By Peter Douglas and Derek Schlennstedt
Yarra Ranges councillor Tim Heenan has questioned reports of helicopters landing at the historic Burnham Beeches site, and specifically the legality surrounding the practice.
At Yarra Ranges Council’s Tuesday 26 September meeting, Cr Heenan brought up the subject while council was debating a change to the contentious Burnham Beeches proposal, which would refer submissions to an independent panel.
Although unrelated to the discussion in the chamber, Cr Heenan’s comments roused the gallery as he posed the question to developer Adam Garrison.
Mr Garrison was speaking to council about the work that he and celebrity chef co-developer, Shannon Bennet, had put in to their proposal.
Cr Heenan asked Mr Garrison: “Is it illegal to land a helicopter at Burnham Beeches … just needed to know.”
Cr Heenan later offered an answer his own question: “I wouldn’t have thought so, Mr Mayor.”
His comments drew much criticism, including from mayor, Cr Noel Cliff, and Cr Jim Child.
Cr Child shot across the chamber: “Mr Mayor, please, this is totally unrelated to this item. It’s a valid point of order that this question not be allowed.”
Cr Cliff agreed it was a separate matter, with the question referred to Council Director of Social and Economic Development, Ali Wastie.
Ms Wastie provided the reply: “If Burnham Beeches wanted to land helicopters, they’d need to apply for a planning permit.”
