The proposal was that an alternative flight path be designed off Runway 16 to utilise farm land and avoid Caroline Springs. Investigation found that this would increase noise impacts for St Albans and Sunshine North which are densely populated areas. Therefore more residents would be affected by this proposed change than would receive noise improvements. Airservices considers that noise improvements must be of benefit to the community as a whole and must clearly provide a reduction in overall noise impacts.

No opportunities were identified during this investigation that would provide an overall reduction in noise impacts. Caroline Springs is benefited at present by the Noise Abatement Procedures at Melbourne Airport which make Runway 16 departures the fourth preference.