THE National Capital Authority (NCA) has given its approval for seaplanes to be used on Lake Burley Griffin, despite a majority of public submissions against the proposal.

More than 100 submissions were received during the NCA’s six-week community consultation period, with 72 submissions against the proposal for a seaplane commuter service between Sydney Harbour and Lake Burley Griffin, and only 21 supporting it.

Safety was the single biggest concern raised by lake based sporting clubs during the consultation process, whilst community groups like the Yarralumla Resident’s Association were worried about seaplane noise.

Despite the criticisms, the NCA has approved the use of seaplanes on the lake saying that if concerns are “appropriately managed” the planes would provide a “unique” travel tourism link to the nation’s capital.

Two seaplane operators, Sydney Seaplanes and South Coast Seaplanes, want to use the lake for seaplane commuter services.

The NCA, which manages the lake on behalf of the Commonwealth, agreed to a seaplane demonstration landing in December last year, to investigate the impact on the environment, lake users and nearby residents.

Following the flight, the NCA engaged in the community consultation process.

The NCA will now establish a working group to create guidelines around the shared use of the lake.