Stop the Floating Helipad

We the residents of Marina Point, Denarau wish to express our concerns with the proposed floating helicopter pad that is planned to be positioned right in front of our homes.

We have several major concerns which include :

• The safety aspect, this is a busy waterway which provides entry and exit for a multitude of vessels; introducing a floating helicopter pad will increase the possibility of obstruction & accidents for both air & sea

• Noise pollution is another major concern, especially as it is a zoned residential area.

• We see this as an invasion of our privacy, the close proximity of the proposed helicopter pad outside the front of our homes exposes us unnecessarily.

In particular we are extremely concerned about the safety aspect of the proposed helipad. We are owners of a helicopter in New Zealand and this type of structure for landings and take offs would NEVER be allowed in New Zealand. It is extremely unsafe for all potential passengers as they board and exit an uncontrolled situation such as this in a very confined area. Without doubt this would be an accident waiting to happen. Maybe even with loss of life.

It is also very well known and accepted that that helicopters deteriorate at a far greater rate when they are exposed to and in close proximity to salt water. The salt water spray that the helicopters would be subjected to would cause extreme wear and tear on the machines and the maintenance would therefore be another issue to be closely monitored.

We do not understand why the Denarau helipad needs to be floating. This in itself makes loading and unloading passenger as well as landings and take offs far more dangerous. There is plenty of spare land in and around Denarau Island which would be a far safer option. Surely the Denarau Corporation and the Body Corporate has an absolute obligation to maintain strict Health and Safety rules for the area. This type of operation would definitely NOT be safe and in fact we think the Corporation would be negligent if it was to approve this application.

Our whole community is up in arms. We do not want to see this helicopter pad out in front of our homes.

Our investment in these properties and homes has been substantial, and we feel that our communities lifestyle and safety is being compromised by the financial gain of Port Denarau & this helicopter company.