A Sunshine Coast councillor has voiced his objection to a proposal for a large-scale development on airport land.
Taylor Bunnag took to social media on Tuesday to lambast the Airport North Precinct Master Plan, which includes the potential for a resort complex, dwellings, hotel and commercial and industrial use on a 34ha site where a decommissioned runway is at Marcoola.
A development application town planning report, compiled by RPS for Sunshine Coast Airport, stated that the proposal was an “exciting opportunity for the airport as it unlocks the precinct for economic development” and airport CEO Chris Mills told Sunshine Coast News that community members would be involved in “a transparent and informed consultation process”.
But Cr Bunnag said the proposal was not suitable for the area.
He said the proposed precinct was “in a relaxed beachside location that is serviced by already-stretched infrastructure”.
“As someone who has grown up locally and is now raising their kids here, I want to retain some of our unique coastal characteristics.”
Sunshine Coast Airport is classed as a Priority Development Area so the proposal will be assessed by Economic Development Queensland.
Mr Bunnag said the plan would pave the way “for a potential 10-storey resort complex and hotel, hundreds of residential dwellings, bars and significantly increased retail footprint”.
He detailed his opposition to it.
“The reasons are wide ranging: maintaining the relaxed coastal identity, scenic amenity, environmental impacts, flood risks and a lack of infrastructure.
“This proposal fundamentally risks undoing what makes this part of the Coast special, which generations have fought to protect.
“The decision to propose land uses within the airport boundaries, for things such as retirement living and other housing, diminishes the opportunity for complementary aviation uses that further stimulate and diversify our regional economy.”
He also held concerns about traffic impacts.
“EDQ should carefully consider whether the state government or council can realistically deliver the road and public transport infrastructure needed to support such intense development.”
Cr Bunnag urged concerned residents to let the state body “know exactly how we feel about this proposal”.
“Parts of the airport’s growth are great things to be celebrated by our region, but there are clearly some aspects that are not,” he said.
“I will always fight against developments that risk destroying the character of a community and our future economic prosperity. This is no exception.”
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills told SCN that some aspects related to the proposal were still being finished and community members will then be consulted.
“Sunshine Coast Airport has submitted the draft Airport North Precinct Master Plan to EDQ for initial feedback as part of the planning process,” he said.
“Key supporting studies, including detailed traffic and flood modelling, are still being finalised in consultation with council, and public notification will not commence until this information is complete and available to the community.
“We believe it is important that the community has access to the full suite of relevant information when being asked to consider the proposal.
“This will support a transparent and informed consultation process and allow the community to understand what is proposed, the potential impacts and how they are proposed to be managed before providing feedback.”
The town planning report outlined how the site could be utilised.
“This precinct includes land intended to provide for a diverse mix of land uses compatible with wider airport operations, which capitalises on its location to surrounding residential and tourist areas.”
“It will provide a level of economic activity and diversification to serve passengers and visitors, in addition to employment opportunities, which are compatible with the wider community.
“The precinct may include short-term residential activities that support the airport or provide community benefit to the region.”
The precinct could be split into three sub-precincts.
It could have a northern zone for tourism and accommodation including a resort, hotel, dwellings and a retirement facility.
It could have a central zone for mixed use including shops, a bar, market, health care services and indoor sport and recreation.
It could have a southern zone for employment including low impact industry, research and technology, service industry, tourist industry and aviation facilities.
The report stated that the location near beaches and Mount Coolum was “highly sought-after for a resort complex”.
“An integrated resort that includes restaurant, bar and function facilities would provide a strong anchor for the northern part of the precinct, ideally located for travellers coming and going from the airport.”
“The Market and Land Use assessment (MLUA) confirms the strong opportunity supported by relatively limited supply of international branded hotels on the Sunshine Coast, particularly in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics.
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The report outlined assessments regarding the environment, scenic amenity, lighting, acoustics, landscape and traffic, including a new intersection.
The report also stated that the precinct’s design would “embrace the wild and dynamic coastal character of the Sunshine Coast’s coastline”.
“All development sites, building placement and streetscape boulevards encourage a premium landscape outcome, reflecting a more sensitive Sunshine Coast character.”
The report said there would be a priority on “comfortable, shaded pedestrian and cycling path networks” and “connections to the Gateway Precinct, the airport terminal, The Wave and surrounding tourism destinations”.
The Gateway Precinct is set to include a hotel, retail expansion and commercial opportunities, south-west and south of the terminal.
