USE of helicopters for spraying pesticides or fertilising crops will no longer need permits, the Victorian Government announced today.
Planning Minister Justin Madden said removing permit requirements for helicopters made it easier for farmers to use this delivery mechanism if they preferred and brought provisions for helicopters into line with those for airplanes and fixed wing aircraft.
"As we prepare for the biggest threat to our agriculture in 75 years, it is vital to ensure farmers have any and every weapon available to them," Mr Madden said.
"Helicopters are being used more often in agricultural activities and while it has always been possible to use them, removing the need for a permit makes it easier and clearer for people wanting to employ them on their farm.
"This is particularly important for the rapid response required at the risk of a locust plague."
Mr Madden said this change supported the 'right to farm' and assisted with increasing farm efficiency and productivity.
"The government has been working with the Victorian Farmers Federation and the Municipal Association of Victoria to see how the planning provisions for helipads and heliports can better assist this ever changing industry," he said.
"It is important that farmers have access to a competitive range of technologies and support services so that they can continue to adapt to change and reduce costs.
"Putting the use of helicopters on an equal footing with fixed wing aircraft increases the number of operators in the market place which will benefit farmers."
Mr Madden said it was important that any changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions supported farmers to continue with their agricultural activities while taking into account the amenity of surrounding rural communities.
"These new provisions apply for farming activities, but people wanting to run passenger based services or undertake tourist activities will still require permits.
Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said today’s announcement built on the Brumby Labor Government’s $43.5 million package to support farmers and regional communities to prepare for and respond to the potential locust plague.
"Our commitment includes providing farmers with a 100 per cent rebate on the costs of chemicals used to spray locusts and removing the need for permits for helicopters to spray pesticides will assist Victorian farmers join this war on locusts," Mr Helper said.
The new planning provisions for helicopters will come into effect when they are gazetted next Monday to ensure locust spraying proceeds smoothly.
