Sydney Heliport

Mr SMILES (North Shore) [5.54]: This evening I bring to the attention of the House the issue of the proposed central business district heliport to be located at Pyrmont. The proposed location is almost directly opposite my important electorate of North Shore, and the effect of the heliport may well extend to the adjacent areas of Lavender Bay, Wollstonecraft and Waverton. The issues associated with the proposed heliport location are many and varied. My constituents have expressed concern that the heliport might be better located at Kingsford Smith Airport in view of the Government's announcement of a proposed light rail system from the city to the airport. If the heliport is to be located at Pyrmont, my constituents wish to know whether it will operate seven days a week, what will be the frequency of services, the size and type of helicopters that will use the facility, and the issue of the proposed 500 feet limitation from residential areas. Obviously the noise factor in terms of distance and weather conditions is another concern.

On 20th April I wrote to the commission of inquiry into the proposed central business district heliport asking that the concerns of my constituents be noted and considered during the commission's activities. I requested that the commissioner and his professional support staff attend a public meeting to discuss the ramifications upon their lives of the proposed Pyrmont heliport. I requested also that at that meeting the commission arrange that appropriate helicopters be made available to demonstrate the likely impact on my constituents. Thousands of residents live in the areas I have nominated. Should the noise levels be inappropriate, some 10,000 residents would be significantly affected. In mentioning this issue I am not in any way prejudging the reality of the situation. As a member of Parliament who prides himself on his sensitivity to his constituents' concerns and wishes, I hope the commission accepts my invitation to attend such a public meeting.

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [5.59]: There are few members of Parliament who are as dedicated to serving the interests of their constituents as the honourable member for North Shore. He always expresses strong interest in any matter affecting his constituents' welfare and is a classic example of a community-based representative. It is to his credit that once again he has raised an issue of concern: the noise level of the proposed heliport. Sydney is the only major city in the world without a heliport. Clearly, it deserves one and must have one.

The issue is the finding of an appropriate location for a heliport and that is why the commission of inquiry has been set up to investigate the proposed helicopter facility at Pyrmont. The environment, ambience, impact of noise and of the proposed service will be fully investigated by the commission of inquiry to which the honourable member for North Shore has already made representations, determined as he is to look after the interests of his constituents. I assure him that the matters he has raised will be fully taken into account. If the honourable member for North Shore seeks a public meeting to discuss the noise issue, the Environment Protection Authority will arrange a meeting in his electorate where the concerns of his constituents will be satisfactorily addressed.


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