Chopper flight ban bid
PWS in bid to make peace in fight over national park flight path
HELICOPTER flights could be banned or at least better regulated over the Tasman National Park under new plans.
The Parks and Wildlife Service has released a call for public comment on the draft National Park Fly Neighbourly Advice for the Tasman National Park on the state’s southern peninsula. Denis Mermet runs an accommodation business within 400m of a helicopter flight path at Port Arthur and said he had been in a three-year bureaucratic fight to get a reduction in helicopter noise there.
A PUSH to curb helicopter flights over a popular Tasmanian national park is being considered by the Parks and Wildlife Service.
Tasmania’s PWS last week released a call for public comment on the draft National Park Fly Neighbourly Advice for the Tasman National Park on the state’s southern peninsula.
Fly Neighbourly Advices are voluntary agreements between aircraft operators, authorities, and the community to minimise the disturbance caused by aircraft in specific areas.
A FNA makes recommendations for pilots operating in an area so that they can avoid disturbing wildlife and contribute toward maintaining visitor enjoyment.
Port Arthur business owner Denis Mermet, who runs an accommodation business within 400m of a helicopter flight path, said he had been engaged in a three-year bureaucratic battle to reduce helicopter noise.
He questions why there are laws in place preventing lawnmower noise pollution but helicopter noise in his area is permitted.
“There is no legislation protecting us against the noise, which is having great impact on us as a start-up business,” he said.
“I’ve been in constant talks with the Tasman Council and the State Government but little has been done.”
A PWS spokeswoman yesterday said the FNA for the Tasman National Park has been developed to minimise disturbance to residents as well as visitors and “vulnerable natural values including eagles, seabirds and seals”.
“While the PWS does not have management authority over the airspace above the Tasman National Park, the PWS is facilitating the FNA process — for the benefit of park visitors, values management, and local residents,” the spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman said the FNA would apply to all aircraft — helicopters and fixed wing, excluding drones — undertaking scenic flights in the area.
“Following public consultation, the PWS will provide the draft FNA to the Regional Airspace and Procedures Advisory Committee for consideration,” she said.
“If endorsed, the FNA will be published in aeronautical charts as a resource for pilots. Additional information [and an expanded version of the FNA] will also be available on the PWS website.”