Flight Path Forum (FPF), representing a community of community groups, has seized their initiative by commissioning a flight path expert to evaluate flight path options for the area.
The group is looking for options to share the load to alleviate aviation impacts forced on newly overflown Sunshine Coast residents who were not properly consulted during Airservices Australia’s failed 2019 community engagement process.
“This proactive step by FPF in hiring an independent, accredited aerospace designer to review flight path options for the Sunshine Coast’s new runway, seeks to minimise the noise and environmental impacts on all communities across the Northern Sunshine Coast, FPF spokesperson Vivien Griffin said.
A recent Airservices presentation addressing flight path design considerations stated that “we must balance all of these flight path, airspace and other operator considerations”. It also stated “CASA requires that our activities ensure equitable use of airspace for other aviation users” and that “flight path design must avoid other air route corridors and airspace, and must minimise the impact of operations on community wherever practicable.”
Ms Griffin said, “We strongly question whether the recently implemented flight paths are balanced and equitable. Not for aviation users, but for residents.“
“We also assert that the impact on the community has not been minimised, with aviation operations including recreational users inequitably taking priority over the lifestyle and amenity of residents.”
Airservices Australia’s draft Terms of Reference, currently open for comment, will define how the post implementation review of flight paths recommended by the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman is conducted.
“This is a document that must contain mechanisms and safeguards to ensure full transparency, objectivity and consideration of all impacts flowing from the newly implemented flight paths and airspace changes,” Ms Griffin said.
“The community engagement process must be vastly different this time around. It must embrace the valuable contributions of residents and businesses, and must provide for independant and adequate assessment of existing and alternative flight path proposals.
“FPF is calling on all concerned residents to jump on board. Together we can help bring about a much better outcome for our community.
“You can start by coming along to this weekend’s Community Update Sessions at Peregian Beach Community House on October 24. There are four, Covid-safe session times to choose from. You can book online.”
Bookings can be made at Eventbrite -https://www.eventbrite.com/e/122472780383
If you have a query, or would like to be waitlisted for the event, contact secretary@flightpathforum.org.au
For more information, visit www.flightpathforum.org.au
