Resources and FAQs
This page includes frequently asked questions about the Noise Insulation Program and links to helpful program documents and resources.
Your rights
We are committed to delivering the Noise Insulation Program in a fair and transparent way.
Eligible landowners will be able to raise concerns or request a review of key decisions with the managing contractor or the department, including program eligibility, noise treatment plans and works completion assessments, or any other concerns they may have. Independent review processes are also available. If a landowner is dissatisfied with the outcome of an initial review by the department, they may take their concerns to the Commonwealth Ombudsman for an independent review.
Frequently asked questions
Eligibility and participation
The Program Guidelines set out the defined program eligibility area. Landowners within the program eligibility area are eligible to apply to the program.
Maps of the program eligibility area are included in the Program Guidelines and are available to download.
The department will also directly contact landowners of properties located within the eligibility area to provide further information and invite them to apply.
Eligibility to participate in the program is not automatic for all properties within the program eligibility area.
Additional criteria, as outlined in the Program Guidelines, are applied to each building. These include whether there are pre‑existing obligations to undertake noise reduction measures, whether the building has appropriate planning and building approvals, whether the building is occupied, or whether it is subject to a separate acquisition process.
Eligibility is assessed after a landowner applies to the program.
Only landowners who have property within the program eligibility area can apply to the program.
No. Participation in the program is completely voluntary.
Choosing not to participate will not affect your rights as a landowner or whether you can sell or occupy your property.
The application period is open for two years. Landowners who choose not to apply initially may apply later during the application period.
Applying to the program
Landowners can check their eligibility and start the application process here.
Support is available for people who need assistance, including those with accessibility or language needs.
Applications are assessed by the department as they are received, and landowners are advised of the outcome.
For approved applications, there may be a period of time before onsite noise assessments begin. Landowners will be kept informed as their property progresses through the assessment stages.
After you submit an application, the managing contractor, Master Building Solutions, will contact you to arrange any additional information or documentation needed to progress your application.
Once the necessary information has been provided, the department will assess your application in accordance with the eligibility requirements set out in the Program Guidelines.
After you apply, Master Building Solutions will contact you to request the information and documentation needed to progress your application.
This will include information to confirm your identity and property ownership. Identity verification is required and is commonly referred to as a 100‑point identity check.
You may also be asked to provide documentation relevant to eligibility, such as planning or building approvals for the building, or information about any previous aircraft noise amelioration obligations.
Depending on the circumstances, other information may also be requested where relevant or required to assess your application.
All information provided, including any sensitive information, will be handled in accordance with the program’s privacy policy.
Noise treatment works
Noise treatment works are tailored to each building.
They may include installing or upgrading windows and doors, adding roof insulation, sealing gaps, acoustically treating skylights, and installing ventilation or air‑conditioning so windows can be kept closed.
The specific treatments for each property are detailed in a Noise Treatment Plan developed for that building.
For houses, the program focuses on habitable, noise‑sensitive spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms and studies.
For non‑residential buildings, treatment focuses on spaces used for activities such as education, religious services, and medical consultations.
Non‑habitable spaces such as garages, sheds, bathrooms, laundries and outdoor areas are not treated.
No. Noise treatment solutions are tailored to individual buildings.
Treatments are based on the expected aircraft noise levels, the condition of the building, and what is practical and cost‑effective to achieve.
Each building is assessed by specialist acoustic and building advisers who develop a Noise Treatment Plan.
After onsite noise assessments are completed, a Noise Treatment Plan is developed and agreed with the landowner before works begin.
Construction works will be staged to minimise disruptions and will generally take four to six weeks to complete, depending on the type of treatments required.
Works are planned and scheduled in consultation with landowners and residents, and landowners are advised of anticipated start dates and progress.
Most noise treatment works can be carried out while residents remain in their homes.
If works make a property unsafe or unlivable for a short period, such as during asbestos removal or major roof insulation, temporary accommodation may be provided on a case‑by‑case basis.
Other questions and circumstances
Landowners can review and discuss the proposed Noise Treatment Plan with the managing contractor before works commence.
Changes can be requested. If agreement cannot be reached, landowners may choose not to proceed with any noise treatment works.
As participation is voluntary, no works will proceed without the landowner’s consent.
All works are covered by statutory warranties under the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW) and by a defect liability period under the program.
Landowners will be provided with information about who to contact if issues arise, and any defects must be rectified during the warranty period.
In limited cases, noise treatment works may not be able to reasonably or cost‑effectively achieve the program’s noise reduction target.
In these cases, voluntary acquisition of the property may be considered, allowing the landowner to choose whether to sell the property to the Australian Government at an agreed fair market value.
If you sell your property before applying, the new owner may apply to the program.
If you sell your property after applying and being approved, but before works commence, the new owner can decide whether they wish to continue participating in the program.
Master Building Solutions Pty Ltd has been appointed as the managing contractor.
They are responsible for day‑to‑day activities such as engaging with landowners, assessing properties, and managing the delivery of noise treatment works.
The Australian Government will pay for approved works under the program. This includes acoustic assessments, design, supply and installation of treatments, required approvals, inspections, and warranties.
You will be required to pay for any requested additional or upgraded treatment works beyond those included in the program’s scope. Such works must be agreed to by the department—for example, premium or upgraded finishes or building materials that are different to what you currently have.
Landowners will be responsible for any repairs or works required to bring buildings up to an appropriate safe standard before noise treatment works commence.