Business Council: No fence-sitting on future airport expansion

November 20, 2015

The Sunshine Coast Business Council has urged the area’s local government organisations and elected politicians to formally lodge feedback regarding the proposed Sunshine Coast Airport expansion before submissions close on Monday, 30 November.

The calls come after Noosa Mayor Noel Playford said Noosa Council recognised both pros and cons associated with the proposal and as such, would not be making a submission either for or against the expansion plans.

Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) Chair Sandy Zubrinich said it was concerning to see the Noosa Council taking such a passive approach to what is an important part of the regional transport infrastructure for the future, particularly when several of the mayors in the catchment areas covering Fraser Coast, Burnett, Somerset and Moreton Bay areas had indicated their support for the expansion of the airport.

“In addition to the high number of domestic travellers journeying to Noosa each year, the area consistently attracts well over 100,000 international visitors annually — many of which arrive on the Sunshine Coast by plane — so it’s curious that Noosa Council has decided to sit on the fence in this instance,” Ms Zubrinich said.

“While I understand we are less than six months from local government elections, it is at times like this that councillors need to show leadership and clearly explain why they do or don’t support a major infrastructure project.”

“Surely the role of a mayor is to ensure a strong and sustainable region into the future. A major infrastructure project such as this one will have a significant economic impact on both the Noosa Council and Sunshine Coast Council electorates, so if a council is not actively supporting the project, the electorate should be informed as to why this is the case.”

“With Noosa being one of Australia’s preeminent tourist destinations, I strongly encourage Noosa Council to support its constituents and put forward a submission outlining its position on various points of contention and the value — or lack of — it believes the expansion of this important piece of infrastructure poses for the Sunshine Coast community.”

Ms Zubrinich said SCBC had long supported the concept of a bi-partisan approach to planning and managing transport infrastructure but questioned the likelihood of this being achieved in the near future.

“The proposed new Sunshine Coast Airport runway was originally identified and supported in the Sunshine Coast Sustainable Transport Strategy 2011-2031 and the Sunshine Coast Airport Master Plan 2007,” Ms Zubrinich said.

“While the Noosa area was part of the amalgamated Sunshine Coast Council at the time when the Sunshine Coast Sustainable Transport Strategy 2011-2031 was adopted, the question needs to asked: does Noosa Council support that strategy or not?”

“The reality is that we cannot plan adequately at a regional level if we have two councils that are not in agreement on the overall direction and prosperity of the region.”

“Mayor Playford’s response to the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion suggests there is either a disparity in the beliefs surrounding what transport solutions are of most benefit to the region, or that there is an unwillingness amongst stakeholders to come together and commit to a shared vision and action plan.”

“With public submissions surrounding the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion set to close at the end of the month, now is the time for political stakeholders as well as Sunshine Coast residents and business operators to share their position to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved for the region as a whole.”

The proposed $347 million airport expansion suggests changes to airspace and flight paths and includes a new 2.4km north-west/south-east runway capable of servicing aircraft such as the A330, B787 and B777.

To find out more about the Sunshine Coast Business Council, please visit www.scbusinesscouncil.com.au or log on to www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/assessments-and-approvals/sunshine-coast-airport-expansion to have your say regarding the proposed airport expansion.

// Ends.

Media contact — Kristen Roder, Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0406 546 461
E: kristen@freshprm.com.au

[nggallery id=85]