Public notification is now underway for a proposed aeromodel runway, with some nearby residents raising concerns over the potential development.
In May, Suncoast Model Flyers Incorporated lodged a development application with Sunshine Coast Council to establish an outdoor sport and recreation premises at Valdora.
The club previously operated from its base on Quanda Road at Coolum Beach, but the lease expired last December.
As a result, the club has paused operations until a new site can be secured.
Suncoast Model Flyers is a non-profit community organisation that has operated since 2002 and has a current membership of about 100 people aged from 10 to almost 90.
The sport involves radio control aeromodelling of a range of powered or unpowered craft.
A club provides a controlled environment for members to learn the sport, which requires technical understanding of aerodynamics and consistent practice.
The application seeks a development permit for a material change of use at 801-845 Yandina Coolum Road.
A development application report outlines that the 57.82ha vacant block would be developed to include an onsite amenities/storage building, 10 car parking spaces and a shade structure over the pilot area.
There would also be an airfield, or landing areas, that would be a minimum of 250m long, with a 200m cross-runway for take-off.
According to the report, the club seeks approval to operate seven days a week from 7am to 4pm.
It notes there would be little to no attendance after midday due to the sun’s position and that, due to safety requirements, the maximum number of model craft permitted to be airborne at one time is five.
The sport is dependent on weather conditions and it is understood the field would be closed on days when there were strong winds or rain.
The report outlines that the club’s committee has been searching for a new location for about five years, following previous uncertainty regarding the lease agreement at Coolum Beach.
“The site subject to this application has been selected based on meeting all requirements from an operational perspective whilst being appropriately located to avoid and minimise any adverse impacts to surrounding properties and maintain the intent of the Rural Zone,” the report stated.
The report outlines that to suit the needs of the club, the site must have a flying area of about 600m by 600m to operate an aircraft and avoid flying over roads and heavily occupied areas such as houses and schools.
Aeromodelling craft will primarily fly in the main flying area, with a overfly buffer area allocated around it and the runway.
The site is located between nearby rural properties and some residents have aired their concerns on the potential impacts of the airfield, should it go ahead.
This includes noise impacts from the model planes on residents, livestock and wildlife.
With the land historically used to grow sugar cane, there are also worries of fire risk in the event of a crash.
The report stated the cane would be retained, with the aeroclub’s facilities being located on already cleared land.
Lynsey Walker operates Ravens Park Equestrian Centre next door and said she was concerned how the noise could impact her animals and livelihood.
“Whilst I and others who are concerned hold no grudge against the model flyers club, these grounds are completely inappropriate for many reasons,” she said.
“A model plane crashing into the cane would be a large fire risk. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to navigate through the cane to get to the site of the crash.
“We live in a bit of a bowl, meaning noise generated inside our valley often travels quite a distance. These planes are loud and will fly seven days a week.
“The surrounding properties are filled with cows, sheep, donkeys and horses who will all be severely stressed by these small planes.”
An acoustic report has been commissioned as part of the application.
“(The report) confirms that all aeromodelling craft types can operate as proposed with negligible impact to amenity for surrounding receptors,” it stated.
The notification period will run until July 29. More information on the proposal is available here.
Suncoast Model Flyers Incorporated was approached for comment.
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