Emirates One&Only MOD 4 - Temporary Changes to Helicopter Transport

Submission regarding Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort – Modification 4
Project Number: MP06_031, Mod 4

To: Mr Jeffrey Peng
NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

I object to the proposed increase in helicopter movements associated with the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort Modification 4 proposal.
I live in the mid-mountains directly under the route taken by light aircraft and helicopters that fly to or across the mountains. I already get quite a lot of noise from those. I do not want unnecessary increases to noise levels, for people to fly to stay at resorts. This proposal would be in addition to what we already face with the prospect of noise problems from the Western Sydney Airport without the relief of having a night-time curfew.

This proposal would significantly intensify helicopter traffic across the lower Blue Mountains and surrounding regions at the same time communities are already facing major airspace and noise changes associated with Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).

Of particular concern is the cumulative impact of these changes. From July 2026, helicopters operating in the lower Blue Mountains will be constrained by new WSI airspace arrangements requiring them to fly within a narrow vertical corridor beneath commercial aircraft flight paths. Due to rising terrain, helicopters around Springwood, Winmalee, Glenbrook and nearby townships may be required to operate close to minimum legal altitudes over residential areas.
The proposal for approximately 30 helicopter movements per day therefore cannot be considered in isolation. It must be assessed in the context of:
cumulative aircraft and helicopter noise impacts,
changing regional airspace arrangements,
impacts on residential amenity and wellbeing,
and impacts on the Blue Mountains World Heritage landscape and national parks.

I am also concerned that the justification for the proposal appears weak and temporary. The application argues the increased helicopter use is necessary because Wolgan Road remains closed for an extended period, yet public information indicates the road is expected to reopen in August 2026. This raises serious questions about whether the scale of helicopter intensification proposed is genuinely necessary.

Further, the scale of operations proposed appears more akin to the establishment of a private heliport operation than a minor modification. Given the potential regional impacts, the proposal warrants a far higher level of environmental scrutiny, including a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The Blue Mountains is already under increasing environmental and infrastructure pressure. Incremental approvals that individually appear manageable can collectively create substantial long-term impacts on communities, natural amenity and tourism values.

I therefore request that the Department:
Refuse the current proposal; or at minimum
Require a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement and cumulative impact assessment before any approval is considered.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Kind regards

Karen Taylor

Project Name: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort - Modification 4
Project Number: MP06_0310, Mod 4

Attention: Mr. Jeffrey Peng, NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

I object to Modification 4 of MP06_0310

Points for Objection

1. The Proposal is Unnecessary as The Wolgan Gap Road is re-opening August 2026
The Resort justifies 210 helicopter flights per week by claiming the Wolgan Gap Road is closed. However, as stated by the Lithgow Mercury, 7 May 2026, the Wolan Gap Road is scheduled to reopen to 2WD traffic by August 2026.
I am concerned that this modification will evolve to become a permanent "fix" for a temporary problem. Meaning, the Emirates is unlikely to dial back its flight frequencies once the road is reopened in August 2026.
It is my understanding that the Resort has a history of unfulfilled obligations, specifically regarding land exchanges with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) that remain outstanding since 2007.
There is no guarantee that this "temporary" increase in flights won't become a permanent fixture once established. It’s possible that the transport to the Resort by helicopter will become permanent, once established.
If the Wolgan Gap Road is considered safe enough for heavy truck logistics (linen, food, renovation materials), it should be considered safe enough for guests in 2WD vehicles.

2. Excessive Flight Volume and Safety Concerns
The original approval allowed only 4 flights per week. This proposal seeks 15 flights into and 15 flights out of the Resort, 30 flight per day / up to 210 flights per week. This effectively transforms a private resort helipad into a busy commercial heliport, where flights may not necessarily be evenly distributed (and more heavily concentrated towards weekends).
The proposal lacks a rigorous risk assessment regarding potential mid-air collisions, particularly given the high elevation of the Newnes Plateau, the frequency of the proposed flights and use of a single flight approach path in and out of the Resort.

3. Environmental / Noise Impact Assessment
It is my understanding that the noise reports provided by the Resort predate the creation of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area (SCA).
The modification does not fully consider the adverse impacts of the proposed helicopter overflights and ignores helicopter rotor noise to "sensitive receivers" like hikers and campers visiting the Gardens of Stone SCA, specifically in the location of the Newnes Plateau, passing directly over the Pagoda Walk, a public camping ground on the walk, Birds Rock Lookout and Forest Camp, to the detriment of the acoustic amenity of these high use visitor areas.
Visitors are in the park are likely to be there to enjoy not only the visual amenity but also the amenity of peace and quiet, not the noise of low flying helicopters.
It is my understanding that the proponent’s report understates the impacted World Heritage Area by almost half as it omits the Gardens of Stone National Park from the property.

I therefore request that the Department refuse the modification because the Wolgan Road is re-opening in August 2026 and a up to date Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has not been conducted for high numbers of helicopter flights impacting on sensitive park areas.

I object to Modification 4 of MP06_0310.
The modification proposal should be rejected as the Wolgan Road is re-opening in August 2026 and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has not been conducted for high numbers of helicopter flights impacting on sensitive park areas. If the road is OK to bring in supplies it is also OK to bring in guests. The original approval was for 4 flights and is now proposed to be 210 flights per week. The proposed modification is a permanent fix to a temporary problem as the road will reopen soon.
The noise assessments are flawed as they ignore gardens of stone park users.
The NSW Government is investing $50 million into the Gardens of Stone SCA for walking tracks, lookouts and campgrounds, as well as the inappropriate glamping resorts proposed in pagoda landscapes.
Constant helicopter noise will degrade these public assets, ruin the "peace and quiet" visitors expect, and could lead to a net economic loss for the region’s tourism industry, as the majority of park visitors won’t come to the Gardens of Stone once it has a reputation for constant helicopter noise. The controversial glamping resort proposals among pagoda landscapes is likely to become “stranded assets” as the Emirates’ Wolgan Resort already has permission for up to 10 helicopter flights a day and nobody is going pay $1,000 a day to put up with helicopter noise.
The resort has a history of unfulfilled obligations, specifically regarding land exchanges with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) that have been outstanding since 2007. There is no guarantee that this "temporary" increase in flights won't become a permanent fixture once established. In fact, its likely that the transport to the resort by helicopter will be permanent, once established.
The proposal lacks a rigorous risk assessment regarding potential mid-air collisions, particularly given the high elevation of the Newnes Plateau, the frequency of the proposed flights and use of one flight approach path in and out of the resort.
There will an intensified noise footprint caused by the ‘vertical sandwich’ of the 2026 West Sydney International airspace design. The rising terrain between Glenbrook and Springwood will force helicopters to fly at or near legal minimum altitudes to avoid commercial flight paths. This will concentrate the noise of 30 daily movements directly over lower Blue Mountains townships and the World Heritage National Park, significantly degrading the acoustic amenity of the region.
In summary the proposed modification is unacceptable and will ruin the peace and quiet when visiting Gardens of stone.

I wish to object to Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort - Modification 4 of MP06_0310. I am a 40+ year resident of the Blue Mountains, a bushwalker and a photographer. I have been walking, rock climbing and photographing in the Wolgan valley and the adjoining Wollemi National Park and Gardens of Stone areas for more than 50 years, and I value the landscape, ecosystems and natural quiet of this region enormously. As a former National Park ranger I was the first permanent ranger for this area in the early 1980s. I was instrumental in the early management of this part of Wollemi National Park and Gardens of Stone National Park. I knew the owners of the Emirates property long before it was purchased for the resort, and worked with them on wild dog management. Later, when the Emirates resort was being developed, I undertook photographic work for them. They purchased a book of mine to put in every cabin, which included images of this region. Later still, I have produced 17 editions of a Blue Mountains calendar, most of them including images of this area. I was also involved in the campaign to create the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, producing as a consultant two major reports on the proposal. I am intimately familiar with both the area and its history of conservation and the resort. I would never have done work for the resort if the current proposal for helicopter flights had been part of the original plan. I am equally sure that the resort would not have been approved at that time if it had included this level of helicopter activity as part of the proposal. The emphasis of the original development was no impact on the national parks with a strong environmental ethos. My current very strong objection is therefore based on history and precedent, as well as my connection and concern for the area. The proposed level of helicopter activity will have grossly negative and unacceptable impacts on the adjacent national park areas and particularly the Gardens of Stone SCA, at a time when the government is investing heavily to open this area for nature-based recreation. Natural quite is an essential part of this attraction. The flight path lies over or close to a number of new facilities, including a camping area, lookouts and walking tracks. With 30 flights a day there will be no escape from the racket. The claim that heli access is necessary is spurious. The original proposal recognised heli access was inappropriate and thus depended primarily on road access. The inappropriateness is now even greater. The resort can already escort guests along road (I have travelled in that way myself just a month ago), and this will be even easier when the original road is scheduled to reopen in August. The idea that the helicopter operations will be temporary cannot be trusted. Once direct heli flights from Kingsford Smith and western Sydney airports becomes entrenched in resort marketing, it will be very hard to wind it back. Please REJECT this modification outright.

This proposal is effectively an ongoing heliport and requires an EIS. It is completely unnecessary because the Wolgan road is scheduled to ro-open in August. Environmental impacts such as excessive noise, especially in the lower Blue Mountains, are being ignored. We live in an exceptionally important World Heritage Area, cherished and visited by people who appreciate the experience and beneficial health effects of being and walking in a peaceful natural environment. Government is responsible to the people of New South Wales and the world to protect this site from unnecessary disturbance.

Mr. Jeffrey Peng, NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Project Name: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort - Modification 4
Project Number: MP06_0310, Mod 4

I object to Modification 4 of MP06_0310 and ask the department to refuse the modification. Not only is this modification absolutely repugnant under current conditions but will be even more so when the road to the valley is open. A permanent highly damaging solution to a short-term problem is ridiculous
There is no point reserving areas for conservation and for recreation for the common man and then destroy it with unbelievable noise that will only benefit the super-rich and Emirates. From 4 flights a week to 210! Unconscionable! The noise impact on recreational users and wildlife will be substantial and detrimental
I have walked in this area long before it was reserved and have always considered it one of the most amazing places in the world. World heritage for a reason.
In more detail:
1. The flight route appears to be over the Pagoda walk, public camping grounds and major lookouts that have been developed by NPWS to enable people to enjoy the unique landscape and biodiversity. Why did they bother when these areas are going to be so unpleasant that they will be basically unusable. What a waste of taxpayers’ money! It is ridiculous to even consider this application.
2. From what I read, the noise assessment is out of date and doesn’t differentiate between noise perception of people in houses and those totally exposed to noise such as campers and walkers. As a bush walker I know that I am more aware of sound when in the bush as part of the joy of bushland is listening to birds, the sounds of wind through different trees species and whistling around rock outcrops.
3. I gather that helicopter flights from Sydney will also have to be very low over the eastern side of the Blue Mountains along the Great Western Highway. Apart from the impact on residents, this will affect some popular walks around Glenbrook and Springwood, e.g. Glenbrook Gorge, Knapsack Gully and Jellybean Pool.
4. Noise impact also affects fauna. Fauna calls and sounds are used to interact within the same species for breeding purposes and general socialisation. Calls are also used to warn of danger from predators. This area is meant to conserve fauna not damage them as breeding, groups contact and warning about predators becomes more difficult. This could well lead to a decrease in fauna, not the intended purpose of a conservation area.

We write as the owners and operators of a bed and breakfast accommodation business servicing short-stay visitors to the Wolgan Valley.

Our business has operated on the basis of the unique qualities that make the Wolgan Valley such a special destination — its pristine natural beauty, peacefulness, and close connection to surrounding National Park and declared Wilderness areas. Guests consistently tell us that the quietness of the valley, the opportunity to experience nature without intrusion, and the sense of escape from urban noise are the principal reasons they choose to visit and return.

For this reason, we strongly object to the proposed increase in aircraft movements associated with the Emirates Hotel development application, particularly the increase from approximately 15 flights in and out per week to 105 flights in and out per week.

Such a substantial increase in air traffic will fundamentally alter the acoustic environment of the valley. Aircraft noise carries extensively throughout this landscape and will inevitably disrupt the peaceful and natural setting that residents, visitors, and tourism operators currently value. The proposal risks transforming what is presently a quiet wilderness experience into an environment characterised by repeated aircraft disturbance throughout the week.

The impact of this increase extends well beyond a simple operational change for the hotel. It has the potential to negatively affect other tourism businesses in the region whose livelihood depends on preserving the very qualities that attract visitors to the Wolgan Valley in the first place.

We also question whether this level of helicopter or aircraft access is necessary when road transport alternatives exist. Guests travelling to the One&Only resort should primarily be transferred by road rather than by significantly increasing aircraft movements into the valley. In our view, the emphasis of both government and the applicant should instead be directed toward improving and repairing road access infrastructure to the Wolgan Valley, which would provide a more sustainable and less intrusive long-term solution.

The Wolgan Valley is not simply another tourism destination. It is an environmentally sensitive landscape adjoining nationally significant conservation areas. Decisions regarding development and transport within this area should place the highest priority on protecting environmental values, natural amenity, and the experience of quiet enjoyment for visitors and residents alike.

We respectfully request that the consent authority give serious consideration to the cumulative impacts of the proposed increase in flights and reject or substantially amend the application to protect the environmental and acoustic character of the Wolgan Valley.

Ross and Olwyn King

• Project Name: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort - Modification 4
• Project Number: MP06_0310, Mod 4

As someone who visits and enjoys bushwalking in both Gardens of Stone and the lower Blue Mountains, I am writing to object strongly to the Emirates Resort’s proposal to allow 210 helicopter movements a week, or 30 a day, over both the Gardens of Stone and the lower Blue Mountains. This would completely disrupt and destroy any enjoyment of the unique landscape of the Gardens of Stone and the affected parts of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area, and for no good reason, given that the Wolgan Gap Road “closure” is only temporary, and indeed trucks and 4-wheel drives are able to get through. The Resort could easily provide suitable road transport over the affected part of the road for the few months until the Wolgan Gap Road opens to 2-wheel drive traffic in a mere few months’ time. One has to assume that the Emirates Resort would not go to the trouble of applying for this grossly inflated increase in the number of allowable helicopter flights from the current 4 per week to 210 per week unless they were planning to exploit it to the hilt including after the Wolgan Gap Road is again open to 2-wheel drive traffic. Indeed, as an indication of its attitude, the Resort has shown itself unreliable in fulfilling obligations, as shown by its failure to complete land exchanges with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It would be totally inappropriate for a permanent arrangement with such dire collateral damage to be put in place for a merely temporary inconvenience for which temporary remedies are available.
In that this country is a democracy, it would be shameful if the interests of the wealthy few were allowed to override the interests of the general public in preserving the amenity of unique public open spaces, and, in the case of the lower Blue Mountains, of people’s quiet enjoyment of their homes, already under threat from planned WSA flight paths.
Helicopters are extremely noisy, and no consideration appears to have been given to the effect of frequent overflights on the health and welfare, including fertility, of wildlife unfortunate enough to be beneath helicopter flight paths. If breeding success of vertebrates and/or invertebrates is adversely impacted, this could have flow-on effects on vegetation survival via pollination and thus on the whole local ecology.
I strongly urge you to please reject the proposed Modification 4 of Project Number: MP06_0310, Mod 4.

Mr. Jeffrey Peng, NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Project Name: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort - Modification 4

Project Number: MP06_031, Mod 4

I live in Lawson in the Blue Mountains and have already regularly experienced the higher levels of noise from helicopters. I object strongly to this proposal and believe it is not necessary or valid. It requires an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be completed before any final decisions are made. The proposed 210 helicopter movements/week (105 in and 105 out) or 30/day to the Wolgan Valley resort is excessive noise and pollution added to the Gardens of Stone region, as well as the Blue Mountains. For example, the rising terrain between Glenbrook and Springwood in the lower Blue Mountains LGA will result in helicopters flying at lower altitudes at or near these townships to avoid commercial flight paths once the new flight paths for WSIA come into effect. For residents and wildlife in the World Heritage Listed National Park it means the lower Blue Mountains will have additional noise when the airport jet noise commences in July.

The reasoning that this is because the road into Wolgan Valley will not reopen for some years is invalid as it is proposed to reopen this August. The helicopters will be required to fly at or below 2,500 feet (760 metres) AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level). This standard should be changed as in the Blue Mountains generally we are well above sea level and for example, helicopters flying over Springwood must fly close to the legal minimum height of 300 metres above the ground for residential areas.


Sincerely,
Christine Carmichael

To whom it may concern,

I object to the proposed increase in tourist helicopter flights associated with the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort through Wolgan Valley, including the escarpments and cliff systems of Carne Creek within Wollemi National Park, Gardens of Stone National Park, and Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.

I am a father of two young daughters, an engineer, a business director, and a volunteer with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. For more than ten years, my family and I have visited the Newnes Plateau and surrounding national parks an average of twice per week for nature-based recreation, primarily rock climbing and exploring remote clifflines off-track. Our primary destinations are located along the eastern and western escarpments of Carne Creek.

Rock climbing is fundamentally incompatible with frequent tourist helicopter traffic. Safe climbing relies heavily on constant verbal communication between climbers and belayers. Instructions regarding rope management, protection placement, hazards, and emergency response must be heard clearly and immediately. When helicopters operate within several kilometres of a cliff or gully, communication becomes impossible due to the extreme noise intrusion. Activities must often be stopped entirely until the aircraft passes.

This is not a minor inconvenience—it directly affects both safety and the quality of the recreational experience. The contrast is stark: once the helicopter passes, the immediate reaction is often “how’s the serenity,” highlighting how disruptive the noise is. During the years before the Wolgan Road closure, even 2–3 helicopter flights from the resort significantly disturbed our use and enjoyment of these wild spaces.

The current proposal seeks to temporarily increase helicopter movements to 15 trips per day (15 arrivals and 15 departures), and 105 trips per week, until two-wheel-drive road access is restored. (Planning Portal NSW) This represents a substantial increase in aircraft noise over nationally significant conservation areas and the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage landscape.

These flights are not for emergency services, park management, or essential public works. They are private luxury transport for wealthy visitors seeking rapid access and scenic arrival to a high-end resort. Convenience for a small number of affluent tourists should not come at the cost of degrading the natural values of public national parks and wilderness areas used by thousands of ordinary visitors for recreation, solitude, and connection with nature.

Helicopter access should be reserved for emergency response, firefighting, search and rescue, conservation management, and other genuine public purposes—not premium tourism transfers. Visitors to the resort can access the valley by road when normal access is restored, as everyone else does.

There is also a significant fairness issue. Public vehicle access to the western escarpment of Carne Creek via Sunnyside Ridge has been closed by NPWS, forcing recreational users to walk an additional 4 km to reach cliffline areas previously accessible by vehicle. These closures were justified on the basis of protecting sensitive visitor experiences associated with luxury accommodation and walking-track developments from “incompatible” recreational uses.

It is therefore deeply inconsistent that ordinary public access is being restricted to protect high-end tourism experiences, while at the same time helicopter flights are proposed that would impose major noise impacts across the same landscape for the benefit of the wealthiest visitors. The general public is being locked out, while luxury helicopter access is being expanded.

National parks should be managed to protect wilderness values, quiet enjoyment, and equitable public access, not to prioritise exclusive luxury transport experiences.

For these reasons, I strongly object to the proposed increase in tourist helicopter movements and request that helicopter operations over these parks be limited to emergency services and essential land management only.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours sincerely,
Jacques Beaudoin

I am writing as a concerned resident to strongly oppose the proposed MOD 4 changes for Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort, which would increase helicopter flights from 14 per week to up to 30 flights per day.
This proposal would seriously damage the peace, natural environment, and World Heritage values of the Greater Blue Mountains area. National Parks and conservation areas should be protected places where nature and wildlife can exist without constant disturbance. Allowing this level of helicopter activity would completely change the character of the area and create ongoing noise impacts for visitors, residents, and wildlife.
The proposal also appears unnecessary. The justification is based on claims that road access to the resort will remain unavailable for many years. However, reports indicate that Wolgan Gap Road is expected to reopen to most two-wheel-drive vehicles by August or the third quarter of 2026. Once the road reopens, guests, staff, supplies, and contractors will again be able to access the resort by road, making such a major increase in helicopter use difficult to justify.
The noise impacts have not been properly assessed. The current reports rely on outdated information and fail to properly consider the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area and nearby visitor areas. Places such as walking tracks, campgrounds, lookouts, and wilderness areas are valued because they are peaceful and quiet. Constant helicopter flights would damage the visitor experience and reduce the natural beauty that attracts people to the region.
Wildlife impacts are also a serious concern. Increased helicopter noise may disturb native animals and birds across the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. These protected environments should not be treated like commercial flight corridors.
I am also concerned about safety and operational risks. The proposal involves a very large increase in aircraft movements, yet the report provides limited detail about how these operations would be safely managed in a difficult valley landscape. Recent helicopter accidents in Australia show the importance of proper risk assessment and stronger oversight.
This proposal offers little public benefit to local communities while creating major environmental and social impacts. It risks permanently changing the peaceful and natural character of the Wolgan Valley and surrounding conservation areas.
For these reasons, I strongly urge that MOD 4 be refused and that greater protection be given to the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, local residents, visitors, and wildlife.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Sincerely,
Nathalie Verellen

I believe this proposal is unnecessary due to the Wolgan Road re-opening.
The applicant is calling this a temporary measure but not giving details of timeframe.
The applicant is a multi national company providing high end resort style accomodation. My concern is that the Helicopter transportation of guests will become a permanent fixture to the detriment of local residents and the ammenity of the surrounding National Parks with regular helicopter noise affecting the National park user experience.

Objection to proposed modification 4 of Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort (MP06_0310)
Project Name: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort - Modification 4
Project Number: MP06_031, Mod 4
Mr. Jeffrey Peng, NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
INTRODUCTION
The Blue Mountains Greater National Park is a UNESCO-listed wilderness area with high environmental values. It is a place of peace and quiet. These are the reasons I live here – and why people visit here - to enjoy and appreciate the natural tranquility of this unique environment. I therefore do not want that amenity (or more correctly the legal amenity that came with purchase of property in this area) to be trashed by noisy aircraft by this preposterous self-serving uncaring proposal. 30 flights per day is outrageous. This is a wilderness area to be enjoyed by everyone not a playground for a few who would spoil it with persistent helicopter noise.
I object to Modification 4 of MP06_0310.
I object because:
• A wilderness area is not the right place for low helicopter flights overhead all day. Residents, visitors and wildlife throughout the Blue Mountains NP will be severely adversely affected, even in the Lower Blue Mountains where imposition of aircraft routes from the coming Western Sydney International Airport (which on their own will constitute a great noise burden on the Blue Mountains NP) will create restrictions on flying heights. Residents health and well-being will be affected, as will tourism generally, which in turn will affect the economy that supports the Blue Mountains. It is known that wilderness areas are more sensitive to overhead noise than urban areas.
• It's Unnecessary: Wolgan Road is scheduled to re-open in August 2026, removing the need for a massive increase in helicopter flights. As stated by Lithgow Council and reported in the Lithgow Mercury May 2026. There is absolutely no need to massively increase helicopter flights when it is plainly clear the road will suffice.
• Inadequate Scrutiny: This proposal would effectively unnecessarily transform a helipad into a heliport. This high level of impact on the region and community would require a higher level of scrutiny like an Environmental Impact Statement.
• Obsolete and incorrect data has been used to justify the proposal: Appendices 4 & 7 contain old out of date data that does not adequately take into account the adverse effect on visitors to the Gardens of Stone Conservation Area. The Modification Report also understates the impacted World Heritage Area by half by omitting the Gardens of Stone National Park. The total area of noise audible within the World Heritage property is 527.73 ha, not 269.84 ha. The potential reduction in visitation to the Gardens of Stone SCA and indeed the Blue Mountains generally due to helicopter noise pollution would result in economic loss.
• Existing laws and policies do not adequately address noise in natural settings such as the Blue Mountains: No permission should be given that would allow the amount of relentless annoying noise which would be generated by low flights over the National Park.
• Hazards: The report fails to identify and assess potential hazards along the flight paths. The area has some high terrain that has not been duly considered for the given number of proposed flights.
• Fly Neighbourly Agreement (FNA): Reference to the Fly Neighbourly Agreement (FNA) is insufficient as it has not been updated to include the Gardens of Stone SCA.
• Failure to Meet Consent Obligations: The applicant has failed to meet critical environmental obligations of the development consent. The resort was originally permitted to occupy part of the Wollemi National Park based on a land exchange agreement. According to Figure 2 of the Modification Report, these exchanges have not been delivered. In 2007, the then-head of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Dr Tony Fleming, stated the lease was expected to run for only 2–3 years pending land transfers. Decades later however, the applicant remains in possession of national park land. How can the public have confidence that a claimed 'temporary' helicopter increase will not become permanent given the sad history of unfulfilled legal obligations.
• Irrelevant comparison/reference to the impact of proposed Fairmont Resort helipad: The Fairmont proposal was refused consent due to likely environmental impacts. The Fairmont Resort is on a plateau, the Wolgan Resort is in a valley. They are completely different.
CONCLUSION
The proponent has failed to demonstrate that a five-fold increase in flights will not damage the environment, the local community or the local economy.
Under Section 1.3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Department must promote the social welfare of the community and a better environment through proper management. Approving this modification would fly in the face of this ruling by not protecting public safety and the environment from airborne noise pollution.
Given the impending opening of Wolgan Gap Road, the outdated noise assessments, the inherent dangers that the number of proposed flights may present, and the potential for severe adverse effects on residents and park visitors, the Department should refuse this modification.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Yours sincerely,
Julius Timmerman
22 Wilson St
Lawson NSW 2783

Objection to proposed modification 4 of Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort (MP06_0310)
Project Name: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort - Modification 4
Project Number: MP06_031, Mod 4
Mr. Jeffrey Peng, NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
INTRODUCTION
The Blue Mountains Greater National Park is a UNESCO-listed wilderness area with high environmental values. It is a place of peace and quiet. These are the reasons I live here – and why people visit here - to enjoy and appreciate the natural tranquility of this unique environment. I therefore oppose that amenity (or more correctly the legal amenity that came with purchase of property in this area) being trashed by noisy aircraft via this preposterous self-serving uncaring proposal of 30 flights per day. This is a wilderness area to be enjoyed by everyone not a playground for a few who would spoil it with persistent helicopter noise.
I object to Modification 4 of MP06_0310.
I object because:
• A wilderness area is not the right place for low helicopter flights overhead all day. Residents, visitors and wildlife throughout the Blue Mountains NP will be severely adversely affected, even in the Lower Blue Mountains where imposition of aircraft routes from the coming Western Sydney International Airport (which on their own will constitute a great noise burden on the Blue Mountains NP) will create restrictions on flying heights. Residents health and well-being will be affected, as will tourism generally, which in turn will affect the economy that supports the Blue Mountains. It is known that wilderness areas are more sensitive to overhead noise than urban areas.
• It's Unnecessary: Wolgan Road is scheduled to re-open in August 2026, removing the need for a massive increase in helicopter flights. As stated by Lithgow Council and reported in the Lithgow Mercury May 2026. There is absolutely no need to massively increase helicopter flights when it is plainly clear the road will suffice.
• Inadequate Scrutiny: This proposal would effectively unnecessarily transform a helipad into a heliport. This high level of impact on the region and community would require a higher level of scrutiny like an Environmental Impact Statement.
• Obsolete and incorrect data has been used to justify the proposal: Appendices 4 & 7 contain old out of date data that does not adequately take into account the adverse effect on visitors to the Gardens of Stone Conservation Area. The Modification Report also understates the impacted World Heritage Area by half by omitting the Gardens of Stone National Park. The total area of noise audible within the World Heritage property is 527.73 ha, not 269.84 ha. The potential reduction in visitation to the Gardens of Stone SCA and indeed the Blue Mountains generally due to helicopter noise pollution would result in economic loss.
• Existing laws and policies do not adequately address noise in natural settings such as the Blue Mountains: No permission should be given that would allow the amount of relentless annoying noise which would be generated by low flights over the National Park.
• Hazards: The report fails to identify and assess potential hazards along the flight paths. The area has some high terrain that has not been duly considered for the given number of proposed flights.
• Fly Neighbourly Agreement (FNA): Reference to the Fly Neighbourly Agreement (FNA) is insufficient as it has not been updated to include the Gardens of Stone SCA.
• Failure to Meet Consent Obligations: The applicant has failed to meet critical environmental obligations of the development consent. The resort was originally permitted to occupy part of the Wollemi National Park based on a land exchange agreement. According to Figure 2 of the Modification Report, these exchanges have not been delivered. In 2007, the then-head of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Dr Tony Fleming, stated the lease was expected to run for only 2–3 years pending land transfers. Decades later however, the applicant remains in possession of national park land. How can the public have confidence that a claimed 'temporary' helicopter increase will not become permanent given the sad history of unfulfilled legal obligations.
• Irrelevant comparison/reference to the impact of proposed Fairmont Resort helipad: The Fairmont proposal was refused consent due to likely environmental impacts. The Fairmont Resort is on a plateau, the Wolgan Resort is in a valley. They are completely different.
CONCLUSION
The proponent has failed to demonstrate that a five-fold increase in flights will not damage the environment, the local community or the local economy.
Under Section 1.3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Department must promote the social welfare of the community and a better environment through proper management. Approving this modification would fly in the face of this ruling by not protecting public safety and the environment from airborne noise pollution.
Given the impending opening of Wolgan Gap Road, the outdated noise assessments, the inherent dangers that the number of proposed flights may present, and the potential for severe adverse effects on residents and park visitors, the Department should refuse this modification.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Yours sincerely,
Felicity Grover
22 Wilson St
Lawson NSW 2783

I am a resident of the Upper Blue Mountains and a life-long bushwalker. I am writing to object to the proposal by Emirates Hotels to increase the number of permissible helicopter flights into and out of Emirate's Newnes Valley resort.

The modification proposal states (Section 7.2; p28) that "It is understood there is general community support of the proposed modification". That claim is outrageous. The community is indignant and angry. The overwhelming opinion, at least in the community that I live in, is that this proposal benefits a small number of highly privileged people at the expense of the large number of people who enjoy the peace and beauty of the unique Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.

As a bushwalker, I have spent 40 years walking in the areas surrounding the Newnes Valley - particularly the extraordinary plateau that divides the Wolgan and Capertee Valleys and the Wolgan Plateau. These remarkable areas would be directly impacted by noise pollution from helicopters in Carne Creek. For bushwalkers and campers, peaceful bird song would be replaced by clattering helicopter noise - in peak periods, potentially hundreds of times every day.

The proposal argues that helicopter access is necessary because of the loss of two wheel drive access to the Newnes valley and because closure of the Victoria Pass "has added 45 minutes travelling time from Sydney to the resort". I trust that the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure can see these are specious arguments: currently there is 4WD vehicular access to the Newnes Valley (so it is currently possible, albeit inconvenient, to provide a shuttle service for guests). Moreover, it is expected that the Wolgan Gap road will be opened again later this year. In usual circumstances, the Victoria Pass bypass adds 15 minutes (not 45 minutes) to the trip from Sydney. The specious arguments presented in the modification proposal and used as the primary justification for the proposed modification are clearly incorrect and should be "called out" by the Department.

At any rate, the proposal clearly is not motivated solely by road closures. That is evident because the proposal 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" (Section 5.2, p19; my capitalization). This clearly demonstrates that the Wolgan Gap road closure is simply a front for the proposed modification - the developers wish to hugely increase the number of flights even when two-wheel drive access is restored.

In my opinion, the increase in flights from the current maximum of 8/day to a maximum of 210/day (counting flights in and out as separate flights) has the characteristics of an ambit claim. The applicants know the claim is outrageous but hope the Department will approve a smaller increase. The Department will be aware of this tactic and I hope will treat it with the contempt it deserves. The applicants should not be granted any increase in the maximum number of permissible flights.

The Gardens of Stone is a unique and extraordinarily beautiful place that has only recently, with the establishment of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area and the initiation of works for National Parks New South Wales, become accessible to large numbers of people. The proposed helicopter flight paths are close to new walks and campsites such as the Broad Swamp Track and the three-day walk from Newnes Plateau to the Glow Worm Tunnel. My discussions with NPNSW field staff is that they share the community's dismay about the proposed modifications to flight caps.

The peace and serenity that makes this area special should not be destroyed for the minor benefit of a privileged few. I ask the Department to represent the interests of the people of NSW, not the interests of a privileged few, and refuse this awful proposal.

My wife and I are residents of the Upper Blue Mountains. We have lived in this area for around 12 years of our married life. My son and his children also live here. We are invested in the area because of its beauty, its natural wonders and its peacefulness.

I am writing to object strongly to the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley resort’s proposal to increase its helicopter flights from four to an astounding 210 per week. This suggested modification would effectively make a private resort helipad into a commercial heliport, severely impacting the Blue Mountains community and environment.

The proposal is entirely unnecessary. The resort justifies these flights by citing the Wolgan Gap Road closure, yet the road will reopen to 2WD traffic in just over two months. Implementing this high-volume flight schedule to solve a temporary access issue is totally unjustified. If logistics trucks can safely use the road, so can resort guests, many of whom travel there in buses and vans. I know this because some years ago I worked for a company that was involved in taking hotel guests from Sydney Airport to the Wolgan Valley resort.

The environmental and community impacts have been grossly downplayed in this proposal. The resort’s noise assessments rely on obsolete data that predates the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area and completely ignores users of the area like hikers and campers, who studies have shown have a heightened sensitivity to aircraft noise. They go because of the peaceful nature of the area, not to experience a constant flow of helicopters flying overhead. With the NSW Government investing $50 million into local park infrastructure, these public assets will be ruined. Obviously, this will threaten regional tourism on which the local economy relies.

The proponent’s report also understates the impacted World Heritage Area by nearly half by conveniently omitting the Garden of Stones State Conservation Area. This deliberate misinformation should not be allowed to pass unchallenged.

Residents in the lower Blue Mountains will also face concentrated noise pollution, because the upcoming Western Sydney Airport flight paths will force these helicopters to fly at minimum legal altitudes over villages in the Lower Mountains to ensure they are under those flight paths. These villages are already the ones which will be most impacted by the WSA flight paths. The last thing they need on top of that is relentless helicopter flights.

Given the resort's unfulfilled planning obligations going back to 2007 and the lack of a rigorous mid-air collision risk assessment, this proposal lacks both safety considerations and accountability. It should be rejected. At the very least, it must be subjected to a full Environmental Impact Statement. By the time that is complete, the road will be open.

Dear Mr Peng,

I hereby lodge my submission to the Emirates One&Only MOD 4 - Temporary Changes to Helicopter Transport, MP06_0310-Mod-4.

I OBJECT to the Emirates One&Only MOD 4 - Temporary Changes to Helicopter Transport proposal.

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 (SCA) if this new proposal is approved, potentially wasting $50 million in government investment for visitor facilities. As a retiree and a hiker, I feel a deep affinity with the natural beauty of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area. I wish that this beauty, the beautiful pagodas, streams, waterfalls and swamps, will be appreciated by generations to come. It is very short sighted to introduce frequent helicopter noise that will drive visitors away from all this natural wonder.

My reasons for objecting to this apocalyptical proposal:

* The proposal is unnecessary as the Wolgan Gap Road is re-opening. The resort justifies 210 helicopter flights per week by claiming the Wolgan Gap Road is closed. However, the road is now scheduled to reopen to 2WD traffic by August 2026 (Lithgow Mercury, 7 May 2026). If the road is safe enough for heavy truck logistics, 12.5 metre trucks to move linen, food and renovation materials, then it is safe enough for guests in 2WD vehicles. This modification will become a permanent "fix" for a very temporary problem. Emirates is unlikely to dial back it’s flight frequencies once the road is opened in August 2026.

* Excessive flight volume will be introduced. The original approval allowed only 4 flights per week. This new proposal seeks 210 flights per week, 30 per day. This effectively transforms a private resort helipad into a busy commercial heliport in the middle of a conservation area which was never the intent of the original development.

* The proposal is really for a private heliport and should require Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) processes for it’s frequent flights impacting sensitive park areas, visitors and the lower Blue Mountains.

* The noise assessments are flawed as the noise reports provided by the resort use obsolete data that predates the creation of the Gardens of Stone SCA. The assessment ignores "sensitive receivers" like hikers and campers. Unlike residents, visitors to the Gardens of Stone do not have walls and cannot install double-glazing to block out helicopter rotor noise. Studies, like those from the US Forest Service, show that park users are 10dB(A) less tolerant of aircraft noise than people in residential areas. People visit parks for peace, quiet, the chance to revive and to commune with nature, not to listen to the noisy racket of helicopters.

* The proposal has multiple impacts on the public investment in the project and tourism. The New South Wales Government is investing $50 million into the Gardens of Stone SCA for walking tracks, lookouts and campgrounds, as well as the inappropriate glamping resorts proposed in pagoda landscapes. Constant helicopter noise will degrade these public assets, ruin the "peace and quiet" visitors expect, and is likely to lead to a net economic loss for the region’s tourism industry. I and the majority of park visitors will not visit the Gardens of Stone to ‘enjoy’ this disturbance once the area becomes known for it’s reputation for constant helicopter noise. The controversial glamping resort proposals among pagoda landscapes is likely to become “stranded assets” as the Emirates’ Wolgan Resort already has permission for up to 10 helicopter flights a day and I am certainly not going to pay $1,000 a day to put up with that noise!

* Environmental impacts have been disregarded. The modification does not consider the adverse impacts of the proposed helicopter overflights above Newnes Plateau passing directly over the Pagoda Walk, a public camping ground on the walk, Birds Rock Lookout and Forest Camp, ruining the acoustic amenity of these high use visitor areas. The proponent’s report understates the impacted World Heritage Area by nearly half by omitting the Gardens of Stone National Park from the property.

* A lack of trust and accountability prevails as the resort has a history of unfulfilled obligations, specifically regarding land exchanges with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) that have been outstanding since 2007. There is no guarantee anywhere by the proponent that this "temporary" increase in flights will not become a permanent fixture once established. In fact, it is likely that the transport to the resort by helicopter will be permanent, once established.

* There are also strong safety concerns as the proposal lacks a rigorous risk assessment regarding potential mid-air collisions, particularly given the high elevation of the Newnes Plateau, the frequency of the proposed flights and use of one flight approach path in and out of the resort.

* Acoustic noise concentration in the lower Blue Mountains. I object to the intensified noise footprint caused by the ‘vertical sandwich’ of the June 2026 WSI airspace design. The rising terrain between Glenbrook and Springwood will force helicopters to fly at or near legal minimum altitudes to avoid commercial flight paths. This will concentrate the noise of 30 daily Emirates helicopter movements directly over lower Blue Mountains townships and the World Heritage National Park, significantly degrading the acoustic amenity of the region on top of airport jet noise.

This huge increase in helicopter flights is not justified. Why should the Blue Mountains and the Gardens of Stone region be clobbered with the noise from 30 helicopter flights/day for the Wolgan Valley Resort? The resort has operated successfully without this proposal for a heliport by stealth!

I explicitly ask the Department to refuse the modification on the basis the Wolgan Road is re-opening in August 2026 and an Environmental Impact Statementhas not been conducted for high numbers of helicopter flights impacting on sensitive park areas.

Save the peace and quiet of the World Heritage Area and the Gardens of Stone!

I thank you for this opportunity to express my opinions on this matter.

For the only planet we have.

Colleen Wysser - Martin

Modification 4 is being put forward as a minor modification to MP06_0310. Mod 4 will completely change the mode of operation of the Resort and its impacts. This is a major modification. The Modification as it stands is inadequate in its assessment of impacts for a major modification. It must be rejected until these impacts are properly assessed in accordance with the NSW Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines. Please see the attached letter for details.

I strongly oppose the extreme number of flights proposed which will destroy the ambience of the area and commercialise this region in a significantly negative way.
Helicopters passing directly over the Pagoda Walk Birds Rock Lookout and Forest Camp. The proponents have understated the impact of the helicopters on the area.
This area was better off before the NSW Government decided to destroy it via tourism.

For over a decade I have been a frequent bush walking visitor to the Gardens of Stone. I live in the Blue Mountians LGA. Myself and my partner are well aware of the natural treasure that the Gardens form, and their fragility. They should be World Heritage.
I can actually remember this Emirates Resort being found to run helicopter flights exceeding its approved numbers in the not too distant past. I already experience helicopters flying low over my property, which is half a kilometere from the Great Western Highway. At times the house shakes. I suspect there is little surveillance or enforcement of height and other flight restrictions of helicopters. I certainly object to Modification 4 of MP06_0310 and I request a refusal Department refuse the modification because the Wolgan Road is re-opening in August 2026 and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has not been conducted for high numbers of helicopter flights impacting on sensitive park areas.
There are sound reasons for my objection:
The Proposal is Unnecessary (The Wolgan Gap Road is re-opening)
• The resort justifies 210 helicopter flights per week by claiming the Wolgan Gap Road is closed. However, the road is scheduled to reopen to 2WD traffic by August 2026 (Lithgow Mercury, 7 May 2026).
• If the road is safe enough for heavy truck logistics (linen, food, renovation materials), it is safe enough for guests in 2WD vehicles.
• This modification is a permanent "fix" for a very temporary problem. Meaning, the Emirates is unlikely to dial back its flight frequencies once the road is opened in August 2026.

2. Excessive Flight Volume
• The original approval allowed only 4 flights per week. This proposal seeks 210 flights per week (30 per day).
• This effectively transforms a private resort helipad into a busy commercial heliport, which was never the intent of the original development.

The proposal is really for a private heliport and should require Environmental Impact Statement processes for its frequent flights impacting sensitive park areas, visitors and the lower Blue Mountains.

3. Flawed Noise Assessments
• The noise reports provided by the resort use obsolete data that predates the creation of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area (SCA).
• The assessment ignores "sensitive receivers" like hikers and campers. Unlike residents, visitors to the Gardens of Stone don't have walls and can’t install double-glazing to block out helicopter rotor noise.
• Studies (like those from the US Forest Service) show that park users are 10dB(A) less tolerant of aircraft noise than people in residential areas. You visit parks for peace and quiet, not the noisy racket caused by helicopters.

4. Impact on Public Investment and Tourism
• The NSW Government is investing $50 million into the Gardens of Stone SCA for walking tracks, lookouts and campgrounds, as well as the inappropriate glamping resorts proposed in pagoda landscapes.
• Constant helicopter noise will degrade these public assets, ruin the "peace and quiet" visitors expect, and is likely to lead to a net economic loss for the region’s tourism industry. The majority of park visitors won’t come to the Gardens of Stone once it has a reputation for constant helicopter noise.

5. Environmental impacts disregarded
• The modification does not consider the adverse impacts of the proposed helicopter overflights above Newnes Plateau passing directly over the Pagoda Walk, a public camping ground on the walk, Birds Rock Lookout and Forest Camp ruining the acoustic amenity of these high use visitor areas.
• The proponent’s report understates the impacted World Heritage Area by nearly half (by omitting the Gardens of Stone National Park from the property).

6. Lack of Trust and Accountability
• The resort has a history of unfulfilled obligations, specifically regarding land exchanges with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) that have been outstanding since 2007.
• There is no guarantee that this "temporary" increase in flights won't become a permanent fixture once established. In fact, its likely that the transport to the resort by helicopter will be permanent, once established.

7. Safety Concerns
• The proposal lacks a rigorous risk assessment regarding potential mid-air collisions, particularly given the high elevation of the Newnes Plateau, the frequency of the proposed flights and use of one flight approach path in and out of the resort.

8. Helicopter noise concentration in the lower Blue Mountains
• Object to the intensified noise footprint caused by the ‘vertical sandwich’ of the June 2026 WSI airspace design. The rising terrain between Glenbrook and Springwood will force helicopters to fly at or near legal minimum altitudes to avoid commercial flight paths. This will concentrate the noise of 30 daily Emirates helicopter movements directly over lower Blue Mountains townships and the World Heritage National Park, significantly degrading the acoustic amenity of the region.
Yours sincerely
Sandra warn