In a joint media statement, the representatives claimed the project, which has also been aggressively opposed by Canberra Airport, would “hurt Canberra’s economy.”

“The new development will be situated under flight paths and compromises the ability of Canberra Airport to provide additional services in and out of the national capital,” the representatives said.

“It also has the potential to redirect existing flight paths over long-standing residential areas of Canberra.

“This will have a long-term impact on Canberra’s economy as it has the potential to reduce the amount of business and tourist travel to and from Canberra.

“We remain opposed to the development and will continue to advocate for planning decisions that take into account the need to balance the economic and social interests of Canberra and the broader region.”

The Minister’s decision to approve South Tralee development outside the ANEF 20 noise corridor was a conservative approach, meaning the development more than complied with the nationally recognised and already strict planning requirements for urban planning in the vicinity of airports, Overall said. The project could now commence providing for close to 1000 dwellings.

Queanbeyan mayor Tim Overall has said the decision is “win-win”, and that no houses will be built under flight paths.

“This is a sound and responsible win-win decision which allows for the growth and expansion of Queanbeyan and also the expansion of the Canberra Airport to meet its own ultimate capacity projections without detriment,” said Overall.

“Argument often put forward and based around non-ANEF standards such as ‘under flight paths’ or ‘high-noise corridors’ are somewhat emotive and have no standing with regard to current legislation or government policy. No houses will be built under designated flight paths.”