Business group backing for airport expansion

THE Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) Noosa has thrown its support behind the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion plans.
CCIQ Noosa president Peter Chenoweth said the management committee, which met in Noosa this week, had consulted small business in the region and the majority backed the proposal.
The proposed $347 million airport expansion includes a new 2.4km north-west/south-east runway capable of servicing larger aircraft, with likely changes to airspace and flight paths.
Mr Chenoweth said CCIQ Noosa encouraged local business owners to register their opinions on the airport expansion issue before the 30 November deadline.
“The proposed Sunshine Coast Airport expansion is a critical piece of transport infrastructure, which will enable future growth,” he said.
“In the spirit of regional cross-coast collaboration, our chamber joins with Sunshine Coast Council, CCIQ Sunshine Coast, the Sunshine Coast Business Council and others in publicly supporting this initiative.”
Mr Chenoweth said one of the key points considered by CCIQ Noosa was the result of the recent community survey conducted by Noosa MP Glen Elmes.
More than 2000 residents responded to the survey, with two out of every three (69 per cent) supporting the controversial airport expansion plans.
“CCIQ Noosa considered the likely future economic impact of an expanded airport and the potential threat to the ongoing operation of the current airport, given both its non-standard narrow width and short length,” Mr Chenoweth said.
CCIQ Noosa noted less than one per cent of the Sunshine Coast population had initially commented in the first community consultation period in 2014 and urged locals to have their say in the second and final period, ending on Monday.
“The chamber encourages local business owners to register their view, so the silent majority’s position may be properly heard,” he said.