Imagine hiking in one of Australia’s most spectacular regions, only to have the peace shattered by constant helicopter noise. This is the reality facing the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area if a new proposal is approved, potentially wasting $50 million in government investment for visitor facilities.
‘Wolgan resort’s helicopter traffic will ruin the peace and quiet visitors expect,’ said Keith Muir. ‘This will lead to a net economic loss for the region’s tourism industry, as the majority of park visitors will stay away once the Gardens of Stone gains a reputation for constant noise.’
‘The Department of Planning must not permit Emirates to create what is effectively a private, high-traffic heliport at the Wolgan resort.’
‘The proposal is unjustified and will cause constant noise pollution across the region. Emirates justifies the plan for 30 helicopter movements every day based on the closure of Wolgan Road. However, the road is scheduled to reopen to two-wheel-drive traffic by August 2026,’ (Lithgow Mercury, 7 May 2026).
‘This proposal is a “try-on”,’ Mr Muir said. ‘It is unlikely that Emirates will dial back flight frequencies once the road is reopened.’
Noise concentration in the lower Blue Mountains
The noise footprint of 30 daily helicopter movements will be further intensified in the lower Blue Mountains due to the Western Sydney Airport airspace design.
‘The rising terrain between Glenbrook and Springwood will force helicopters to fly near legal minimum altitudes to avoid commercial flight paths,’ Mr Muir said. ‘This will concentrate helicopter noise over townships and the World Heritage-listed national park, significantly degrading the acoustic amenity.’
Glamping resorts already ‘stranded assets’
According to Mr Muir, the noise also threatens ‘Experience Co’s plans to sell its controversial glamping resort proposals among pagoda landscapes to Intrepid. The Wolgan resort already has permission for up to 10 helicopter flights a day. Nobody is going pay $1,000 a day to put up with that level of noise.’
‘Should a constant stream of choppers going to a six-star resort be allowed to ruin the enjoyment of the Gardens of Stone for everyone else? This nonsense must be stopped,’ Mr Muir said.
Media contact: Keith Muir, Hon. Projects Officer, Wilderness Australia, mob. 0412 791 404
Further information: The Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort - Modification 4 page on the Department of Planning’s website contains the helicopter proposal, which is on exhibition until 18 May.
Submission on the helicopter proposal from Wilderness Australia is attached below.
Key points of objection:
- Unjustified frequency: 30 movements per day is excessive given the imminent reopening of Wolgan Road.
- Environmental impact: Significant degradation of the acoustic environment for hikers and wildlife.
- Economic risk: Threatens the broader tourism appeal of the $50 million Gardens of Stone investment.
- Flight path issues: Concentration of noise over lower Blue Mountains townships due to Western Sydney Airport flight corridors.
Take Action: submission guide - protect the peace in the Gardens of Stone SCA
