Overview
This information sheet is for people seeking to land helicopters in Surf Coast Shire.
What Regulations Apply?
Helicopter landing sites are subject to land use planning and development approval processes. State Government
is responsible for policies relating to the siting of Helicopter landing sites and Local Governments generally
approve or decline planning applications under Clause 52.15 of the planning scheme.
State and Local Governments are not able to regulate or control the operation of helicopters in flight and it is not
mandatory that helicopters use heliports or helipads or helicopter landing sites which are specifically established or
equipped to facilitate helicopter landings or take-offs.
Two independent statutory authorities are responsible for administering federal legislation and regulations for
airspace management, including helicopters in flight:
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA): Established by the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and responsible for
administering the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, CASA conducts safety regulation of civil air operations.
Airservices Australia: Established in 1995 and responsible for airspace management, aeronautical information,
aviation communications, radio navigation aids, aviation rescue and fire fighting services.
What Regulations Apply in Surf Coast Shire?
Victoria’s planning system recognises that some helicopter functions are necessary to properly carry out rescue
and emergency services, public land management and agricultural activities, which do not require a planning
permit in Clause 52.15 to use land for a helicopter landing site.
No permit is required under any provision of the planning scheme to use land for a helicopter landing site where
the landing point is located more than 500 metres from a building used for a sensitive use that is not associated
with the helicopter operation and more than 200 metres from a shipping channel in the Port of Melbourne,
provided:

Frequency limitation: The number of flight movements does not exceed eight in a 30 day period and four
in a 24 hour period. The take off and landing of a helicopter are calculated as separate flight movements.

Time limitation: Flight movements do not take place before 7am or after sunset on a weekday. Flight
movements do not take place before 8am or after sunset on a weekend or holiday.
The separation distance, frequency and time limits for this exemption ensure that the impact of flights on the
amenity of surrounding areas is minimised. This exemption includes any charter, tourism or private transport flights
that meet all of the separation distance, frequency and time conditions.
An exemption from a permit also exists without frequency and time limitations if the landing point is located more
than 1000 metres from a building used for a sensitive use that is not associated with the helicopter operation and
more than 200 metres from a shipping channel in the Port of Melbourne.
If none of the exemptions apply, a permit is required to use or develop any land for a heliport or helicopter landing
site, even if it is ancillary to another use on the land.
The above summary is for indicative purposes only and it must therefore not be relied upon. Direct reference
should be made to the Planning Scheme and specific advice sought before any decision making concerning
helicopter landing sites.
What is considered a sensitive use?
Uses that are sensitive to the potential adverse amenity impact of a heliport or a helicopter landing site include
accommodation, child care centre, education centre and hospital. See Clauses 74 and 75 of the planning scheme
for a definition of these sensitive uses and related uses that may be included within these land use terms.
Where are the Helicopter Landing Sites in Surf Coast Shire?
Surf Coast Shire has nominated some specific sites that are publically owned where helicopter landings for
emergency services can occur if convenient to the emergency including:

Anglesea

Aireys Inlet

Deans Marsh

Lorne

Moriac

Torquay

Winchelsea
Please note that all landing requests for Lorne should be directed to the Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee on
5220 5055.
These landing sites can be found on Council’s web site per link
http://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/A-Z_Listing/H/Helicopter_Landing_Sites
For further information about how to apply for a planning permit for a helicopter landing site, including the
opportunity for pre-application advice please contact:

Planning Department
Any complaints about unauthorised helicopter landing/take-off sites should be directed to:

Development Compliance and Local Laws
Surf Coast Shire
1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay VIC 3228
P: (03) 5261 0600
F: (03) 5261 0525
E: info@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
Further information
See the links below for further information related to CASA:

Guidelines for the establishment and operation of onshore helicopter landing sites [CAAP92-2(2)]
http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/download/caaps/ops/92_2.pdf

Regulation and enforcement of aviation:
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:HOMEPAGE::pc=PC_90001

Remotely piloted aircraft:
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_100374

Regulation of aviation and non-controlled aerodromes (this includes Tyabb airfield):
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_100058
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_90405
For further information related to the cause of helicopter noise, the height of helicopter operations and helicopter
training please use the following link to an Airservices Australia website and factfile on helicopter operations:
http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aircraftnoise/aircraft-operations/helicopter-operations/
http://www.airservicesaustralia