Information is now available for local residents to find out the facts and have their say about the Sunshine Coast Council’s proposed Airport expansion which will include a new east-west runway. This new project is finally coming to fruition after first being proposed in about 1983. Now critical deadlines are looming as CASA’s special dispensation for the existing runway is due to expire in 2020.
The environmental impact statement can be viewed at all major Sunshine Coast libraries and council service centres. The EIS reviews the social, environmental and economic impacts and addresses issues such as aircraft noise, flight paths and flooding. Information is available also available online at http://www.sunshinecoastairport.com.au/go.cfm/expansion-project or by calling the project team on 1800 210 755.
You can are your say online by Thursday 13 November at
https://haveyoursay.dsdip.qld.gov.au/coordinatorgeneral/SCAexpansion.
The project is expected to create more than 1500 jobs and provide a major economic boost for our region. The $347 million project would enable the airport to more than double its capacity to two million passengers a year.
It is important to remember that the current runway has a limited lifespan and operates under special dispensation from CASA as it does not meet current standards. In addition, the orientation of the current north-south prevents flights from landing in adverse weather conditions such as strong cross winds and poor visibility. This means that flights which can’t land, need to be diverted to Brisbane.
If approved, the new east-west runway would be CASA compliant and would improve flight reliability as well as enabling local residents to fly direct to more destinations. It would also enable longer-haul planes to use the airport which would provide more access to the Sunshine Coast for international tourists.
The Queensland Government has helped progress this proposal by agreeing to transfer, at no cost, three parcels of state-owned land adjacent to the airport to council for the project
