What work is being undertaken?

    We have commenced construction of a new power line from Parrish Avenue to Mt Keira Summit Park. These works form part of the project to establish a reliable power supply to Mt Keira Summit Park and the communication tower.
    The next phase of the project requires works to be undertaken using a helicopter. 
    A temporary helipad has been established in a cleared area in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area (IESCA) approved by NPWS to minimise impacts to local residents.  The works are planned to take two days as follows: 
    DAY 1 –  ‘Pole 4’, a large pole located within the IESCA part way up the escarpment, will be transported by helicopter from the temporary helipad and lowered into position. The pole will be installed in sections with a crew working from an elevated work platform to install the pole with assistance from the helicopter. Two sections will be transported with the helicopter. This will complete the erection of ‘Pole 4’.
    An area around the helipad will have restricted access as required by Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), however this will not impact residential property.
    DAY 2 – Three conductors will be strung into place by helicopter. Starting at ‘Pole 5’, located in the Queen Elizabeth Drive road reserve, the helicopter will transport
    the first power line from ‘Pole 5’ to ‘Pole 4’, then fly to ‘Pole 3’ to connect each power line. This will occur three times until all three power lines are strung. 
    An affected area has been identified as required by CASA. This will affect some residential properties in Mt Pleasant. During Day 2 works residents within the affected area will be encouraged to vacate the area as a safety precaution only.

    Why is an affected area identified?

    It is a requirement of CASA that an area be identified which is within 100 metres of the helicopter flight path and that residents be advised in writing of the planned flight at least 48 hours prior to the works being undertaken. As an additional safety measure the helicopter operator is recommending that residents within the affected area vacate their houses when the helicopter works are being undertaken.

    When will the works be happening?

    We are planning to do this work on 4 and 5 December 2018 between 8.00 am and 3.00 pm (approximately) being weather dependent. 

    How will the works affect me?

    If your property is within the affected area, you will be encouraged to leave your home from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm while works are being undertaken on 5 December as a safety precaution only. 
    A new power line from Parrish Avenue to Mt Keira Summit Park is being installed to provide power to Mt Keira Summit Park. The next phase of the project requires works to be undertaken using a helicopter. This information sheet provides details about what the works involve and reasons for using a helicopter as part of the works. 
     
    Throughout this time traffic control will be in operation on Parrish Avenue, Mt Pleasant to facilitate traffic movements where safe to do so. Queen Elizabeth Drive will be temporarily closed and access to Mt Keira Summit Park available for emergency services and critical personnel only. 

    Why am I encouraged to leave my home?

    Based on the CASA requirements which identify the affected area and guidance from the helicopter operator, residents of houses within the affected area should leave their homes while the helicopter works occur. This is an additional safety precaution and we encourage all residents in the affected area to leave their properties on 5 December between 8.00 am - 3.00 pm.

    Why does a helicopter need to be used?

    Using a helicopter will ensure we minimise impact on the environment in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. It will also reduce the time required to complete the works.

    Will the helicopter fly over any houses?

    The flight path of the helicopter is not planned over any residence

    What will happen if work finishes early?

    If you provide a name, address, and a contact mobile telephone number or email, we will text or email you to inform you when works have finished and it is safe to return to your home.

    What happens if the weather isn’t suitable to fly a helicopter?

    If the weather is not suitable for using a helicopter, the works will be postponed. If you provide a name, address, and a contact mobile telephone number or email, we will text or email you to let you know the revised date.

    Who do I contact if I have concerns while the works are happening?

     The contact person while works are happening is Mr Rhys Ayuso of Transelect (Council’s Construction Contractor) who can be contacted on 0409 928 747.