Victoria Police launch tallest helipad in Australia

Australia's tallest helipad was used for the first time today, with Victoria Police landing its first helicopter on the roof of its new city headquarters.

The Leonardo AW139 touched down this morning in a history-making moment for the force.

Standing 39 stories above Spencer Street in Melbourne's CBD, the helipad may even be the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Chief Pilot of the Victoria Police Air Wing Rob Rogel said given the position of the building, helicopters will be able to take teams anywhere in the state without the need to stop for fuel.

"The helipad down there, these choppers will be able to transport teams of specialist police anywhere in the state without needing to refuel," he said.

Inspector Craig Shepherd said the new helipad would also be time-effective for police.

READ MORE: Duo arrested after serious car rollover in Melbourne

"Potentially saving half an hour to an hour in the delivery of those specialist personnel to a critical incident, to an emergency or an evolving operation," he said.

The Inspector said the helipad had been part of construction plans for the new headquarters from the beginning, and taking in the rest of the city was critical.

"Part of the process for identifying appropriate pathways and approach and landings and departures was the buildings around it," Inspector Shepherd said.

READ MORE: Random phone message saves three fishermen stranded at sea off the waters of Port Welshpool

"The advantage is that Spencer Street is on the edge of the city, which means the flight path is over railways and open space, so we don't have to fly within the buildings or within the city grid itself."

The helipad will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week but only for situations requiring a rapid response.