Key breakthrough in united fight against flight paths
Opponents of proposed flight paths for the new Sunshine Coast Airport have welcomed a key breakthrough that could prevent planes flying over their homes.
Sunshine Coast
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OPPONENTS of proposed flight paths for the new Sunshine Coast Airport have welcomed an opportunity to discuss their preferred options with Airservices Australia.
It comes as their fundraising total clears $25,000 in preparation for a possible legal challenge to flight paths and increased air traffic over homes north of the airport.
Fairfax MP Ted O'Brien told a community information session in Noosa today he had confirmation from Airservices Australia late on Friday afternoon that representatives would meet with stakeholders early next month.
READ: 'They're dreaming': Flight path battle divides hinterland
Flight Path Forum representative Lynne Saunders said more than 350 people attended today's meeting to hear updates on progress that had been made.
Flight Path Forum is an umbrella organisation representing eight resident associations from areas affected by the proposed flight paths.
Among Saturday's attendees was Tinbeerwah resident Susan Williams, who was concerned about aircraft flying 3000 feet (914m) above her home.
She said noise and emission pollution were her main worries.
"I think they have to utilise the existing flight paths and take the flight traffic over an area with already loud ambient noise," Mrs Williams said.
READ: $50m class action bid over runway noise
Other attendees included Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington and Ninderry MP Dan Purdie.
Ms Saunders was happy with the attendance and result of the meeting.
She said the $25,000 fundraising achievement did not take into account the money which attendees donated at the meeting.
She said Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson and council officers had been invited as well as Airservices Australia representatives, but had been informed that they were not available.
"We do have three aviation experts working with us and they have come up with some alternative flight paths that we have presented to Airservices Australia and Sunshine Coast Council for their consideration," Ms Saunders said.
However, a council spokesman disputed this, saying Flight Path Forum had "never provided its alternative flight paths to council for consideration".
READ: Noosa's flight path opponents 'let themselves down'
Ms Saunders welcomed Mr O'Brien's announcement of a roundtable discussion with Noosa Council, Sunshine Coast Council, Airservices Australia, Flight Path Forum and elected representatives.
"Momentum is continuing.
"The community is continuing to see this as something they are all behind."
Mr O'Brien said the purpose of the meeting was to have Airservices Australia present the flight path assessment it had been doing and have its technical people answer questions.
He said it was also an opportunity for alternative solutions to be discussed.
READ: Thousands make submissions in fiery flight path consultation
"I think that's a really positive outcome because there are lots of stakeholders who do need to get around the one table," Mr O'Brien said.
He said complaints about the process and lack of consultation had been well documented and urged residents to focus on what they wanted to achieve.
"The main game is where are these flight paths going to be."
He also urged Flight Path Forum to ensure their preferred flight path was ready before the meeting so it could be discussed.
"It will be a lost opportunity it they don't."
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