Riverside heliport plan in works for CBD

MELBOURNE could get its first dedicated heliport in the CBD under a plan being hatched by the helicopter industry.

A four-helicopter helipad and a small terminal have been proposed for a riverside location known as the Turning Basin next to Enterprize Park.

MELBOURNE could get its first dedicated heliport in the CBD under a plan being hatched by the helicopter industry.

A four-helicopter helipad and a small terminal have been proposed for a riverside location known as the Turning Basin next to Enterprize Park.

A new heliport would provide a permanent base for tourism operators, business and emergency services.

Central Melbourne has two helicopter landing sites on the Yarra — near Batman Park and North Wharf.

The lease for the North Wharf helipad expires in two years and, because it is close to apartments on Siddeley St, causes noise problems to residents.

The new proposed site was away from built-up residential areas, former state MP Clem Newton-Brown, a director of Whitemark Property and Planning, said.

Former state MP and director of Whitemark Property and Planning Clem Newton-Brown.

Mr Newton-Brown said no other city in Australia had the capacity to land helicopters in the central city but Adelaide and Sydney were considering central city heliports.

“The time has come for Victoria to decide if we want to continue to allow helicopters to land in the CBD and if so, where would be the best location.

“The boom in residential living in the city has been going for decades now and there is a real danger that helicopters will be squeezed out if we don’t act now to secure a Melbourne heliport.’’

Mr Newton Brown called for a study to find the best possible site for a permanent heliport in Melbourne.

“The Turning Basin is one site which is far superior to either of the current locations in terms of residential impacts as well as for the creation of a tourism transport node.’’

He said the helicopter industry was not looking for government hand-outs to establish the heliport.

“All they need are the approvals to proceed and the industry will provide the infrastructure.’’

State Government spokesman Tom Whitty said a working group was being set up to consider options.

The government has held talks with operators about the long-term landing locations in central Melbourne.

The proposed location for the new helipad in Melbourne’s CBD.

“The current location opposite the Convention Centre is well located for convenience and minimising disruption,’’ Mr Whitty said.

City of Melbourne spokeswoman Kate Loughnan said the City of Melbourne had engaged with Parks Victoria and helicopter companies.

“Any proposals for new helipads on the Yarra would need to be considered by Council’s Future Melbourne Committee, as well as other relevant authorities,’’ she said.

The council has developed a Fly Neighbourly Agreement, which is signed by the three companies and aims to ease noise stress for residents under flight paths.

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