Gina Rinehart's mining company, Hancock Prospecting, has appealed to the State Administrative Tribunal after the City of Perth rejected plans for a rooftop helipad at its West Perth headquarters. The City of Perth opposed the project due to noise concerns, planning scheme compatibility, and potential precedents for CBD private helipads. Hancock Prospecting argued the helipad would only operate during daylight hours for limited corporate transport, comparing Perth to global cities like Tokyo and New York. However, the City of Perth and neighbouring organisations, including the Child and Adolescent Health Service, maintained their opposition, citing noise impacts and potential risks such as asbestos disturbance on nearby roofs.
Grant Donaldson argued the helipad would only be used in daylight hours between midday and 7pm, up to 12 times a year for occasional corporate transport. City of Perth barrister Tim Houweling said the fundamental issue in the case was noise. Hancock Prospecting's headquarters is a five-storey building. The company quantified the potential noise impact at 144 minutes per annum, equating to the sound of an electric kettle boiling for six minutes, once every fortnight between noon and 7pm. The tribunal hearing opened on 26 October 2026. Stances remain: the City of Perth and the Child and Adolescent Health Service are critical, while Gina Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting are supportive. As Grant Donaldson stated, “That’s 144 minutes per annum, that equates to the sound of an electric kettle boiling for six minutes, once every fortnight, between the hours of noon and 7pm.” He also said, “This case boils down to what negative impact is this use going to have on the objects of the current or new scheme.”
Stances remain: the City of Perth and the Child and Adolescent Health Service are critical, while Gina Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting are supportive.