Stephen Davies
Executive Director,
National Trust of Australia (NSW)
Observatory Hill,
SYDNEY NSW 2000

Dear Stephen,

Re: Newcastle Port Corporation and Nobbys Helicopter EIS.

I refer to my recent letter concerning the workshop in which I mentioned the Parks and Playgrounds Movement’s discussions and a tour of the Port Corporation works today with Captain. Neil Morrison.

The Corporation had been remiss in not consulting with the Trust and the Parks and Playgrounds Movement as was required by the Director of Planning’s directions for the EIS for Helicopter transfer of the marine pilots to some of the ships that visit the port.

Neil mentioned that you had been given a tour the day before.

Whilst we reserve our rights to make further submissions on this matter we are absolutely opposed to the use of the Nobbys area. Not only because of the visual effect and the alienation of Openspace zoned land for what will become a permanent commercial operation but because the pilot operations will lead to an increased traffic on the Macquarie Pier promenade which is Newcastle’s most popular walking area.

There should be no alteration to the use of the Nobbys and the Breakwater until a professional Conservation plan has been prepared exhibited and approved.

Since our first push for the Historic Site status for the area, which was in response to a proposal of the Newcastle City Council to build an open car parking area at Nobbys in 1969, there have been lots of ad hock developments by the port authority. Even that outrageous electricity substation at the vehicle turnaround which was also built without consent.

We enjoyed the morning with Neil because it was a brilliant day and Newcastle looked its best from Nobbys and the Dyke End. Cpt Morrison seemed to be an enthusiastic but amateur heritage supporter.

Helicopter proposal for Nobbys is not necessary as the Pilots will still be picked up by launch from wherever the ships are finally berthed. However I hope you will agree that as a last ditch stand we must demand the Conservation Plan for Newcastle’s most spectacular promenade and our Icon at Nobbys.

Yours sincerely,

Doug Lithgow,
President Parks and Playgrounds Movement