The large group last week packed Raymond Terrace Bowling Club to hear a $70 million plan to minimise the impact of noise from the incoming Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft.

Dubbed Safe Ears, an acronym for "save Aussie families' ears - extend airport runway south-east", the group was set up to advocate a 2.5-kilometre extension of the runway at RAAF Base Williamtown on government-owned land.

The group says this would effectively minimise the noise impact on the Port's residential areas.

Raymond Terrace property planner Paul Le Mottee convened the meeting and said attendees were encouraged to write directly to new Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

"It's all very well having a whinge, but you've got to have an answer as well, and we have," he said.

"We want people to send their letters to the Prime Minister saying the community urgently wants to meet with you."

At an estimated cost of $70 million to the federal government, it is likely the proposed extension would require Nelson Bay Road and Medowie Road to be dug under the new part of the runway.

The cost estimate and plan was provided by former RAAF commander of base support and Medowie Progress Association president John Donahoo. Mr Le Mottee said even if the cost blew out to $100 million, it remained a small number compared to both the amount being spent on the JSF program and the bill footed by the community as a result of diminished land values.

Parliamentary secretary for Defence Mike Kelly told Port Stephens Council last month he would consider the viability of extending the runway but acting manager of sustainable planning Bruce Petersen said he had not heard anything further on the subject from Defence.

At the Safe Ears meeting residents voted almost unanimously that the RAAF should remain part of the Port Stephens community.

A steering committee was formed and a petition circulated on the night.