By Margaret Maccoll
Hang gliders and paragliders look set to continue launching their aircraft from Tingira Crescent Sunrise Beach, despite council concerns residents’ complaints about privacy and nuisance would result in litigation.
The majority of Noosa councillors voted in favour of the continuation following a strenuous debate on Monday during Noosa Council’s general committee meeting.
Cr Ingrid Jackson said there had been on average only three to four complaints a year, a survey of Sunrise Beach residents showed the majority supported the activity and about 50 Noosa Shire residents were participants. Legal advice showed litigation was unlikely to succeed, she said, and wind and weather restrictions meant the launch site was used only about three days a month.
Councillors Tony Wellington and Brian Stockwell, who opposed the continued launch site use, argued there were safety and privacy concerns.
Cr Wellington said the entanglement of a paraglider on powerlines at the site last month showed the activity was not suitable in the populated urban area.
The launch site permit will be issued subject to annual reviews, can be revoked by council at any time and requires the development by Sunshine Coast Sports Aviators (SCSA) of a management plan.
SCSA already requires pilots to be SCSA members and adequately educated.
They have banned the use of inflight cameras and are working with council on a management plan.
SCSA secretary Paul Reilly said it was good to see council had listened to what the club had put forward to work with residents.
“The sport’s been going on there for 50 years. To stop it on the basis of complaints of a few is unfair to those who so enjoy the sport,” he said.
Council’s decision was to be ratified at the ordinary general meeting.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manage launch sites at north Sunshine Beach and Teewah which has just undergone renovation.
Other hang gliding and paragliding launch sites will be considered in the development of a Regional Sports Facility Plan to be funded by a State Government grant of $75,000. The plan aims to provide for a range of activities across the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie Regional Council areas defined as difficult to locate.
