Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
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
Related Articles- East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination. - Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future. - Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan. - Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users. - Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025. - Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025. - Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives. - Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025. - Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.
|
|
