The rescue helicopter service says it is confident it can co-exist with the Knights' $18 million training base next door despite asking Newcastle council to reject the project in its proposed form.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in Northern NSW wrote to the council in July objecting to the rugby league club's planned centre of excellence at District Park, Broadmeadow.
Its submission said the training base, which includes a two-storey building, playing fields and floodlights, could have "serious implications" for the service's contractual obligations to NSW Ambulance Service.
The service said the sport centre would make crucial post-maintenance "hover checks" impossible and affect aircraft movements due to the increased number of people in the area.
It was also concerned about dust affecting helicopter engines during construction and parking and access issues.
"The proposed development, in its current form, may be contrary to the public interest," it said.
But rescue service chief executive Richard Jones, a former St George rugby league player, told the Newcastle Herald that he was working with Knights owner Wests Group to find a solution.
"The Wests Group have been fantastic in recognising our needs, which are pretty much a small space to conduct some test flights," he said.
"We're just working together to move that through as we speak. That's what we're working to fix. I've no doubt that in a very short space of time we'll have it all nailed.
"We're very much in agreement with the project. We think, particularly my background, it's brilliant for the region.
"There's really no issue. We're getting to the bottom of it."
He said the solution would involve minor changes to the Knights' proposal.
The service's Broadmeadow base is the principal maintenance centre for the four AW139 aircraft it uses for medical emergency flights and search-and-rescue missions.
While you're with us, did you know Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here.
IN NEWS TODAY: