Planners for the City of Perth have formally recommended that councillors block a controversial application from Gina Rinehart's company to install a private helipad atop its new headquarters.
A 'Contemporary Necessity' Meets Local Opposition
Hancock Iron Ore, part of Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting group, is redeveloping its offices at 53 Ord Street in West Perth. The designs include a proposed rooftop helipad situated 25 metres above ground, directly over a planned in-house teppanyaki grill.
Representing Hancock, planner Dan Lees told a council meeting that such private rooftop facilities, while rare in Australia, were common in global hubs like New York, London, and Tokyo. He argued the pad was a "contemporary requirement" for a globally connected business, stating "Perth is a global city and with that come contemporary needs."
The company stated a Bell 429 helicopter would use the facility a maximum of 12 times per year, exclusively during daylight hours. Lees also suggested the helipad had "life-saving potential" as an emergency services landing point, though he later conceded it was only a "backup of a backup" with a hospital pad just 3km away.
Noise, Safety and 'Selfish' Concerns Lead to Rejection Advice
Despite Hancock's assurances, the council's planning officers advised rejection. They found the company had not sufficiently demonstrated that noise and vibration issues would be avoided, despite Hancock's analysis claiming noise would not exceed 92 decibels.
The application attracted significant local opposition, with 29 formal submissions objecting to the plan. Concerns raised included:
- Potential disruption to neighbouring businesses, including psychologist consulting rooms and recording studios.
- Fears that helicopter downdraft could damage asbestos roofing on a nearby apartment block, risking fibre exposure.
- Arguments that the facility offered no public benefit, with one submission labelling it a "very selfish attitude" to save the building owners travel time.
Officers also warned the flight path could potentially hinder future housing development by restricting building heights in the vicinity.
Next Steps and a Purring Compromise
The final decision rests with the City of Perth councillors, who will vote at a meeting next Tuesday. Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves stated he would approach the decision with an open mind, while councillor Chris Patton, an audiovisual services provider to Hancock, declared an interest and could not vote.
Professor Peter Newman of Curtin University noted councillors typically follow such planning advice but highlighted that Rinehart could appeal to the state government if rejected, forcing the Premier to intervene "against the wills of the planning system."
While the helipad faces turbulence, other aspects of Hancock's office revamp are progressing. The council previously permitted the renovation in 2023, and plans for a staff restaurant and a uniquely feline-friendly cat-friendly meeting room next to an outdoor "meow terrace" remain on the drawing board.
