STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS
Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (13:40): I rise to present a petition concerning aircraft overflights and holding patterns above the Pokolbin vineyards district. The petition read as follows— The Pokolbin region in New South Wales, a major grape production area and a centre of premium wine and tourism industries, is suffering from the detrimental impacts of aircraft overflights and holding pattern activities.
These impacts include: 1. Air Emissions Pokolbin vineyards, renowned for producing globally recognized premium wines (Hunter Regional Plan 2041) is subjected to harmful aviation emissions. Persistent contrails over the Pokolbin region demonstrate the extent of aviation activities causing atmospheric pollution. 2.
Noise Pokolbin is a designated "noise sensitive site" (Hot Spot Analysis study 2020, conducted by Engage Airservices in early 2021). Aircraft overflights from passenger, freight, international, domestic and local aircraft, occurring 24/7, disturb and threaten our tourism industry. Broken Back Range further amplifies noise impact. 3.
Visual Intrusion Aircraft overflights and holding patterns negatively affect identified "visually significant areas", including the Pokolbin Flora Reserve, Pokolbin State Forest, Telecommunications Towers, and Pokolbin Lookout. These activities compromise the globally recognized rural scenic character of the region, threatening its tourism-based identity and economy.
We therefore ask the House to: 1. Immediately stop all aviation overflights and holding pattern activities over the Pokolbin vineyards district including, but not limited to: Pokolbin Flora Reserve, Pokolbin State Forest, Telecommunications Towers, and Pokolbin Lookout. 2. Declare the Pokolbin Vineyards district a permanent aviation exclusion zone from all forms of aircraft overflight and holding pattern activities, to safeguard the long-term sustainability of New South Wales wine and tourism industries. from 537 citizens (Petitions no.
PN0659) Mr REPACHOLI: The petition has been considered by the Petitions Committee and found to be in order. I acknowledge the principal petitioner, Clara, and the 537 people who have added their names to this petition. Pokolbin is one of the great wine and tourism destinations of Australia.
It is home to internationally recognised vineyards, cellar doors, accommodation, restaurants and also, some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Hunter. The petitioners have raised concerns about the frequency of aircraft movements over the area, especially the impact of aircraft noise, aviation emissions and the visual impact of overflights and holding patterns.
I have visited this site myself and spent time listening to the residents and hearing the aircraft noise firsthand. I appreciate that managing our airspace is complex and aircraft movements need to balance a range of operational and community considerations, but the concerns being raised by the residents and local businesses deserve to be examined, especially given Pokolbin's importance to the Hunter Valley wine and tourism economy.
The petition calls for stronger protections for the Pokolbin vineyard district, including restrictions on aircraft overflights and holding patterns. I ask the minister to carefully consider this petition, engage with the community and relevant aviation authorities and look closely at what can reasonably be done to address these concerns.