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Move To Protect Medical Helicopter Flight PathsThe State Government’s Department of Human Services has asked Bass Coast Shire Council to help protect the flightpaths of medical helicopters using planning controls. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 27th March 2007 - Back to News Under the proposal, Council would introduce controls in relation to the height of buildings and other structures within 926 metres of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) helipads.
The Council is currently seeking community feedback on the proposal.
"We may not think about it now, but one day you or someone you know could very well need the help of an Emergency Medical Services helicopter," said Council’s Planning and Environment Director, Andrew Mason.
"EMS Helicopters are an important part of the Shire’s medical services and provide a rapid link to hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne."
So what do these proposed planning changes mean for most of us in the community?
"For most people," said Mr Mason, "This proposal won’t mean anything."
"There are only two EMS helipads in the Shire – one at the Wonthaggi Hospital and one in the Blue Gum Reserve, off Dunsmore Road in Cowes.
"The proposed planning changes will only affect properties within 926 metres of these helipads.
"Essentially, the proposed changes mean any house can be built up to six metres in height without the need for a planning permit.
"Any building, structure (ie. flag pole, antenna) or renovation can also be built without a planning permit if it doesn’t exceed the height of any existing building on the land," advised Mr Mason.
"This will mean that land owners will be able to build new single story houses without a permit, however, because most double story buildings exceed six metres in height they would require a permit.
"For other structures (ie. commercial buildings, flag poles, antennae), landowners may be required to apply for a planning permit depending on the height of their land compared to the height of the helipad.
"Council’s Strategic Planning officers will be able to provide advice on whether a permit will be required."
The proposed planning changes will not affect any existing houses or structures.
"If you did need to apply for a planning permit we would send your application to the Department of Human Services who would assess the impact of the proposal on the flight paths of the Emergency Services helicopters," Mr Mason continued.
"The Department of Human Services would then make a recommendation to us. The Council would then decide whether you can or cannot go ahead with the proposal and may ask that some conditions be adhered to.
"Anyone can look at the proposal, called Amendment C57, on our website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au, at Council’s Cowes and Wonthaggi offices or at the Department of Sustainability and Environment offices in East Melbourne and Traralgon. You can also call our Strategic Planning team on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311 to have a copy mailed to you.
"All property owners should have received a letter advising them of the proposed planning changes.
"We are asking for community feedback on this issue before a final decision is made," Mr Mason informed.
Anyone can make a submission or comment on the proposal, which may either:
- Support the proposal and ask that the Council approve it as is;
- Oppose the proposal for specified reasons and ask the Council to not go ahead with it; or
- Suggest changes to the proposal to address specified concerns.
To lodge a submission, it must be sent in writing to Martin Gill, Strategic Planning team, Bass Coast Shire Council, PO Box 118, Wonthaggi 3995. Submissions must be sent by April 18.
"The best way to keep informed of the progress of the proposal is to make a submission," finished Mr Mason.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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