Helitak MCU App - Planning Report

3. Development Intent

Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment Pty Ltd (Helitak) is a Rotary Aerial Fire Fighting specialist, aerial
firefighting design and manufacturer since 2006. Helitak manufacturer fire tanks fitted to the
underside of helicopters. The tanks range in capacity from 1,000 litres to 10,000 litres and sizes from
2m x 1.2m x 0.27m to 6.5m x 2.2m x 0.36m depending on the size and lifting capacity of the helicopter.

The fire tank is a ground breaking design constructed of a carbon fibre top, heavy duty vinyl
extending bladder with all the electrical system, microprocessor, hydraulic components and foam
dispensing tank on board. An onboard pump takes less than 60 seconds to fill. The tank.

The applicant seeks to manufacture the tanks within the existing 450m² shed. A small outdoor area
of 156m² and a new office space of 72m² will be used. A total GFA proposed of 522m².

The business employs up to 12 people onsite operating from 7am – 3pm Monday to Friday and
occasionally on Saturday from 7am – 12 noon.

Deliveries include a 2 tonne Pantech approximately 1-2 times per week with larger deliveries 1-2
times per month of a medium rigid vehicle. No semi’s trailers or B-doubles are used. Traffic
generation is far less than the former intensive cultivation use of the site.

Access is provided via an easement located to the southern side of Wimmers. Sight lines from this
access have been assessed under a previous approval and determined to comply with the relevant
Australian Standards. The proposal use will not generate an additional traffic.

One 3m³ industrial waste bin collected every second week is proposed to manage operational
waste.

The site is affected by the Flood Hazard Overlay and the whole site is known to flood. In this regard,
all hazardous chemicals and operational tools will be stored above the defined flood level which is
1.5m above the surrounding ground level. A flood emergency management plan is provided which
provides a detailed plan in the event of flood. A flood warning system can be implemented to reduce
the risk to people or property from flooding.

The building near Lake Macdonald Drive will be used for the company CEO and family to reside in
and the surrounding area used for an emergency evacuation area, being above the 1% AEP.

It is extremely important to note the fire fighting tanks are not made from steel but from vacuum
moulded carbon fibre. There is no grinding, chipping or noisy cutting tools required.

Effluent disposal has been constructed and the disposal area is located on the access handle
above the flood extent.

The Medium Impact Industry is an inconsistent use in the Rural zone which requires impact
assessment.

Noting the existing greenhouse is not part of this application.




RG Strategic                       Town Planning Report – Material Change of Use                     6