Fears helipad idea could threaten bird species

A PROPERTY developer has applied to build a private helipad near Swan Bay as state authorities consider expanding the neighbouring Ramsar wetland.

Environmentalists are rallying against the proposal that they fear would have drastic implications for flocks of migratory birds that use the surrounding marshland as habitat.

Coastal landscapes at Lakers Cutting and Burnt Point, immediately next to the helicopter launching pad, have global significance for cross-hemisphere migration patterns.

The typical flight path as proposed in planning documents would also fly directly over the existing Swan Bay Ramsar site, exacerbating residents’ concerns.

Swan Bay environment Association (SBEA) member, Queenscliff resident and environmental scientist Christine Rees is among the objectors to the current proposal.

“To think that a private citizen is putting in an application that would allow them to fly twice a week over an area that is designated as internationally significant for the protection of migratory birds is just wrong,” she said.

Ms Rees said helicopter flights could harm populations through bird strike, but the greatest risk was from disturbance.

“If [birds] get constantly disturbed, it interrupts their feeding, or they get flushed out as they’re continuing flying away from the perceived threat.

“They won’t have enough energy stores to make the migration to the Northern Hemisphere and get back to breed.”

Neighbours of the proposal and Friends of Edwards Point have also taken exception to the proposal, while SBEA’s objection has support from local, state and national environmental advocates.

The Borough of Queenscliffe is assessing the application and has indicated to objectors that it is investigating potential environmental impacts with the applicant and state authorities.

The project proponent has argued that once airborne the helicopter is beyond local government’s jurisdiction: “Once a helicopter is in the air, it is beyond planning control,” planning documents state.

An acoustics report provided as part of the application tested expected environmental noise, and found that “there will be no unreasonable noise impacts due to the operation of the proposed helicopter landing site”.

Planning documents indicated the aircraft would be used as a mode of transport to inspect subdivisions across the Geelong and Golden Plains regions, which it stated was more efficient than travelling by car. The application also stated that flights would be limited to eight per month and includes letters from seven neighbours who don’t object to the proposal.

State environment authorities are presently reviewing the Port Phillip Bay and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site boundary.

Ramsar listings recognise sites of international significance for their environmental value, and outline requirements for management plans and consultation for activities that could affectct the site, though they do not rule out any specific uses.

Waters at Lakers Cutting, where the shoreline is about 100 metres from the proposed helicopter landing and take-off site, are part of the state government review.

Engage Victoria consulted community members on the plans earlier this year and is presently reviewing feedback.

The agency has indicated it would finalise new boundaries for approval by the end of February this year.