David Eyre The City of Perth council has commenced the process to develop a permanent commercial helipad in Perth’s central business district, on the Swan River.
The council last night passed a proposal to build a helipad, preferably constructed and operated by the private sector. Public expressions of interest for the project have been invited, to assess the level of interest and commercial viability.
The preferred site for the helipad is on the Perth foreshore or on a river- based pontoon, possibly at the end of Governors Avenue, on the east side of Barrack Street Jetty.
There have been requests for a permanent helipad location within the central city over the last decade.
Helicopters have used various temporary sites since the 1960s, mainly near the causeway. In the mid-1980s, a temporary helipad was built for helicopters to use during the America’s Cup yacht races. This was located on the river foreshore at the eastern end of Riverside Drive, but was later moved due to construction of the Point Fraser development. Another temporary facility was set up from 2006 to 2011 at East Perth, between Trinity Avenue and The Causeway, but the licence for this facility was terminated because of the Waterbank project. Another temporary helipad was established on the east side of Camfield Drive opposite Burswood Casino Resort, but the lease for that site has now expired. Langley Park has also been used occasionally as a helicopter landing site.
It was sling loading a device used for pollution control.
Photo © David Eyre
Photo © Gordon Stuart
