Hancock Prospecting reveals plans to install helipad at new headquarters in West Perth

Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting has revealed plans to install a helipad at its proposed new multi-million dollar Hancock Iron Ore headquarters in West Perth. Council documents show the mining company lodged an application with the City of Perth last month to construct a “rooftop helipad and associated safety infrastructure for occasional helicopter landings”. It would be used to facilitate private corporate flights, as well as a backup landing option for emergency services for nearby hospitals and the Royal Flying Doctors Service. “The helipad is intended to facilitate low-frequency helicopter landings and departures for private corporate purposes associated with the approved commercial office use,” the development application reads. “It is not intended to operate as a public heliport or for chartered services. “The Bell 429 (helicopter) is commonly used for urban (and hospital-related) operations, reflecting its suitability for noise-sensitive and built-up environments.” The helipad — which has been designed in accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority guidelines — would only be used up to 12 times a year during daylight hours, with independent technical assessors confirming the noise would not exceed existing ambient sound. Hancock Prospecting confirmed it had lodged the application but did not comment further. “We have made an application in accordance with the requirements, which is under assessment, and it is therefore not appropriate for us to make any comment,” a spokesperson told The West Australian. It comes after The West in April revealed Hancock Prospecting had lodged plans with the City of Perth for a $250 million multi-storey office complex at 27-35 Outram Street and 46 Ord Street. The mammoth complex, which would span more than 3500sqm, would host employees from its mining, energy, agriculture, apparel and property divisions. It would also include serviced apartments, wellness spaces, swimming pools, child-minding facilities and restaurants. The City of Perth was contacted for comment.