What Does The Airport Expansion Mean For You?

Speaking at the Sunshine Coast Business Excellence Awards at Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson and tourism boss Simon Ambrose both took their opportunity on stage to encourage local businesses to get behind the plans.

“Clearly that airport, the CBD in Maroochydore and the hospital precinct in Kawana will change the economic face of the Sunshine Coast forever,” Cr Jamieson said.

“Throw in some really innovative projects such as the solar farm, subsea cable and light rail …you can really start to see tremendous economic opportunity opening up for business on the Sunshine Coast, unlike we’ve ever seen before.

“And I want to make sure you all take advantage of that … I need you to get involved and stay involved.”

Mr Ambrose said it was “really, really, really vital” that businesses logged onto the website to have their say on the plans after it was announced last week that an Additional Environmental Impact Study would be opened for public submissions from November 2 to November 30.

The Coordinator-General has, according to Cr Jamieson, told the council that the additional study largely addressed issues raised during the submission period of the initial Environmental Impact Study.

“As a result, there have been no material changes to the proposed airport expansion project,” he said.

“This shows how robust the project has been from the very beginning.”

Speaking to the Daily last week officials from the project’s biggest critic, Mudjimba-based community group ResDev, said they were happy with the additional opportunity to comment.

Cr Jamieson said the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion was a significant regional project which would benefit Sunshine Coast residents for generations to come.

“The project will help boost tourism and international trade because the expanded airport will potentially cater for up to two million more passengers each year,” he said.

“Importantly, due to the runway realignment, 3500 fewer dwellings will be affected by noise each day in 2020.

“It will also help our export businesses, particularly those operating in the agricultural sector, to get their products and services to markets faster and more efficiently.

“The airport expansion will contribute $4.1 billion to the value of the economy and generate more than 2230 jobs between 2020-2040.

“It will ensure the region has a functional airport for jet aircraft into the future and will enable more direct flights to more locations in Australia and across the globe.

“The expansion will also provide access for larger, more fuel efficient aircraft.”

The project is expected to be completed by 2020, subject to obtaining all necessary approvals and funding.

The AEIS will be displayed on the Office of the Coordinator-General’s website, council’s website, customer contact centres and libraries, Noosa Shire Council office and its council libraries, Bribie Island Library, State Library of Queensland and National Library of Australia during the public notification period from November 2 to 30.

Comments, questions or submissions should be directed to the Office of the Coordinator-General during the public notification period. Visit:http://www.haveyoursay.dsdip.qld.gov.au.

Article Original Source: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/what-does-the-airport-expansion-mean-for-you/2834255/