The Andrews Labor Government is engaging with the community as it moves to protect the flight path for helicopters that transport ill and injured Victorians to Warragul Hospital.

Ten hospitals in Victoria already have existing Design and Development Overlays in place which protect flight paths from being obstructed.

The Government is proposing changes to the Baw Baw planning scheme to protect the emergency helicopter flight path for Warragul Hospital.

The Government is also proposing changes to the Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Monash and Frankston planning schemes to protect emergency helicopter flight paths at the Royal Children’s, Royal Melbourne, Alfred, and Frankston Hospitals.

The changes will also protect the new Monash Children’s Hospital helipad where construction of a rooftop helipad is currently underway.

A community drop in session will be held for local residents to find out more about the proposal on Friday 30 October 2015 at 4.30pm to 6.30pm at Warragul Hospital – 41 Landsborough Street, Warragul.

Further information, including maps and aerial photos of the proposed protected flight path, is available at:

• Department of Health and Human Services – www.capital.health.vic.gov.au/Asset_property_management_and_operations/flight_path_protection
• Shire of Baw Baw, Customer Service Centres at 61 Smith Street, Warragul & 33 Young Street, Drouin

Residents can make submissions via email to capital@dhhs.vic.gov.au until Monday 9 November 2015.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

“Emergency helicopters transport some of our most critically ill patients, and it’s vital that they can reach the hospital as quickly as possible.”

“We know that minutes save lives and so we’re looking at how to safeguard the flight paths of our rooftop helipads, to ensure patients can get the care they urgently need.”

“We want to hear from the community and local residents about any concerns they might have, and I encourage people to have their say.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Planning Richard Wynne

“The Andrews Labor Government is planning for helicopter flight paths the same way we plan our new suburbs, city precincts and suburban hubs – by accounting for the whole population and long-term needs of the whole community.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We want to hear from the community and local residents about any concerns they might have, and I encourage everyone to have their say.”