noise and Caloundra - issues all been heard before (probably no worse than a main highway)
there was something on the radio this morning (30.1.14) but missed it - helicopter training I think
...................... don't know much about Caloundra - anyway a rumble in the jungle
Choppers could buzz Caloundra 127 times a day in new plan
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Kathy Sundstrom
17th Oct 2012 5:43 AM
Updated: 2:31 PM
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bellhelicopter.com
THE drone of a helicopter 127 times a day, 330 days a year, could become a reality for residents living near Caloundra Aerodrome.
The council has released a draft master plan for the 145-ha site.
It includes increasing the size of the Queensland Air Museum, creating a new parking and viewing area, and boosting industry with a potential non-aviation commercial development.
But there is also the startling reality of noise.
The council predicts the number of air movements at the aerodrome will increase from 40,000 to a "medium estimate" of 84,000 by 2030.
Noise modelling assumptions estimate this could mean 254 movements a day, 330 flying days a year.
Half of these movements are expected to be helicopter operations and 80% of movements are circuits.
It is understood the sound level affecting many homes could be above 60 decibels, loud enough to interrupt a conversation.
Some residents could expect this to happen up to 20 times a day.
Little wonder Cr Tim Dwyer suggested last month Caloundra South be renamed the Caloundra Aerodrome Estate "so they can't complain they didn't know there was an aerodrome there".
"This development was strenuously objected to by the council.
"However approval was subsequently granted by the Queensland Government in 2011," the draft master plan reads.
The council proposes to develop a helipad at the aerodrome within five years.
The council document says the increased helicopter training activity "presents additional challenges for residents of the recently approved development of Bells Reach".
"Residents of this development will be seriously impacted by current and future aircraft noise," it warns.
Bellvista Community Association president Les Thomas was unaware of plans to increase helicopter movements.
He said the council would face a backlash from 50,000 residents if it allowed significant increases.
Divisional Councillor Rick Baberowski said he would not support increasing helicopter movements to such an extent.
The draft can be viewed online at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or at council offices or libraries.
MODELLING ASSUMPTIONS
84,000 aircraft movements per year
Helicopter operations are 50% of all movements by 2030
330 flying days per year
254 movements per day
80% of movements are circuits