A development application has been lodged with Sunshine Coast Council seeking approval for a model aircraft flying facility on a rural property west of Coolum.
The application proposes a material change of use for sport and recreation purposes at 801-845 Yandina-Coolum Road, Valdora.
Documents submitted with the application show the facility would be operated by Suncoast Model Fliers, which has been searching for a new long-term home after losing access to its former base in the Coolum Industrial Estate.
The proposal includes grass runways, a pilot shade structure, a small amenities and storage building and 10 car parking spaces on the 57.8-hectare property.
It is the latest chapter in the club’s lengthy efforts to secure a permanent headquarters.
Sunshine Coast News previously reported on a proposal for a model aircraft runway that attracted significant community opposition, with nearby residents raising concerns about potential noise, safety and environmental impacts.
That application was ultimately refused by council last year. The club subsequently lodged an appeal, arguing expert assessments supported the proposal and that suitable alternative sites were difficult to find.
Planning documents accompanying the current application state the club has spent more than seven years investigating potential relocation options across the region.
An acoustic assessment prepared by JT Environmental forms part of the application material and examines potential impacts from gas, turbine and internal combustion-powered model aircraft.
According to the report, the nearest potentially affected residence is about 523 metres from the proposed flight line.
Consultants modelled what was described as a worst-case operating scenario involving multiple powered aircraft in the air at the same time.
Testing found turbine-powered aircraft generated the highest noise levels at the source, but the report concluded the proposal would comply with Queensland environmental noise criteria at surrounding properties.
The highest predicted noise level at the nearest residence was calculated at 37.9dB(A), with the assessment stating the site’s topography and runway orientation would assist in reducing impacts.
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The report recommends limits on the number of powered aircraft operating simultaneously and suggests compliance monitoring be undertaken if the facility becomes operational.
Application documents state aircraft would generally operate within a flying envelope of up to 400 feet, or about 120 metres, in accordance with model aviation requirements.
The club estimates the site would typically attract up to 10 people on weekdays and about 20 people on weekends, while a single annual event could draw as many as 50 participants and spectators.
Planning documents also note the nearest neighbouring dwellings are hundreds of metres from the proposed flying area and argue the large rural property is well suited to the activity.
Sunshine Coast Council is assessing the application.
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
