'Similar to a blender': Gina Rinehart defends helipad amid noise concerns

Australia's richest person, Gina Rinehart, has renewed her bid to land helicopters on the roof of her company's West Perth headquarters, after the initial plan was knocked back by the local council.

Hancock Prospecting had wanted its helicopter to be able to fly across residential parts of Subiaco and West Perth between 7am and 7pm and land on the roof of its newly renovated headquarters in Ord Street.

But its application was rejected in December by Perth City Council after it raised the ire of residents and business owners concerned about noise.

The council said the helipad would have "an adverse impact on the amenity of surrounding residential land", and could "restrict surrounding sites from being able to achieve prescribed development heights and residential development."

It said it had there had been numerous "written objections received from the surrounding owners and occupiers".

Hours restricted

An updated application submitted to council this week proposes a new route for Hancock's helicopter and a restriction of its operating hours to 12 noon until 7pm.

The new route would see the helicopter follow busy Thomas Road, on the outer fringe of Kings Park, descending to 100 metres at Ord Street and turning right to land on the new building's roof.

A spokesperson for Hancock Prospecting said the helipad would only be used about 12 times a year to ferry executives and the noise would be minimal.

"Independent expert analysis shows existing daily traffic noise generated along nearby Thomas Street exceeds that which would be produced by use of the helipad," the spokesperson said.

"For comparison, the noise experienced by nearby residents inside their dwelling while our proposed helipad is in use would be similar to operating a small appliance such as a blender or coffee grinder."

The sturt-pea-themed renovation of the headquarters, a five-storey office purchased for $60 million in 2022, has been a bold addition to West Perth.

Helipads closed in Perth

The company argues rooftop helipads are common across the world's leading cities.

"Our proposal would elevate Perth's status as a serious, up to date business hub," the spokesperson said.

There are no permanent helicopter landing pads in Sydney, Brisbane or Adelaide but there is one by the Yarra River in Melbourne's CBD, used for business and tourism.

Previously helicopters were able to land in Perth city between Langley Park and the Swan River, but that helipad has long since been closed.

A helipad at Crown Casino at Burswood has also been shut  for years. Both landing pads had been used by business and tourism operators.

The company took its argument to the State Administrative Tribunal after being knocked back by the City of Perth last year.

The amended flight path will be considered as part of the company's renewed application.

The City of Perth declined to comment on the latest proposal, which has been released for public comment.

The City of Subiaco raised no objection when it was asked to comment on the initial plans in August last year.