Suncoast Model Flyers apply for new club field at Valdora

A Sunshine Coast club consisting of 100 model plane enthusiasts has proposed to relocate its base of operations after their old stomping ground was retired. Here’s what they have proposed.

The new club facilities will have an amenities building, runway, flying zone and buffer zone. Photo: Suncoast Model Flyers/Plan2Project Pty Ltd

A Sunshine Coast club is hoping to secure a spot to fly model aeroplanes after their original site lease expired in favour for industrial development.

Plan2Project Pty Ltd has lodged a development application with Sunshine Coast Council to establish the Suncoast Model Flyers Club at 801-845 Yandina Coolum Road, Valdora.

The block is currently vacant land.

The parcel would offer club facilities with an amenities and storage building, shade structure and car park on the 578,200sq m site.

The club would be located in a rural zone, making the proposal open to public notification.

The shade area would be designated as a “pilot’s pit” and a 300m runaway for the model aircraft would be established.

The new club facilities will have an amenities building, runway, flying zone and buffer zone. Photo: Suncoast Model Flyers/Plan2Project Pty Ltd

Documents stated the transportable amenities building would store fire extinguishers, first aid kids, equipment and documentation for the club.

With the Suncoast Model Flyers club currently consisting of about 100 members, it is estimated 15 people would attend on weekdays and up to 20 on weekends, the application stated.

Only five model aircraft would be flying at a time for safety.

The Suncoast Model Flyers community had been operating from a Coolum industrial site since 2002 until the lease expired in December, 2023.

Documents stated the Queensland Government required to use the land for industrial development.

Suncoast Model Flyers have applied to establish a new stomping ground in Valdora. Photo: Suncoast Model Flyers/Plan2Project Pty Ltd

The club had been searching for new premises with “significant effort” for more than five years and had not been able to secure a lease from council for any other potential site, the application revealed.

The club flies a range of powered and unpowered radio controlled models using gliders, drones, jets and propeller types.

The new site in Valdora would offer a safe and controlled area for members - who age between 10 and 87 - to learn and practice flying models.

The SunCoast Model Flyers are supported by the Model Aeronautical Association of Australia and has trainers to assist newcomers.