VALO Adelaide 500

In reply to the Hon. F. PANGALLO ().8 March 2023).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has advised:

The South Australian Motor Sport Board, who are the entity responsible for running the VALO Adelaide 500 event, have spoken with Helistar, the helicopter operators, who have advised that during the 2022 VALO Adelaide 500 no reports were received from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority or from Air Services Australia, about the helicopter scenic flights.

There was only one complaint received from a local resident about the noise levels from the helicopter flights, and this was received on the Saturday afternoon of the event.

With regard to the recent Gold Coast helicopter tragedy, the South Australian Motor Sport Board have spoken with Helistar who have advised that all scenic flights are operated under the approvals and regulations provided by Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Air Services Australia. Scenic flights undertaken within the VALO Adelaide 500 event are supported by Adelaide Air Services and Helistar ground control staff. The South Australian Motor Sport Board event management team are constantly reviewing safety protocols to ensure consistent improvement across the entire VALO Adelaide 500 event, including helicopter scenic flights.