By JOLENE OGLE
THE Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) has slammed Noosa Council’s decision to abstain from making a submission in regards to the planned Sunshine Coast Airport expansion, claiming the council is “sitting on the fence”.
The airport expansion plans are currently open to the community for comment until 30 November, with many concerned the proposed new flight paths will impact Noosa Shire residents.
Concerned resident Michael Petty wrote an open letter to the Noosa Council earlier this month asking if the council was concerned about the possible noise impacts of the changed flight path.
“From the lack of objection to date it appears Noosa Council is not worried by the impact of noise and pollution over residential areas including the much-touted Noosa Biosphere Reserve, which holds itself out to promote the benefits of living in a Biosphere reserve such as conservation and sustainable development with an environmentally sensitive focus,” he said. “This is hardly consistent with living under a busy flight path.”
Mr Petty said he wanted to make it clear he was not opposed to the airport expansion, but he was opposed to moving the flight path over Noosa.
SCBC chairwoman Sandy Zubrinich said the Noosa Council’s decision not to make a submission was a “passive approach to what is an important part” of the region’s future.
Ms Zubrinich said it was particularly concerning when several of the mayors in the catchment areas covering Fraser Coast, Burnett and Moreton Bay had indicated their support for the expansion of the airport.
“In addition to the high number of domestic travellers journeying to Noosa each year, the area consistently attracts well over 100,000 international visitors annually, many of which arrive on the Sunshine Coast by plane,” she said.
“So it’s curious Noosa Council has decided to sit on the fence in this instance.”
Ms Zubrinich said it was important for councilors to show leadership when it came to major regional developments.
“While I understand we are less than six months from local government elections, it is at times like this councillors need to show leadership and clearly explain why they do or don’t support a major infrastructure project,” she said.
Mr Zubrinich said it will be difficult to plan for the future of the region if two councils disagree on the overall direction and prosperity of the region.
“Mayor Noel Playford’s response to the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion suggests there is either a disparity in the beliefs surrounding what transport solutions are of most benefit to the region, or there is unwillingness amongst stakeholders to come together and commit to a shared vision and action plan,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Coast Destination CEO Simon Ambrose has announced his support for the planned Sunshine Coast Airport development, saying the expansion is the perfect way to celebrate the region’s 50th birthday.
Mr Ambrose said there had been a lot of talk about how the Sunshine Coast should celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017 and the “most visionary present would be the start of the Sunshine Coast Airport upgrade”.
Mr Ambrose said the success of the Sunshine Coast had been directly linked to the establishment of the airport in 1961, with expanding services resulting in a larger business and tourism economy for the region.
“If we are to provide the infrastructure to support Noosa and the Sunshine Coast’s next 50 years, the upgrade of the airport has to be a top priority,” he said.
“We have been fortunate to attract major increases in domestic flights, with Jetstar, Virgin and Air New Zealand adding flights and Qantas resuming direct services from next month, but the reality is all of these airlines are restricting either cargo or passenger numbers because of constraints caused by the lack of a suitable runway.”
Mr Ambrose said it was logical to upgrade the airport, with the “whole community to benefit” from the upgrade.
“It is estimated an enhanced airport could contribute $4.1 billion and generate more than 2230 jobs in the 20 years from 2020 to 2040,” he said.
“Unfortunately, too often it is the vocal minority that is heard on such issues, even when the facts and logic clearly show the benefits.
“So we are calling on all residents and businesses who want to see the Sunshine Coast successfully convert an attractive half-century into a game-changing century to get behind the upgrade proposal and be heard.”
People can have their say about the airport expansion project by 30 November via haveyoursay.dsd.qld.gov.au
