#56: Who wants to live in an Aerotropolis?

60 Reasons to Protest: Reason #56 – Who wants to live in an Aerotropolis?

Royal Schiphol Group and specifically BAC have long been guided by the vision of turning their host city into an “aerotropolis” – a concept originally proposed by Dr John Kasarda, president and CEO of Aerotropolis Business Concepts LLC.

The aerotropolis vision is about turning a city with an airport into an airport with a city attached to it. It renders a once-liveable city into a feeder city for the airport including the aggressive expansion of aviation-related businesses, logistics facilities, and other related industries near residential areas in the pursuit of growth and profit.

There are several negative aspects associated with the development of an aerotropolis. One of the most significant issues is the noise pollution caused by the increase in aircraft traffic itself. The constant noise from an aerotropolis leads to sleep disturbance, hearing impairments, learning difficulties in children, and other health and mental health issues for those living and working under Brisbane’s flight paths. Additionally, noise pollution can negatively impact wildlife and natural habitats in the surrounding areas.

The concentration of industries around an airport also leads to increased air pollution, which can have a detrimental effect on public health. The increased traffic and transportation in and out of the aerotropolis also leads to congestion and increased carbon emissions.

Furthermore, the development of an aerotropolis risks displacing local communities and small businesses as the noise makes residential areas unliveable and the land and resources are repurposed for aviation-related industries. This results in social and economic inequalities and the loss of community amenity and identity.

Let’s stop BAC turning Brisbane into an aerotropolis.