Mission Helicopters launch inaugural Scenic Flights

6/6/2021

Mission Helicopters has distributed an information sheet (right) announcing inaugural Scenic Flights operating from Tully airport.

The move raises many questions. Has a permit been approved to operate scenic flights? If so, when? And under what conditions? The Mission Beach residents made it quite clear to the council they value the peace and quiet of their villages. Were the councillors aware Mission Helicopters are quite happy to operate a business from Tully Aerodrome?

What about the 'argument'   presented in favour of the Mission Beach heliport development at the general meeting on 21 January; when the council made their decision to approve the development?

In the following statement from page246 of the 21 Jan general meeting agenda  , the Planner claimed    the number of flights would be lower compared to tourism joy flights, implying there would be less impact.

"The applicant has confirmed that the majority of the helicopters proposed to be stationed at this aviation facility are not proposed to be used for “joy flights”. The type of helicopters proposed are highly specialised multi-role helicopters and provide a range of services including aerial firefighting, heavy-lift and aerial crane, and reconnaissance missions. There is a direct linkage between the specialist nature of these helicopters, and the high cost of operation, the number of movements will generally be lower than what would be expected from a tourism joy flight operation".

Are scenic tours (joy flights), a new Mission Helicopters enterprise?   Are we now to expect helicopters to be travelling up and down our coastline from South Mission Beach to Garners to show people "...the beautiful sights that Mission has to offer?

What about the residents? What about those people who are enjoying the peace and quiet, the natural amenity along the 14 kilometers of beaches Mission Beach is famous for?

2 Comments

Carol

7/6/2021 06:11:34 am

We saw and definitely heard this helicopter joy flight recently.
It was very loud and intrusive, the sound went for ages inside our home, while the helicopter went past our house at Wongaling Beach and the homes of many others.

This shows the total lack of thought and consideration for the Mission Beach Community by Mission Helicopters and this is just the beginning. Disappointingly our ratepayers funds are being used by Council to fight this appeal, which is astonishing.

We value the peace and beauty of Mission Beach which will be shattered if the heliport proceeds affecting our residents, wildlife, tourism and reputation.

This is so obviously inappropriate and in the wrong place and I trust this will be very obvious to the court when the appeal is heard.

Helicopter noise pollution etc is an international problem with complaints and proceedings fighting it on the rise.
This matter has been rushed without even the courtesy of noise and other environmental impact statements.

No Helicopters Here!

Mission Beach Cassowaries

7/6/2021 09:33:58 am

Thanks for your comment Carol. We certainly hope the court will see the inconsistencies in both the DA and Planners report, recognise the inappropriate nature of this development and dismiss the flimsy arguments relied on by Mission Helicopters.

The scenic flights are very concerning and confusing given the reasoning in the DA and Planners report in favour of the heliport at Mission Beach claiming low impact because of the specialised nature of craft planned to be stored at the facility (unlike joy rides) and .the distance to Tully being a negative point for emergency services.

Mission Helicopters launch inaugural Scenic Flights

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