What is the current issue?
Gecko has taken an interest Master Development Plans and infrastructure projects proposed at the Gold Coast Airport for many years. Such proposals are considered for their impact on environmental values in an around the Airport as well as how they will affect the community. Currently there is a proposal to install a new Instrument Landing System at the airport. This has raised many concerns that residents along the flight path will experience increased noise, loss of amenity and potentially reduce the value of their homes. As well, the view has been expressed that there are better alternatives that residents would like GC Airport to consider. Gecko has reviewed the proposal and as an environmental organisation we have focussed on how the construction could impact on sensitive ecosystems in this cross-border region as well as issues raised by residents.
History so far?
On April 21st this year, the Gold Coast Airport invited submissions to a new proposed instrument landing system to be installed at the Airport. Information about the proposed ILS is available at goldcoastairport.com.au and airservicesaustralia.com/projects/gold-coast-ils. Following release of this information and a series of somewhat conflicting explanations in the media, residents grew troubled about what was in store for them. How would increased flights and a new flight path would affect them? As well as presentations by the Airport, a number of community organised meetings were held and opposition groups formed. Submissions were to be directed to GC Airport for their consideration and the public consultation period closed on 13 July 2016. All written feedback received will form part of the Major Development Plan (MDP) to be considered by Minister Warren Truss, Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development for approval.
The formal regulatory approvals for the proposed flight path and associated noise impact are dependent on the MDP being approved and will follow an additional regulatory process under the EPBC Act and the Air Services Act. Feedback received during the public consultation period will also be considered by Airservices as part of the flight path approval process. More information is available in the Major Development Plan. Gold Coast Airport will summarise all feedback provided during the consultation process as part of their supplementary report to accompany the Major Development Plan when it is submitted to the Minister. The Minister will have 50 business days from receipt of the MDP to provide a response.
Gecko has reviewed the proposal and as an environmental organisation we have focussed on how the construction could impact on sensitive ecosystems in this cross-border region as well as issues raised by residents. Read our submission here…..