FNAP frequently asked questions

The FNAP is an initiative designed to minimise the impact of freight rail noise on NSW residents. It will provide noise reduction treatments to homes affected by high levels of freight rail noise along NSW Government managed rail corridors between Nowra and Newcastle, and west to Lithgow.

Transport for NSW has developed a set of eligibility criteria for the FNAP, which are similar to standards used by other NSW Government agencies in noise attenuation programs.

To be eligible for the FNAP, a home must meet all of the following criteria:

Is classified as an occupied residence

Is not part of a building that is more than three levels above the ground

Is no more than 100 metres from the nearest NSW Government rail corridor carrying freight trains

Is near to a rail freight corridor managed by the NSW Government

Experiences an average of at least 70 decibels during the day or an average of at least 65 decibels at night

Is not part of a development that was approved after 1 January 2009, when the NSW Government released new development guidelines to include noise mitigation measures in the design of new developments on land adjacent to the rail corridor.

If Transport for NSW has not collected noise data in your area and you meet other criteria, we may conduct noise monitoring at or near your home. If your home meets these criteria, you are invited to fill out and submit an application form (pdf 618KB).

No. You must submit an application form (pdf 618KB).

The FNAP is a ten-year program with funding available to treat about 200 homes per year along rail corridors managed by the NSW Government. The homes will be in an area bound by Nowra and Newcastle, and west to Lithgow.

We are currently treating houses in the following locations:

Blaxland

Cardiff

Emu Plains

Faulconbridge

Heathcote

Jannali

Koolewong and Tascott

Point Clare

Tascott

Teralba

Wombarra

Woonona

These locations were selected for the FNAP because noise monitoring showed them to have the highest average night noise and night time maximum noise events. Further locations will be confirmed for treatment based on night time noise levels. The program will continue to monitor and confirm further eligible locations for treatment as the program rolls out. 

Yes. Your application will be assessed for eligibility and noise monitoring will be conducted at or near your property, if required. If deemed eligible, your property will then be registered in the FNAP program and treated in the future years of the program.

Homes impacted by higher levels of freight rail noise during the night are currently being prioritised in the FNAP. Applications for other noise sensitive buildings such as schools and places of worship will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, prioritising night time noise impacted sites.

The FNAP is designed to provide treatments that will reduce the levels of freight noise residents experience in living and sleeping areas that face the rail corridor.

The FNAP will treat homes using the following noise reduction treatments:

Installation of new or upgraded windows

Installation of new or upgraded external doors

Enclosing or sealing gaps, vents and openings, where practical

Installation of ventilation systems to allow for the circulation of fresh air when windows are closed.

Similar treatments have been used extensively by Roads and Maritime Services for reducing noise in homes impacted by main roads.

A standard treatment package is offered to all eligible home owners. We will consult with you regarding the look and style of the treatments to ensure they align with the overall look and style of your property.

Although each home is different, the treatment usually takes a few days to complete.

We look for treatment options that are cost-effective, fair and practical. Treatments are limited to no more than $30,000 for each home.

Treatment is free if you have owned your home for seven years or more at the time of offer. If you have owned your home less than seven years, we will offer building treatments on a cost-sharing basis outlined below:

Ownership at time of offer

0-2 years (85% owner contribution)

2-3 years (75% owner contribution)

3-4 years (55% owner contribution)

4-5 years (35% owner contribution)

5-6 years (20% owner contribution)

6-7 years (10% owner contribution)

7+ years (0% owner contribution)

If the dwelling is sold after the applicant applies for building treatments, we will calculate the owner contribution as if the ownership has not changed.

The value of treatment under the Freight Noise Attenuation Program is limited to $30,000 per home. This has been shown to be more than adequate to deliver the treatment package to eligible homes.

The contractor who does the work provides a seven-year warranty on workmanship and five-year warranty on parts and labour. They will also supply ten years of replacement filters for the ventilation treatments.

We will aim to provide you with some initial feedback regarding timing within one month of receiving your application. However, confirming your application could take up to six months if we need to complete noise monitoring in your location. 

If you are determined eligible, you will receive a letter from Transport for NSW offering the treatment works. Timeframes for installation will vary depending on your location and demand for the program. However, we will aim to have treatment carried out within 12 months of making an offer.

No. Just contact us so we can change your application to the new owner’s name.

The current funding provides $50 million for a period of ten years.

Contact us on 1800 446 517 or railnoise@transport.nsw.gov.au.