Building approvals on the rise

In brief

DEVELOPMENT activity on the Sunshine Coast has grown by 27 per cent during the July to September quarter in building approval values over the same period last year. Approvals included residential developments at Meridan Plains and Sunshine Cove and a Coles complex and residential units at Sippy Downs. Sunshine Coast Council approved 636 lots during the first quarter of this financial year under the plan sealing process compared to the 179 lots during the same period last year.
Airport expansion to help farmers
THE proposed expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport could pave the way for farmers to expand into markets around Australia and into the Asia-Pacific, according to airport general manager, Peter Pallot. Mr Pallot said because the length of the current main runway limits the weight that can be carried by aircraft, the capacity of the belly-hold space in flights out of the Sunshine Coast cannot be fully utilised. He said the expansion project, the subject of an Environmental Impact Statement on public exhibition until 13 November, encompassed the lengthening and widening of the runway on north-west/south-east alignment.
Road renaming for clarity
NOOSA Council is considering renaming a section of David Low Way in an effort to clear up confusion. David Low Way between the intersections of Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, and Edwards Street, Sunshine Beach, is commonly known as Sunshine Beach Road. The road officially appears as David Low Way in council’s records. However, Australia Post, emergency services and most maps and mapping systems recognise the stretch as Sunshine Beach Road. Noosa Council Asset Planning co-ordinator, Bryan O’Connor has said council had written to affected property owners and businesses, who had been invited to lodge objections by 31 October 2014.
Plea to keep off cycling track
NOOSA Council wants to remind motorists not to drive on the Girraween Sports Complex criterium cycling track. It follows reports of motorists driving on the track and incidents have been reported to police. The criterium track is popular with cyclists as well as school groups, and vehicles on the track are a serious safety risk, a council spokesperson said.
Disaster ready packs launched
NOOSA visitor accommodation managers will be even better prepared in the event of a natural disaster following the launch of new Get Ready Noosa packs. The Get Ready Noosa packs contain important information, advice and contact details to assist managers of resorts, hotels, motels, caravan parks and backpacker hostels to prepare their businesses before a disaster strikes. It will also help them to assess potential impacts and determine how best to ensure that their guests are safe. For more information, phone Noosa Council on: (07) 5329 6500.