Save us misery and leave the joy flights to Sea World
IT is extremely disappointing that our Gold Coast City Council could even be considering proposing an “offensive, noxious or noisesome (sic) occupation or business” such as helicopter joy flights out of a heavily populated residential, hospitality, hotel and recreational area (to quote what is not allowed according to the DRMRE lease for Marina Mirage where the unauthorised helicopter joy-flights in this part of Broadwater were hitherto based).
Extreme environmental noise pollution is part and parcel of helicopter operations and which is why applications are carefully looked at and controlled.
As regards helicopter tourism, Sea World Helicopters in the broader and less populated reaches of Broadwater have this very much in hand. Do not think that there are only a few affected by theme park-style joy-flight helicopter operations, responsible for 1000-2000 take/offs and landings per week out of Main Beach marinas, causing much distress to thousands of residents living in areas such as Southport, Main Beach and Labrador, apart from the constant racket that had to be endured by families endeavouring to enjoy recreational pursuits on Broadwater Parklands.
Then there are the hotels in the area constantly bombarded with noise akin to being in a war zone, as well as the fuel residue filth that descends on the water, but is most noticeable on moored yachts and water craft.
During the time that circumstances reduced helicopter activity, it has been rewarding to observe the return of bird life to the area including sightings of wedge-tailed eagles (well out of habitat), shy sea eagles, record numbers of little terns, and even common garden birds have returned to balconies.
It is also interesting to note that following representation by Bilinga residents, Gold Coast Airport, surely a more logical pace for helicopter activity, stopped the joy flights based there owing to their “Good Neighbour Policy”. (Where is ours?)
As regards the Spit Master Plan – an excellent initiative – helicopters and the associated significant environmental noise and fuel residue pollution are the last thing needed, and something that would seriously negatively detract, including financially, from the various planned developments including the super yacht marinas envisaged. We sincerely hope that logic prevails and that our Gold City Council, to whom residents and visitors alike look to protect and enhance our magnificent Gold Coast, will not make the mistake of promoting such activity in the southern Broadwater area.
It is interesting also to note that in survey after survey, nature and natural beauty, of which the Gold Coast abounds, is consistently at the top of the list for visitors and residents alike.
Surely it will be in all of our very best interests to simply leave this sort of activity to Sea World Helicopters who have a large and lawful operation, and who have been undertaking joy flights for more than 50 years.
DON ESPEY,
MAIN BEACH ASSOCIATION