THE proposed new Kings Hill town north of Raymond Terrace could become a victim of the Port's aircraft noise debate as federal candidates strive to win votes on the issue.
Sitting Liberal member for Paterson Bob Baldwin and Labor opponent Jim Arneman have both called for the project to be stalled.
This is despite the new 4500-home town being key to the State Government's Lower Hunter Regional Strategy and the Port's future housing needs.
Mr Arneman said it would be "negligent" to approve the development considering it was largely affected by noise forecasts for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
It is estimated Mr Baldwin holds the seat of Paterson by just 350 votes and with aircraft noise affecting 3500 properties, both candidates are aware the issue could decide the poll.
Mr Baldwin said it was "hypocritical" of Port Stephens Council to approval a draft plan for the town while it was already imposing development restrictions on affected land-owners elsewhere.
It is argued that abandoning Kings Hill would also allow JSF flight paths to be redirected over north Raymond Terrace and alleviate the impact on other areas.
Strengthening the argument to abandon the project is new noise data from Defence, which reportedly indicates noise levels north of Raymond Terrace greater than predicted. Mayor Bruce MacKenzie supports Kings Hill, saying both candidates are using the issue to win votes. Paul Le Mottee, from Raymond Terrace residents group Safe Ears, was also against the idea.
"Safe Ears is not about stopping Kings Hill, it's about extending the runway to the ocean," he said.
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