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Rinehart Helipad Fight Lands in Court
26 Oct
Summary
- Hancock Prospecting is appealing a council decision to refuse a helipad.
- Noise and precedent are key concerns raised against the helipad.
- A revised flight path was submitted to address objections.
Hancock Prospecting's bid to construct a helipad at its West Perth office building has escalated to the State Administrative Tribunal after the City of Perth refused the application. The mining giant's plans were grounded in December due to worries about noise, the proposed helipad's compatibility with the local planning scheme, and the potential to establish an unwanted precedent for private helipads in the CBD. The area is primarily an office and residential precinct.
Hancock Prospecting's counsel contends the helipad would see only limited use, operating between midday and 7pm up to 12 times annually for corporate transport. This amounts to minimal noise impact, likened to an electric kettle boiling for six minutes every fortnight. However, the City of Perth maintains noise is the fundamental issue. Neighbouring entities, including the Child and Adolescent Health Service, have raised objections, citing potential disruptions to medical testing for children with conditions like autism and concerns about asbestos dust from their building.
In response to the initial refusal, Hancock Prospecting submitted a revised development plan featuring a new flight path. This amended route aims to mitigate concerns that previous flight paths would have passed over residential areas. The company states its application was developed with expert input confirming safe and appropriate operation, and the revised plan reflects good-faith efforts to reach an agreement. A tribunal judge is presiding over the appeal, which includes expert testimony on acoustics and planning.
