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NEWS
Sydney helipad sailing threat
Malcolm Turnbull comes out fightingThe decision by the State Government to allow Newcastle Helicopters to operate a helicopter service from a floating helipad moored in the middle of Sydney Harbour is a disgrace -- reckless and undemocratic, writes Shadow Minister for Communications, Malcolm Turnbull on his blog today.
“It is surely incredible that a group of bureaucrats would take it on themselves to grant helicopter landing rights, in the middle of Sydney Harbour, without any consultation with the general public. It treats the local councils with contempt.
“The proposal should have been advertised so that all members of the public could express an opinion.
“Already sailing clubs are becoming alarmed as they recognise that the combination of summer afternoons, hundreds of sailing boats most of them filled with kids, a strong nor-easter and a helicopter taking off and landing on a floating platform in the middle of all that is potentially a recipe for serious trouble, if not tragedy.
“Or what about one of those afternoons when the southerly hits and simultaneously hundreds of skiffs are tipped over, club rescue boats are rushing around to tow kids back to shore -- do we really think adding a joy ride helicopter service to all that is responsible?
“The floating helipad will be used for joy rides up and down and around Sydney Harbour, that much is obvious, The pilots will be encouraged to fly lower and closer to the shoreline and boats than they should and the amenity of tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of Sydney Harbour users -- including swimmers, sailors, strollers, walkers, kayakers and residents -- will be disturbed.
And in a great example of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, the Roads and Maritime Services has said it is carrying out a review of the aquatic licence approvals process to ensure similar operations include thorough community consultation.
Sydney residents and sailors are up in arms. We feel the helipad on the busy harbour is at odds with safe boating and it will surely destroy the ambience and amenity. Toast the sunsets from your boat moored in Athol Bay -- the only spot with public moorings in Port Jackson -- as the rotors whirr away. No thanks. What fools.
You can read Turnbull’s full letter at http://www.malcolmturnbull.com.au/blogs/malcolms-blog/harbour-helipad-decision-is-a-disgrace/
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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