MOD 3 - Emirates Resort - Temporary increase in helicopter trips

I own a property in Wolgan Valley, a few kilometres from the Emirates One and Only Wolgan Valley Resort.

I oppose this application for an increase in helicopter movements.

Emirates One and Only Wolgan Valley has constantly promoted itself as an operation that is inkeeping with and promoting the values of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage and Wilderness areas.

The application to increase helicopter movements so dramatically are not in keeping with maintaining these wilderness values.

Carne Creek and the surrounding lands that lie beneath the proposed flight paths have always been recognised for their special conservation values. With so many more flights these will be severely degraded.

At a personal level, I already hear the movements of aircraft in and out of the valley. I do not want to be affected by even more movements. The approaches and departures are already in contravention of the spirit of Fly Neighbourly agreements in place and the increase in numbers will only make this situation worse.

It is not satisfactory that an application for such a significant increase in helicopter movements has been made with the backing of reports that have been based on a much smaller operational footprint.


Of equal concern to me is the actual access to the Valley by all residents via the temporary emergency access road – referred to as the Donkey Steps.

High volumes of heavy traffic generated by the resort already had a dramatic effect on the original Wolgan Gap Access Road. With that road no longer safe to use, all residents are operating on an emergency road which is one lane wide and very steep. The resort may be wanting to find a way to bring more guests in by helicopter now that there is restricted access to Wolgan Valley, but all of their supplies and services must still come in via this one lane emergency road.

When operating, the resort relies on a very large number of vehicle movements each day and the reintroduction of so much traffic will severely impact the safety and convenience of day to day travel to and from home for all other residents.

General approval for the resort’s operation was never granted on the basis of running such a high impact operation with access conditions as they currently stand and any changes to operational parameters must take this into account.

Dear Mr Peng,
Wilderness Australia objects to this proposed modification for the reasons outlined in the submission attached. The Emirates have not considered impacts on the proposed Accommodation hubs and other accommordation beside Carne Creek as outlined in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area plan of management.
There needs to be a risk analysis of the proposed flight paths - there is a collision risk from helicopters passing in Carne Creek gorge.
Yours sincerely,
Keith Muir

To who it may concern,
Objection to proposed modification 3 of Emirates One & Only Resort, Wolgan Valley (MP06_0310-Mod-3)
Impacts from increased helicopter flights involving following points,
• Excessive noise and visual impacts from helicopters flying below Carne Creek gorge cliff tops (part of Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area in Gardens of Stone National Park and Wollemi National Park). Causing echoing between the high cliffs while flying along Carne Creek flight path. This area is exceptionally quite without aircraft. Noise impacts on wildlife such as koala, dingo, spotted-tail quoll, perigon falcon (nest in the high cliffs in Wolgan Valley), glossy black cockatoo, tawny frogmouth, raptors soaring in thermals above the valley and plateau, bat roosting sites along the escarpment to name a few.
Increased risks of additional flights from variable weather conditions possibly when passing aircraft are close to each other when flying above the deep canyon section of Carne Creek. The canyon has cliffs higher than 100m and high as 200m in some parts of the escarpment.

• Noise and visual impacts on the proposed Gardens of Stone SCA Forest Park Camping Ground (former Newnes State Forest afforestation camp) is planned to have 60 camp sites in the headwaters of Carne Creek. The inbound and outbound helicopter flight paths in Carne Creek gorge map doesn’t show the flight path extending south east from Carne Creek to the Glow Worm Tunnel Road and beyond across Newnes Plateau to Sydney.

• Noise and visual impacts on Nature-based activities including mountain biking, bushwalking, bird watching and bush camping. Activities ranging from day to multi-day trails in Carne Creek canyon and headwaters.

• Proposed high standard walking track from the Western Boundary Road of the former Newnes State Forest pine forest in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area that will cross Carne Creek in two places and then join with the Glowworm Tunnel Road near the Old Coach Road. The walking track will be under the helicopter flight path and will be impacted from noise. The track has potential for one of the world’s great long-distance walks extending from the Gardens of Stone to Wollemi National Parks.

• Increase in noise and visual impacts from helicopters flying over the Glow Worm Tunnel tourist road along the Sydney – Wolgan Valley flight path.

• Proposed Birds Rock walking trail to lookout at Carne Creek western escarpment in Gardens of Stone SCA. The lookout will provide commanding panoramic views for visitors of Carne Creek canyon with its high sandstone cliffs and views towards the Wolgan Valley. Noise and visual impacts will be a great concern to park visitors particularly the loss of solitude.

• Gardens of Stone SCA Adventure tourism activities such as rock climbing and abseiling in Carne Creek canyons and cliff faces. These are well known activities in the area. These will be impacted by noise and visually from helicopter movements.

• Noise and visual impacts on proposed Gardens of Stone SCA luxury wild bush camping in Carne Creek.

• Noise and visual impacts in Gardens of Stone National Park on visitors in the northern section Newnes Plateau over looking Wolgan Valley and Donkey Mountain walks to the mountain top in Wolgan Valley.

• Increased noise and visual impacts from helicopters flying across the Blue Mountains towns to and from Sydney.

• Helicopter exhaust emissions from increased flights should be assessed and monitored.

• Land agreements: Emirates Resort proposed modification 2
Referring to the following Emirates responses,
Response #4, The National Park Lease Agreement:
Response #26, Land exchange agreement:
1. There appears to be no progress on lease and land exchange agreements shown on map below.
2. No timetable is stated for these to occur.
This is a real concern for land management of the national park estate as this hasn’t been addressed in Emirates Resort proposed modification 2.

Conclusion:
The proposed increase in helicopter movements will create unacceptable noise and visual impacts for park visitors, future eco-tourism and will impact on wildlife and visual impacts of the natural landscape and Greater World Heritage Area values.
The areas affected should be focused on managing conservation and enhancing the environmental values while providing sustainable balance for ongoing recreation in Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, Gardens of Stone National Park and Wollemi National Park.
Thanking you for the opportunity to comment.

To whom this may concern,

RE - Emirates One&Only Resort, Wolgan Valley Modification Application No MP06_0310-Mod-3

We write to your regarding a modification application by Emirates Hotels (Australia) Pty Ltd that seeks to temporarily increase the number of helicopter movements to/from its resort Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, until such time as two-wheel drive (2WD) access is restored to Wolgan Valley.

Wolgan Valley Eco Tours is opposed to the proposed modification application no. MP06_0310-Mod-3 (referred to as MOD3) lodged by Emirates Hotels (Australia) Pty Ltd.

As per the application, the proposed modification would permit:
• daily helicopter trips increase to a total of 15 trips per day (15 in, 15 out); and
• weekly helicopter trips increase to a total of 105 trips per week (105 in, 105 out).
Whilst temporary in nature (5 years+ contrary to the 2-4 years indicated in MOD3) our concerns are on the significant increase in maximum flight movements from 5 trips per day (5 in, 5 out)(referred to as MOD2 in the modification application) to a total of 15 trips per day (15 in, 15 out) along the Carne Creek section of Wolgan Valley through Gardens of Stone National Park, Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, Wollemi National Park and the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

As a business that prides itself on the delivery of high-quality minimal impact ecotourism experiences and is reliant on the protected area that surrounds the resort, it’s our experience and those of our guests that noise knows no boundaries, even within the resort's existing license and respective flight path. Whilst it is perceived that the existing flight path approved by the NSW Department of Planning & Environment (NSW DPE) under the former Part 3A of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) contains noise to the smallest possible extent, protected areas do not guarantee wildlife, businesses like our own and several other small local businesses who specialise in ecotourism and adventure tourism, as well as park users from its effects.

As the site is surrounded by the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) and several national parks and state conservation areas, it is presumptuous of the proponent to state that ‘it is unlikely that there will be cumulative environmental impacts arising from the proposed modification’. MOD3 fails to identify and assess environmental and socio-economic impacts outside of the project site in the surrounding protected areas in particular chronic noise exposure on wildlife and the park user experience including those experiences delivered by ecotourism businesses like our own, from increased flight movements along the Carne Creek section of Wolgan Valley.

We do accept that biodiversity values were assessed by the proponent under Section 1.5 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) and any additional biodiversity values established under Clause 1.4 of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017, however these biodiversity values were based on data collected as part of a Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment prepared by AMBS in 2005, which subsequently led to approval of MP06_0310 and later MOD2. This flora and fauna impact assessment identified an Eastern Bent-wing Bat (listed then as vulnerable under the repealed Threatened Species Act and now BC Act) flying over the site, and no further threatened species within the project site.

As stated in the Modification Report MOD3 (2022), the proponent states that ‘It is possible that additional threatened fauna species previously recorded within the locality (within 10km) could also occur on the site’(p.28) however it has been some 18 years since a full flora and fauna assessment was undertaken by a qualified ecologist. In that time we have seen legislative change with the repealing of the Threatened Species Conservation Act (NSW) with the Biodiversity Conservation Act (BC Act) in 2016, the listing of additional flora and fauna species under the BC Act and the Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Act 1999 (Cth) including the vulnerably listed Glossy-black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera Phrygia) which occurs within 800m of the MP06_0310 and MOD2 helipads, as well as significant investment made by Emirates itself in environmental rehabilitation and restoration of the site as per its own 10-year Conservation Management Plan. This has undoubtedly led to an increase in biodiversity and the subsequent occurrence of threatened species including the Regent Honeyeater within the project site through its significant conservation efforts.

As it stands, in its assessment of environmental impacts, the Modification Report MOD3 (2022) prepared by Pitt & Sherry for Emirates Hotels (Australia) Pty Ltd, is not reflective of the current environmental conditions and biodiversity values that have emerged on site in 18 years. If creating a delicate balance between tourism and preservation and protecting the natural environment is central to the core operating vision of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, then all current biodiversity values and potential impacts prescribed under the BC Act and BC Regulation need to be assessed.

Based on this, Wolgan Valley Eco Tours is opposed to the proposed modification application no. MP06_0310-Mod-3 lodged by Emirates Hotels (Australia) Pty Ltd.

As per submission requirements of the NSW Department of Planning & Environment, Wolgan Valley Eco Tours has not made any reportable political donations in the last two years, and acknowledges and accepts the Department’s disclaimer and declaration.

We thank you for your attention on this matter.

Kind regards,


Kristie Kearney | Owner & Head Guide
Wolgan Valley Eco Tours

please see attached

The grounds for this objection relate to a BnB business on a property in Wolgan Valley. It is the closest property to Emirates One and Only and shares common boundaries.
Features of our business:
* Two Tiny Houses located in a bush setting.
* The designs are in keeping with sustainable, off grid living, meeting the needs of our guests who are seeking comfort, privacy and environmentally responsible holidays.
* A minimal level of noise is assured due to the location chosen.
* Adjacent to each Tiny House are outdoor viewing, playing, resting and eating areas.
* Secure and private access is assured for guests to further explore the magnificent environment including:bird watching, historical walks and the study of flora and fauna.
* We strive to meet the needs of our guests who are seeking a beautiful location, clean air, quiet days and nights, relaxation and pleasure in the knowledge that they are having little impact on the environment in which they are staying.
Grounds for our Objection:
* Currently the helicopter pad is 510m and 275m from our guest accommodation. The proposed new site will be 2300m south our accommodation but the proposed flight path is north away from Emirates guest accommodation and straight towards ours. The helicopters plan to turn south or east as they clear the valley walls.
* The steep walls of the valley act like an echo chamber, reverberating the sound of the helicopter for several minutes as it reaches a height that is clear of the valley.
* Currently 14 helicopter flights per week is tolerable but the application by Emirates One and Only is for up to 210 flights per week during our peak holiday times. This level of noise and frequency of flights is unacceptable to our guests and residents of the valley.
* The Wolgan Valley is a special place. It adjoins the Gardens of Stone National Park. Visitors to Wolgan Valley come to escape the noises, smells and pollution of city living. If this application to increase helicopter flights is successful, it will be detrimental to the natural environment, to our small business and to the people who live in or visit this unique area.

See attached submission.

Please see attached, for reasons we are objecting: 'Zorz Submission - Application No MP06_0310-Mod-3.docx'

Please see attached submission

I write to support Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley's (EOOWV) application to modify its development approval to allow for increased helicopter flights to the resort, subject to the conditions and restrictions proposed in the application.
Our property is identified as amongst those likely to be most affected and is listed as R7 (1955 Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley NSW) in the application.
We understand this is a temporary solution for EOOWV until the road solution is functional for all us residents in the valley.
Regards,
Jayne & Paul Vought

I object to the increase in helicopter movements in and out of the Wolgan Valley.
I believe that my rights to the safe, private and peaceful enjoyment of my home and the surrounding environment will be violated. The increase proposed is unwarranted and is inconsiderate to the local inhabitants both human and animal.
No environmental impact statements have been provided to the local community, that I have been made aware of, and as such believe that the proposal to increase the number of helicopter movements be denied.
The current proposal states "Temporary Increase", and yet I am unaware of any timeframe for which this increase would last. How long will "temporary" last? What assurances have been given that the increase the will be abolished and when.
The increase is also for 15 extra flights. This means that there must obviously then be, 30 aircraft movements a day. ie. "in and then out". Given that there are only 24 hours in a day, this equates to 1.25 flights an hour more than they are allowed presently.
The helicopters of course will not be flying for 24 hours a day, so a conservative estimate would most likely determine that the flights would mainly occur during daylight hours (8-10 hours), which of course makes the situation more unbearable/unliveable for all in those that reside in the valley.
This new calculation then works out to be closer to about 4 flights an hour. This is unacceptable, these numbers are more reflective of commercial airports like Bankstown or Mascot. I put it to you, that this would be like living in a war zone.
I beseech you, to not allow this increase to protect the peace and serenity for all the residents of the Wolgan Valley.
Please consider the flora and fauna and natural beauty of The Wolgan Valley and the devastating impact that will be caused by allowing the Emirates Resort to conduct their business in such selfish manner and without any consideration for the local community.

My main concern is the noise pollution. They are increasing these flights to 30 a day; that is an increase of 600% that is outrageous. Imagine having 30 helicopters over your house every day and obviously they will not be flying at night - that's two an hour. We moved to the middle of nowhere for peace and privacy. The area is beautiful that is why we live there, but to have this invasion of our privacy and that sort of close proximity of noise is unacceptable.

I do sympathise with the Emirates troubles but to cause my family stress and anxiety over this noise and lack of privacy is not something we can accept. As proven before these things are hard to manage - we have had helicopters over our house and hovering on way too many occasions..my mental health is at stake here.
What about the in pact to the wildlife and environment? This might be great for the Emirates to regain their business but not in replacement to our valley's peace, tranquillity and wildlife.

Dawn Bower and Paul Bower, Lot 156 (via 1180) Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley

Emirates One&Only Resort, Wolgan Valley Modification
Application No. MP06_0310-Mod-3


We own and live on a property to the south of and adjoining the EOOR.

We consider the Resort an asset to the Wolgan Valley and Lithgow in general, neither support or object to the application and are simply providing comment regarding some concerns.

The application proposes to use the flight path currently approved and this does not affect our property. The application also proposes - 'Bathurst car races - 1 week in February and 1 week in October' and this does concern us. Any flights to Bathurst should be over the plateau and not across the floor of the Valley.
Over the past few years, helicopter flights from the resort to Bathurst for the car races have travelled directly above our home. There are another 7 properties on the southern side of the resort that also could be similarly affected.

The Resort has a guest parking and pick up arrangement in Wallerawang and guests are driven from there to and from the Resort. This arrangement, the staff movements and deliveries to and from the resort has proven to be problematic. Our concern is that Emirates might want to fly in guests, staff etc from Wallerawang to bypass the difficult temporary road situation and the flight path could be over the floor of the southern end of the valley - a direct route. All flights to and from the Resort should be via the plateau and not over the floor of the Valley.

The temporary road, known as 'The Donkey Steps', is not suitable for heavy use and is controlled by traffic lights with synchronising inconsistencies leading to possible dangerous situations. Use of the Donkey Steps is restricted to residents with 4WDs or AWDs equipped with UHF radios. This 'temporary road' is all we have for the next 3-5 years until a permanent road suitable for all vehicles is constructed.

We have never made a donation to or had an affiliation with a political party.

We acknowledge and accept the Department's disclaimer and declaration.


Dawn and Paul Bower

I write to support Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley's (EOOWV) application to modify its development approval to allow for increased helicopter flights to the resort, subject to the conditions and restrictions proposed in the application.

My wife and I have owned land in the Wolgan Valley adjoining the resort for over twenty years. Our property includes noise sensitive sites marked R5 and R6 in Figure 6 to the application.

We are fully aware of the enormous strains which the loss of effective road access has placed on everyone who resides or works in the Valley, or who uses it for recreation or business. EOOWV has been particularly affected by the closure of Wolgan Road, being forced to temporarily close itself and to lay off a significant number of its staff. Its closure has had impacts on businesses and livelihoods across the LGA. In my view, this is not only limited to the direct impacts. The resort has been a pointer to a future beyond coal and thermal power for Lithgow at a time of difficult economic transition. The importance of the LGA's environmental and conservation values have been promoted by the resort's existence and approach. In this context, its survival through the period needed to construct a new road is critical.

One of the major environmental impacts of the modification is the noise generated by the helicopter movements. Our property is identified as amongst those likely to be most affected. For our part, we are satisfied with the proposal and the proposed flight path and, in any event, would support it as an emergency measure to deal with the crisis of losing public 2WD access to the Valley. On the issue of noise, we barely notice the existing helicopter movements and, if anything, are more affected by noise generated by road vehicles and high altitude commercial aircraft. In relation to the former, since the road closure, the Valley has been quieter than at any time since the cattle grids on the road were removed over two decades ago. It is perhaps the one consolation from the current challenge.

We consider it vital that governments support all reasonable measures to enable residents, landholders and businesses affected by the loss of public road access to the Wolgan Valley to maintain as close to a normal level of existence pending the restoration of that access as is possible. We regard EOOWV's application for increased helicopter flights as a reasonable measure and we therefore strongly support it.