Gold Coast balloon operators address photos appearing to show them floating right next to buildings
Hot air balloons floating over some of Australia's most beautiful tourist spots have long been a breathtaking attraction for locals and tourists alike.
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However, questions around safety and permit compliance have recently stirred debate on the Gold Coast in Queensland, with some residents concerned about how close the balloons fly to high-rise buildings.
Pictures sent to 7NEWS show two balloons, each carrying a basket-load of tourists, soaring close to the city's high-rises, sparking questions about whether they're too close for comfort.
'I know there are photos that look like we're super close — we're not — we're a very safe distance away from them,' said Murray Blyth, the director and chief pilot of Go Ballooning on the Gold Coast.
Blyth the images had been sent to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), who confirmed 'everything is above board.'
The balloon business has been navigating some uncertainty, partly stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
'There was a miscommunication breakdown between COVID and now,' Blyth said.
During the pandemic, the company was given an exemption and did not have to pay for permits, but this led to confusion over operating without permits in recent times.
Gold Coast City Council spokesman Dan Doran acknowledged the issue.
'I couldn't live with myself if something happened and I was aware there weren't any permits in place, so it's simply about getting permits in place,' he said.
Blyth confirmed the company's permits had been sorted and paid for this week.
Council will continue to investigate compliance issues and concerns about where balloons take off and land, particularly in relation to residential areas.
'We are fully licensed through CASA.,' Blyth emphasised.
'What we did this morning was perfectly compliant.
'We didn't break any rules or regulations.
'We were well clear of all buildings.'
Hot air ballooning remains an important business for the Gold Coast's tourism industry, providing visitors with a unique view of the city skyline and hinterland.
Passengers have spoken warmly of their experience.
'It was an amazing flight I will remember my whole life,' one tourist said.
Another described it as 'an uplifting morning.'
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