THE progress of a local helicopter company is at a stand still while the City of Busselton and owner can’t agree to terms.
The City of Busselton has issued a notice to Mr Campany to stop flying operations from the Margaret River Silk Road.
Since February this year the city has received ongoing noise and privacy complaints in relation to the operations of Wild Blue Helicopters, which has been providing short commercial flights from various private properties without necessary approvals from the city.
Mr Campany said he was running a very professional organisation which was trying to abide by council policy but nobody from council could show him documentation stipulating helicopter operations.
“We would like to work with the city so we can operate out of the Busselton airport next season,” Mr Campay said.
“This is why we are seeking the correct information from our local member so we can follow their regulations word for word, at the moment the city documentation is too ambiguous.”
City of Busselton Mayor, Ian Stubbs said this was far from a minor issue.
“City officers have invested a great deal of time into trying to resolve this issue with Mr Campany,” Mr Stubbs said.
“We’ve provided advice on how to advance a development application and explored options for the company to operate from the Busselton Regional Airport which would lessen noise and privacy concerns.”
Mr Stubbs also said this advice appeared to have been largely ignored and the city had continued to receive complaints from the community.
One thing which the two parties agree on is the demand for this type of tourist venture is high and both want to see it succeed.
However, the city said Mr Campany continued to operate his helicopter service from various private properties in the municipality and a development application has not been received by the city.
Mr Campany said federal aviation regulations stated that to land his helicopter all he needed was land owners’ permission.
