Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the Swan Bay wildlife and environment of a private helipad on Burnt Point
A Queenscliff land owner is taking his bid to be able to fly a helicopter from his Burnt Point property to VCAT, after it was rejected by the Queenscliffe Council.
In June 2022, the applicant, a property developer, sought a planning permit from the Borough of Queenscliffe (BoQ) to operate a helicopter from his land at 6 McDonald Road for business purposes.
It was subsequently rejected at Council’s October 2023 meeting.
According to the application, the helicopter would be used no more than eight times per month and on a restricted flight path.
“My neighbours in McDonald Road have years ago been advised that a helicopter occasionally operates out of the site and have not raised any concerns,” it said.
“The aircraft is generally used as a mode of transport in the business the company operates, which is land development… mainly in Geelong, Bannockburn, Inverleigh, Batesford and other towns.
“It is more efficient visiting sites by helicopter than the car in time, cost and safety,” it continued.
The proposal received upwards of 25 objections, chiefly concerned about impacts on Swan Bay’s migratory birds.
In refusing the application, Council said the proposal was not sensitive to “the environmental values, fauna habitats and natural environments” of the property’s RAMSAR-listed foreshore location.
The helicopter landing site would detract from broad environmental qualities, impact a range of bird species and was “at odds with the character of the location which is focused on minimising impact to the important terrestrial and marine environments adjacent the area of McDonald Road,” it said.
A date for the VCAT hearing is yet to be set.
In June 2022, the applicant, a property developer, sought a planning permit from the Borough of Queenscliffe (BoQ) to operate a helicopter from his land at 6 McDonald Road for business purposes.
It was subsequently rejected at Council’s October 2023 meeting.
According to the application, the helicopter would be used no more than eight times per month and on a restricted flight path.
“My neighbours in McDonald Road have years ago been advised that a helicopter occasionally operates out of the site and have not raised any concerns,” it said.
“The aircraft is generally used as a mode of transport in the business the company operates, which is land development… mainly in Geelong, Bannockburn, Inverleigh, Batesford and other towns.
“It is more efficient visiting sites by helicopter than the car in time, cost and safety,” it continued.
The proposal received upwards of 25 objections, chiefly concerned about impacts on Swan Bay’s migratory birds.
In refusing the application, Council said the proposal was not sensitive to “the environmental values, fauna habitats and natural environments” of the property’s RAMSAR-listed foreshore location.
The helicopter landing site would detract from broad environmental qualities, impact a range of bird species and was “at odds with the character of the location which is focused on minimising impact to the important terrestrial and marine environments adjacent the area of McDonald Road,” it said.
A date for the VCAT hearing is yet to be set.
