Councillors at the City of Perth have received official advice to block a controversial application from mining magnate Gina Rinehart's company to install a private rooftop helipad at its new headquarters.
Global Ambitions Meet Local Opposition
Hancock Iron Ore, part of Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting group, is redeveloping its offices at 53 Ord Street in West Perth. The plans include a proposed helipad situated 25 metres above ground, directly atop a planned in-house teppanyaki grill. The company argued that such facilities are a "modern necessity" for globally connected businesses, comparing Perth to major hubs like New York, London, and Tokyo.
Representing Hancock, planner Dan Lees told a council meeting that a Bell 429 helicopter would use the pad for a maximum of 12 flights per year, strictly during daylight hours. He also highlighted the helipad's potential life-saving utility for emergency services, though he later conceded it was merely a "backup of a backup" option, with the nearest hospital pad just 3km away.
Noise, Asbestos, and "Selfish" Claims
The application has sparked significant local backlash, attracting 29 formal objections. Nearby business owners, including psychologists and recording studio operators, complained that ongoing construction from Hancock has already caused disruption. One major concern raised was that helicopter downdraft could disturb asbestos roofing on a neighbouring apartment block, potentially spreading harmful fibres.
Other submissions criticised the proposal for offering no public benefit. "It would only save them some travel time, which is a very selfish attitude for the owners of the building to take," one objection read. While Hancock supplied noise analysis suggesting levels would not exceed 92 decibels, city planning officers found the company had not sufficiently proven that noise and vibration issues would be mitigated.
Planning Advice and Potential Appeal
The City of Perth's planning team recommended rejection, noting it would be difficult to legally enforce limits on the helipad's use. Their briefing also warned the flight path could hinder future housing development by restricting building heights in the area—a claim Hancock's representative denied.
Professor Peter Newman of Curtin University suggested councillors would likely follow this expert advice. However, he noted that Rinehart could still appeal to the state government to overturn the council's decision, a move that would force the premier to act against the local planning system's recommendations.
When questioned, most councillors declined to reveal their voting intentions ahead of next Tuesday's meeting. Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves stated he would keep an open mind. One councillor, Chris Patton, who is a pilot and an audiovisual services provider to Hancock, declared his ineligibility to vote but expressed personal support, stating "As Perth continues to grow and modernise, it's reasonable to expect air transport to become a more routine part of city life."
The council had previously permitted Hancock's broader office renovation in 2023. The redevelopment also includes plans for a staff restaurant and a uniquely designed cat-friendly meeting room adjacent to an outdoor "meow terrace."
