result is a series of noise contour lines (measured in ANEF units) that show the expected impact of aircraft noise on land areas surrounding an airport.

Understanding ANEF Contours

ANEF values range from 20 to 40+, with higher values representing greater aircraft noise exposure. Here's a general interpretation:

ANEF Value	Noise Exposure	Typical Land Use Guidance
20–25 ANEF	Low	Suitable for residential, schools, hospitals
25–30 ANEF	Moderate	Discouraged for new residential; may be allowed with acoustic treatment
30–40 ANEF	High	Generally not suitable for new residential or sensitive uses
40+ ANEF	Very High	Not suitable for residential or noise-sensitive development

Note: These are guidelines under AS2021 – Acoustics – Aircraft Noise Intrusion – Building Siting and Construction.

ANEF in Planning Certificates and DA Assessments

In NSW, ANEF information is commonly included in a Section 10.7 Planning Certificate if the land is affected by aircraft noise. It helps councils, developers, and certifiers determine whether:

• Additional acoustic reports or noise attenuation measures are required
• The proposed land use is compatible with the noise exposure
• Specific building design standards must be met

For Development Applications (DAs), particularly near major airports like Sydney Kingsford Smith, Western Sydney International, or regional airfields, councils will refer to ANEF maps to assess compliance.

What If My Land Is Within an ANEF Contour?

If your property is affected:

• You may need to submit an acoustic assessment with your development application.
• Double glazing, insulation, and other design measures may be required.
• In some cases, sensitive land uses (e.g. childcare, schools, housing) may be prohibited or discouraged.
• Property values may be influenced by perceived or actual noise levels.

Disclaimers

Environmental Disclaimer: The information provided in this article relates to environmental constraints that may affect land use or development. It is general in nature and does not replace detailed site-specific assessments. Always consult with an environmental consultant or local council for up-to-date, location-specific guidance.

Legal Disclaimer: This content is intended to provide a general overview of the relevant legislation and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Property and planning laws are subject to change and may vary depending on specific site conditions and council policies. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please consult a qualified legal or planning professional.

General Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, planning, or environmental advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information may not reflect the most recent changes in law or policy. You should seek advice from a qualified professional or relevant authority before making any property-related decisions.