MEMBER for Port Stephens Craig Baumann has called on all the three tiers of government to help solve the Port's aircraft noise problems as a matter of urgency.
The call came in State Parliament on Tuesday, a week after Port Stephens Councillor Steve Tucker suggested a class action could be launched against the Department of Defence.
Cr Tucker said new noise exposure forecasts for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft, scheduled to arrive in 2017, could reduce the value of at least 1500 properties near RAAF Base Williamtown and around areas at Medowie.
He suggested the idea of a class action seeking compensation for affected property owners.
Mayor Bruce MacKenzie called the idea "airy fairy" but Cr Tucker believed he has enough support from councillors to pass a motion to seek legal advice.
Mr Baumann said local, state and federal governments needed to find a better way to manage planning and development in aircraft noise-affected areas in the Port.
He said subdivisions of around 4000 proposed lots at North Raymond Terrace had been on hold since 2004.
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