BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW — Wilderness Australia believes that Emirates Australia claim that its proposed surge in helicopter flights to its luxury Wolgan Valley resort is a temporary fix may be just an embarrassing mistake. The text of their development application seeks to lock in a permanent, massive increase in helicopter traffic over the World Heritage-listed national park and residential areas.
The conservation group’s response follows a story published yesterday in the Blue Mountains Gazette, where an Emirates spokesperson claimed the expansion of helicopter flights was only temporary until vehicle access is restored to Wolgan Road.
Wilderness Australia Honorary Projects Officer, Keith Muir, stated that the resort’s public comments seem to contradict the legal wording of their consent modification application (Mod 4). Wilderness Australia invites the Emirates to formally withdraw this proposal to permanently increase in helicopter noise over residents and the World Heritage Area, in line with its position stated in the Gazette.
The Fine Print: A Permanent 256% Increase
According to the Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC) submission, the text of the resort's own Mod 4 application states: "When two-wheel drive road access is restored to Wolgan Valley and the Resort, the maximum number of helicopter trips will be 50 trips per week and a maximum of 10 helicopter trips in any given day."
According to BMCC, the reality is that once the Wolgan road is fully reopened, operations are legally proposed to increase by more than 256% over what was previously approved. They are not returning to the original 14 flights per week. Mod 4 is a permanent shift toward a 'Fly-In, Fly-Out' (FIFO) luxury resort model.
Overwhelming Public Backlash
Community opposition to the proposal is almost unanimous. Of the submissions received by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, 129 are formal objections, while only a single submission genuinely supports the project.
Wilderness Australia stands with the Blue Mountains City Council and Lithgow City Council who also oppose this helicopter proposal.
Wilderness Australia asks the Emirates to consider withdrawing its proposal to increase in helicopter noise over residents and the World Heritage Area in line with its stated position in the Gazette.
A Looming Noise "Catastrophe" for the Lower Blue Mountains
The permanent flight increase will severely impact residents in the Lower Blue Mountains, who are already bracing for major airspace changes.
Current projections indicate that the Lower Blue Mountains could see a helicopter flying overhead every 22 minutes during the day under the temporary arrangement and every 33 minutes under the permanent arrangement proposed in Mod 4, all on top of impending commercial jet traffic. Both arrangements are unfair to those who will suffer the noise in our homes and those seeking recreation in our wonderful national parks.
ENDS
Media Contact: Keith Muir, Hon. Projects Officer, Wilderness Australia
Mob: 0412791404