Surprise approval of skydive venture by one of the most hard-line local governments.
Congratulations to all concerned for achieving such an historical consensus.
Skydive Australia and Sea World Helicopters launched their helicopter skydive experience on Australia’s Gold Coast during July 2021. The nation’s only helicopter tandem skydive experience has landed in Queensland, with participants given the chance to be dropped right on top one of the state’s most iconic tourist beaches, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Australia.
A media report stated after leaving from the Sea World helipad, it takes about 10 minutes to get to 10,000 feet over the jump zone above Main Beach. The jumpers initially start their descent with a free fall followed by a five-minute float down to the beach.
A company spokesperson was quoted as saying, “We are delighted that the Gold Coast City Council has supported our vision to deliver this wonderful new tourism product for the region with our highly experienced partners, Sea World Helicopters, at a time when we are all looking at how we can help get the tourism industry back on its feet again.”
An industry observer commented at the success of obtaining support from ATC organisations at Brisbane and the Gold Coast Airports. The latter is only 25 km south of Main Beach with a nearby approach from the north.
In the past, the Gold Coast was very anti-helicopter, due to the number of retirees in the area. They mainly had noise and perceived safety issues as their reason for protests.