Soaring concerns over negative impacts of new runway

Money wasted on a second runway should have been expended on a people's light rail project.

The Sunshine Coast Airport runway expansion is taking off. Picture: Erle Levey

CONTRARY to the positive aims of the Sunshine Coast Council, I believe the building of the new runway at Sunshine Coast Airport will be a disaster for the region.

Tourism promoter Simon Latchford may view this aerial extension of his work profile as manna from heaven and 'visionary' as declared in 'Airport upgrade a visionary project' (Daily, March 30) but like other airports in the world they cause more problems than they solve.

Airports are noisy.

Big airports are noisier and dirtier, congested and unhealthy.

The blissful quietude of Coolum, Pacific Paradise and environs will soon be another all hours commercial activity that our tourism and commerce gurus find dynamic, exciting and rewarding.

Our tourism boss refers to how Brisbane Airport has had a major impact on investment.

He sees new housing estates, industries and international agricultural markets.

If our produce is sold for top dollar overseas how do we afford it?

Money wasted on a second runway should have been expended on a people's light rail project.

MICHAEL BARRY HENDERSON

Maroochydore

Originally published as Soaring concerns over negative impacts of new runway