By JONATHON HOWARD
CONCERNS that the ibis birds living around Noosa could impact the Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) expansion to include a new runway by 2020 are unfounded, according to airport general manager Peter Pallot.
“Aircraft using the curved approach to the new SCA runway will pass to the east of the tip site at 2800 feet (853 metres) on landing and will be even higher on take-off,” Mr Pallot said.
“Ibis generally fly below 800 feet (243 metres) so the aircraft on approach will be separated by at least 2000 feet (610m) vertically and on a track that takes them further to the east of the tip site.
“We understand Noosa Council has already adopted strategies to reduce the attractiveness of the tip site to ibis, including reducing the exposed tip face, and covering the exposed waste each night to reduce food sources for these birds.”
Mr Pallot said he supported these strategies and would continue to work with the council to ensure the tip did not become an issue for the airport in the future.
