Home for helipad which got the chop from North Wharf

HELICOPTER operators are seeking a new home in the CBD, after their previous site was moved ahead of the $450 million North Wharf development.

Microflite Helicopter Services is now sharing the Batman Park helipad.

OPERATORS of a helicopter tourism business are seeking a new base for their Yarra River helipad which was removed to make way for a $450 million North Wharf development.

The helipad was towed away from the site next to the old goods shed soon after the city council approved a $450 million project by developers Riverlee.

Microflite Helicopter Services is now struggling to continue to operate until a new location can be found.

The company is now sharing the Batman Park helipad, opposite Crown casino, with another operator.

Moorabbin-based Microflite employs 45 people and flies to locations such as the Yarra Valley, Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Rd. Its fleet of 18 aircraft also conducts survey, photography and some search and rescue work.

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The proposed new helipad at Batman Park for Microflite Helicopter Services.

Microflite chief executive Jonathan Booth said Victoria’s tourism, business and major events sectors relied on its services.

But Mr Booth said planning and support for aviation tourism appeared to be “regressive”.

“Helipads, airports and flight paths are continually under threat and we are conscious that longevity in this industry will only be guaranteed by our ability to access landing sites,’’ he said.

Miranda Kerr with a Microflite helicopter during a fashion shoot. Picture: Microflite Helicopter Services

“During my time in the aviation industry I have not seen the opening of any new commercial helipads or airports in key locations to support growing tourism demand, only closures.”

Melbourne has had one or more active helipads, usually on the north bank of the Yarra, since airline founder Sir Reginald Ansett conducted city flights in the 1960s.

The North Wharf helipad had been operating at that location for more than 18 years.

The Department of Treasury and Finance requested Parks Victoria to activate a condition of the helipad lease, ending the agreement because of the North Wharf redevelopment.

Parks Victoria executive director Chris Hardman said a relocation notice was issued to Microflite to relocate the North Wharf helipad site in January.

“The helipad has now been removed,’’ he said.

Microflite has applied to the city council to set up near the existing Batman Park helipad but fear the application process will take more than six months.

A City of Melbourne spokeswoman said the application would be assessed and include the opportunity for the public to make submissions.

Input from other authorities including Parks Victoria would also be sought.

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@IanRoyall