The Shire of Busselton is seeking comment from the community on helicopter and hot air balloon joy flights in the area.

The Shire would like to know what the community thinks on its policies relating to the commercial use of helicopter joy flights and hot air ballooning, from sites other than the Busselton Regional Airport.

Since the mid-1990's the Shire's policy has been not to support commercial use of helicopters other than out of the regional airport. Currently the Shire does not have any policies relating to other types of aviation, such as hot air balloons.

An ‘issues paper' has been prepared explaining some of the key areas relating to commercial aviation and outcome policy options. That paper can be viewed on the Shire's website at http://www.busselton.wa.gov.au/ (follow the link to ‘public consultation').

The Shire is also seeking expressions-of-interest from community members interested in being involved in an information session on this issue.

If you have any queries or would like to be involved in the information session, please contact Paul Needham, Manager Strategic Planning and Sustainability, on (08) 9781 0476 or via email: paul.needham@busselton.wa.gov.au.

If you wish to provide comment, please do so, in writing or via email to paul.needham@busselton.wa.gov.au no later than close of business, 29 July 2009.

Any submissions received will be given consideration as party of the policy review process and may be made available for viewing by the public via the Council agenda.

ENDS.

Media enquiries can be directed to the Shire's Public Relations Officer, Helena Webb on 97810446 or helena.webb@busselton.wa.gov.au