Many Morisset Peninsula residents will remember the noise tests conducted by JPG on March 24 using a single-engine helicopter.

The Australian Standard requirements for measurement of noise from helicopter operations clearly state: “The test helicopter shall be of the type(s) likely to be used, and shall be loaded as for the upper limit of the proposed operations.” 

JPG’s noise report states that the type of helicopter used for the test seats five passengers, yet on the day just two persons were on board and fuel was added to meet at least 90 per cent of the upper weight limits.

When examining the weight specifications for the type of helicopter used in the test the information provided by JPG did not meet the Australian noise loading requirement standards as only two persons were on board and the helicopter’s fuel tank capacity does not hold sufficient fuel to meet the upper weight limits. 

Weight is an important factor for all aircraft when taking off and landing as more power (more noise) is applied. It is suggested that during the noise tests up to 40 per cent less weight was carried by the type of machine used in the tests.

- Irene Bates, Brightwaters

I HAVE noticed a substantial increase in traffic through the main street of Morisset in the last couple of years.

So much that it has now become a major bottleneck, with traffic backed up nearly to the M1.

I am wondering if the authorities are going to wait until it is at crisis point before doing something about it.

The large number of new sub divisions on the peninsula are adding to the problem. These have had the go-ahead with no thought to infrastructure.

One thing that I have noticed, and could be improved, are the traffic lights in the main street. The ones adjacent to the new police station, in particular.

They stop the flow of traffic on a regular basis to let one car out from the side street. In affect they stop a hundred cars to move one.

These should be timed to allow a greater back-up of vehicles on the side street before they hinder the flow on the main road.

Similarly, the set at Woolworths need adjusting as well.

- Mark Spinks, Brightwaters

CAN anyone provide actual statistics on how the benefits to the workforce and country overall outweigh the loss of jobs and financial security when globalised trade is allowed on goods that are plentifully in this country? And in so doing forces Australian businesses to close or plough their produce back into the ground. Taking into account not only the job losses but also the effect those losses have on communities. 

- Allan Earl, Thornton

I HAVE the answer to the Supercars whingers.  Transfer the event to good old Gateshead. We have racing seven days a week on the flying mile from Hickory Road to Goundry Street. Then we have the daily standing quarter mile in Plane Street to Oxford Street, and the many burnouts in Plane and Hickory, plus the daily onslaught of unregistered trail bikes. Call the police you say …sorry no cars available. So please stop whinging about a three-day event as we have it seven days a week and nothing gets done.

- Kerry Harrison, Gateshead

I HOPE Australia’s cricket debutantes hit the ground running, and scoring runs.

- T Lawler, Wyee