Helicopter noise disturbing the peace
Thu 29 May 2008
Belinda Gear, Journalism
One hundred Bellvista residents have signed a petition to stop helicopters hovering less than 500m over the Caloundra Estate.
Councillor Anna Grosskreutz presented the signed petition to Sunshine Coast Mayor Bob Abbot in council with a cover letter from Stockland Property Development's general manager.
Cr Grosskreutz said she had visited the Bellvista estate and aircraft were flying low.
“Chopperline helicopters were not abiding by a fineable agreement signed 10 years ago,” Cr Grosskreutz said.
Cr Grosskreutz said Chopperline should abide by the agreement preventing them from flying over residential areas or build a new helipad, as the noise was a lifestyle challenge to Bellvista residents.
Chopperline chief pilot Ian Paul said the comments were ridiculous.
“We fly below 500m when taking off and landing but that’s it, we don’t hover,” he said.
“We don’t even use the runway near the estate for both take off and landing.”
Depending on the wind conditions of the day, Mr Paul said Chopperline operated out of two separate runways.
“One of the runways is not even near the estate,” he said.
“Which one we use has nothing to do with us, it depends on the weather conditions.
“We are very noise conscious and steer the aircraft early on takeoff so we don’t go as close to the Bellvista estate.”
Mr Paul said aircraft finished flying by 4.30pm each day.
“Residents were warned before they moved in of the airport noise,” he said.
“The residents were made aware by council that the area was subject to aircraft noise and the airport was built first.”
“The airport has been there for 30 years,” he said.
The airport will close when the current lease expires in 2014 and relocate to a more remote area, yet to be determined.
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Submitted Comments
I was not aware this was a problem. I would have liked to have seen a comment from a resident who lived in the estate. I would have also liked to have known what number of aircraft use the airfield.
Christine Hobba