Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31

Sunshine Coast Council led the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project and has delivered the new runway (Runway 13/31). The new runway and associated flight paths became operational on 14 June 2020.
These flight paths will change the way aircraft operate as they arrive and depart from Sunshine Coast Airport.
For more information on flight paths and aircraft operations, view our Fact Sheets here. Following community feedback, we have included both the minimum and average heights for departures, as heights for departures can vary depending on aircraft type. Heights for arriving aircraft continue to be presented as minimum heights, as heights for arrivals are less varied.
You can also search your address in the Interactive Map here, which presents the arrival and departure flight paths to both ends of the runway.
We have provided FAQs here.
Where can I access more information?
For information on current aircraft movements and flight paths, historical runway utilisation or monthly complaint reports for the Sunshine Coast, visit the Airservices website here (external site).
For information on aircraft noise, visit the Aircraft Noise Information Tool on the Sunshine Coast Airport website here (external site).
For more information on the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project, visit the Sunshine Coast Council website here (external site).
Sunshine Coast Council led the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project and has delivered the new runway (Runway 13/31). The new runway and associated flight paths became operational on 14 June 2020.
These flight paths will change the way aircraft operate as they arrive and depart from Sunshine Coast Airport.
For more information on flight paths and aircraft operations, view our Fact Sheets here. Following community feedback, we have included both the minimum and average heights for departures, as heights for departures can vary depending on aircraft type. Heights for arriving aircraft continue to be presented as minimum heights, as heights for arrivals are less varied.
You can also search your address in the Interactive Map here, which presents the arrival and departure flight paths to both ends of the runway.
We have provided FAQs here.
Where can I access more information?
For information on current aircraft movements and flight paths, historical runway utilisation or monthly complaint reports for the Sunshine Coast, visit the Airservices website here (external site).
For information on aircraft noise, visit the Aircraft Noise Information Tool on the Sunshine Coast Airport website here (external site).
For more information on the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project, visit the Sunshine Coast Council website here (external site).
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Community Webex Meeting - Questions
The responses to the 150+ questions raised at the Community Webex Meeting on 8 December 2020 are available here.
The questions covered a range of topics including:
- The PIR process, including the Terms of Reference and the Community Engagement Plan
- Noise modelling, noise monitoring and environmental assessments
- Current operations
- SCAEP related matters including the EIS
- Other general queries.
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Updated draft Terms of Reference & draft Community Engagement Plan now available
Following our community Webex meeting on Tuesday 8 December 2020, we are providing the updated draft Terms of Reference (ToR) and the draft Community Engagement Plan (CEP) for the Post Implementation Review. Access these documents under Resources here.
These are available for public review from today until midnight (AEST) Sunday 17 January 2021.
During this time you can submit your feedback by:
- Submitting directly to us here
- Posting to Airservices Community Engagement, Locked Bag 747, QLD 4009
- Emailing to Airservices Community Engagement at communityengagement@airservicesaustralia.com
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Community Webex Meeting 8 December 2020
We held a community Webex meeting on 8 December between 5.30-7.00pm to provide an update on the feedback we received on the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Sunshine Coast Flight Path Changes Post Implementation Review (PIR), and our consideration of that feedback.
We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Webex, and all those who provided feedback.
A copy of the meeting presentation and recording of the Webex meeting are available to download on this project page.
During the meeting, there were over 150 questions and comments from participants. While we were able to answer some of these during the Q&A session we were not able to get to them all. We will provide a further update on the Q&A shortly.
On Friday 11 December we will provide the updated draft ToR and the draft Community Engagement Plan (CEP) for a public review period until 15 January 2021.
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Webex Meeting - Updated draft ToR
We are hosting a community Webex meeting to present the updated draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Sunshine Coast Flight Path Changes Post Implementation Review (PIR).
Please join us to learn more about the feedback we received on the draft ToR, and how we have considered and applied that feedback in the updated draft ToR, which will be provided for further community comment.
Community members with an interest in the PIR are welcome to participate. Details on how to join in are provided below.
Date – Tuesday 8 December 2020
Time – 5:30-7:00pm
Location – Webex Meeting
To book your place please click here and provide your name and email address by Friday 4 December 2020. You will receive the Webex details via email prior to the meeting.
During the meeting, you will be able to submit questions or comments via Webex chat.
Following the meeting, we will provide on Engage Airservices:
- responses to questions in the FAQ section
- a recording of the Webex Meeting
- the updated draft ToR and the draft Community Engagement Plan (CEP) for public comment.
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Terms of Reference Update
Thank you to everyone who responded during the Post Implementation Review (PIR) draft Terms of Reference (ToR) public comment period. We received over 460 submissions and are now reviewing the feedback to develop an updated draft ToR.
In early December 2020, we will host an online Webex meeting to present the feedback and how it has been considered in the updated draft ToR. We will send an invitation to community representative groups to participate in the Webex meeting. Community members with an interest in the PIR are also welcome to participate.
Details of the Webex meeting, including the date and how to join in, will be provided on this project page.
To ensure you receive updates, please register with Engage Airservices here and then subscribe for Sunshine Coast Project updates here.
Following the Webex meeting, we will provide the updated draft ToR and the draft Community Engagement Plan (CEP) for public comment.
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Draft Terms of Reference Public Comment Period Closed
The public comment period for the draft Terms of Reference is now closed.
We thank everyone who participated by providing feedback on the draft ToR.
We will consider all community feedback and will provide a third version of the draft Terms of Reference for final comment.
Once the Terms of Reference is finalised, we will prepare our draft Community Engagement Plan which will be provided for public comment.
To ensure you receive updates, please register with Engage Airservices here and then subscribe for Sunshine Coast Project updates here.
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Extension to Draft Terms of Reference Public Comment Period
Following community feedback in relation to the recent power and internet outages to parts of the Sunshine Coast, we will provide community members with additional time to submit their feedback on the draft Terms of Reference.
The revised public comment close date will be Wednesday 4 November 2020, COB (5:00pm AEST).
We would like to thank community members who have provided feedback and submissions during this public comment period. Due to the volume of submissions our team will respond within 5 business days.
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Information Update - Draft Terms of Reference Public Comment Period
Thank you to everyone who has contacted us during the Post Implementation Review (PIR) draft Terms of Reference (ToR) public comment period.
Based on some of the comments received, we would like to take this opportunity to provide some clarity on information regarding the scope, objectives and process.
We would like to confirm that there are no pre-determined outcomes and the PIR is open to all members of the community. All individuals and community groups will have equal voice as we progress through the PIR.
The draft ToR for the PIR speaks to Airservices commitment to undertake a review of flight paths at the Sunshine Coast Airport and states that:
- Airservices conducts PIR into flight path changes and, in accepting the recommendations of the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman, can confirm this PIR is not constrained by the previous SCC EIS concepts and will encompass consideration of community suggested alternatives
- The normal timeframe for a Post Implementation Review is the 12 month period immediately following implementation of new operations. However, as a result of the COVID-19 impacts on aircraft movements, we are unable to obtain representative and reliable data for noise modelling analysis, and this will be the case until operations at the airport return to a level of stability
- To ensure that we commence the Post Implementation Review in a timely way, and address community interests, we are proposing a 2 phase process where the findings of Phase 1 will facilitate consideration of community suggested alternatives. Phase 2 activities (noise modelling and monitoring) will be shaped by and build on the findings of Phase 1
- Subject to the ability to capture representative aircraft movement and noise data (needed for Phase 2), we anticipate that both phases will be complete within 18 months
- We will apply our Community Engagement Framework (CEF) throughout this process. The CEF set out Airservices commitment to providing genuine engagement and opportunities for the community to influence outcomes of the Review. In addition the Principles contained in the draft ToR directly reflect what we heard from attendees at the first community meeting
- Where safe and feasible flight path alternatives are suggested by community these will be considered the context of the Flight Path Design Principles (FPDP). The FPDP set out Airservices legislated responsibility and standards and the criteria for consideration of each of the Principles
- We will apply the IAP2 Principles
We recognise the community has a lot of interest in this project, however, the ToR will need to be finalised for the Post Implementation Review to progress.
We will consider all community feedback and will provide a third version of the draft Terms of Reference for final comment.
Once the Terms of Reference is finalised, we will prepare our draft Community Engagement Plan which will be provided for public comment. The Community Engagement Plan defines the engagement activities and is based on the agreed principles, scope and objectives of the Review that are captured in the Terms of Reference. The Community Engagement Plan can only be drafted once the Terms of Reference is finalised.
Where we have received feedback in relation to aircraft operations and associated suggestions for noise improvements, these are being registered for consideration during Phase 1. For queries or complaints about current operations, please contact the Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS) here.
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Post Implementation Review draft Terms of Reference public comment period
We are pleased to advise that the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Sunshine Coast Post Implementation Review (PIR) are now available for public comment.
Access a copy of the draft ToR here or download it from the Resources tab.
The public comment period will be open for 4 weeks, from 2 October 2020 - 1 November 2020 (midnight AEST).
How can I get involved?
Provide your feedback on the draft ToR by:
- Submitting your comments directly to us here
- Posting your comments to Airservices Community Engagement, Locked Bag 747, QLD 4009
- Emailing your comments to Airservices Community Engagement at communityengagement@airservicesaustralia.com
We are working with a number of local representative community groups (listed in Airservices community meeting presentation). If you are a member of one or more of these groups, we encourage you to engage with that group to provide feedback.
If you require assistance with accessing the draft ToR, including translation into other languages, please contact us here.
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PIR Terms of Reference Community Meeting - 19 September 2020
On 19 September 2020, we held the first of our community meetings for the Sunshine Coast Flight Path Post Implementation Review (PIR).
The meeting was held at the Maroochy RSL, between 1pm and 5pm, and had participants from community groups, local councils, elected representatives, and Sunshine Coast Airport. The Aircraft Noise Ombudsman observed the meeting.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Airservices draft Terms of Reference for the PIR.
We thank everyone who participated, either in person, or on WebEx (despite some technical issues).
Presentations and information from the meeting, including a video recording, will be available here.
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Airservices presentation included:
- the draft PIR scope
- an overview of current Sunshine Coast operations
- Sunshine Coast Flight Path Design Considerations
- our process for considering community suggested alternatives for noise improvement.
Download the Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) presentation here.
Download the Sunshine Coast Flight Path Design Considerations here.
- Buddina Flight Path Group presented information on their proposed flight path change.
Download the presentation here.
- Flight Path Forum submitted questions during the meeting.
Download a copy of the Flight Path Forum questions here.
Download a copy of our responses to these questions here.
- Summary of Discussion
We have reviewed the feedback and discussions from the meeting, and a summary is provided here.
- Video recordings
Access video recordings of the presentations during the meeting here.
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Links to relevant information discussed at the meeting include:
- Airservices Flight Path Design Principles - which provide a basis for designing and developing the flight paths that we will implement and operate
- Airservices Community Engagement Framework - which provides a rigorous process for delivery of community engagement activity for flight path and associated airspace changes
- International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum (external website)
- WebTrak which allows you to see where aircraft fly and explore historical trends and patterns
We are continuing to refine the draft Terms of Reference and these will be available for public comment. We will discuss the timing of the next steps with the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman and provide an update here.
We have recently developed a new Aircraft in Your Neighbourhood portal for Sunshine Coast Airport, where you can learn about flight paths and aircraft movements. You can enter your address or drop a pin to see learn about operations in your area.
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Airservices presentation included:
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Timeline
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14 June 2020
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 has finished this stageNew Runway Opening and Commencement of New Airspace and Flight Paths
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1 February 2021
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 has finished this stageFinal Terms of Reference released
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31 May 2021
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 has finished this stageFinal Community Engagement Plan released and Expressions of Interest for short-term noise monitoring locations opens
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25 June 2021
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 has finished this stageEOI for short-term noise monitoring locations closes
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19 July 2021
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 has finished this stageNoise Modelling Report released and NAPs review period commences
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Mid-August 2021
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 has finished this stageInstallation and commencement of noise monitoring
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26 September 2021
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 has finished this stageSubmission period for NAPs closes.
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1 October 2021
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 has finished this stageShort-term noise monitors at first three locations available on WebTrak:
- Yandina Creek
- Eumundi / Cooroy Mountain
- Mudjimba
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11 October 2021
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 has finished this stageCommunity suggested alternatives period commences
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January 2022
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 has finished this stageSubmission period for Community Suggested Alternatives closes.
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From January 2022
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 has finished this stageAirservices evaluation of submissions
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9 February 2023
Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31 is currently at this stageDraft report released for public comment period
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26 March 2023
this is an upcoming stage for Sunshine Coast Airport Airspace Changes Runway 13/31Public comment period closed
Resources
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PIR report
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Sunshine Coast community workshop (15/10/2022) presentation (2.78 MB) (pdf)
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PIR Terms of Reference and Community Engagement Plan
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Noise modelling and Noise Abatement Procedures
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Short-term Noise Monitoring
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PIR Community Meeting Resources
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Presentation - Sunshine Coast CIS - 18-11-2021 (3.91 MB) (pdf)