2017-06-06 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     6 JUNE 2017


RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Property Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee
Meeting dated 6 June 2017 and:
A.   Authorise the CEO to prohibit hang gliding and paragliding at Lot 149 on RP130983,
     Tingira Crescent, Sunrise Beach due to the unreasonable impact on resident amenity
     (detailed as Option 3 in the report);
B.   Proceed to amend Local Law No.4 (Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities and
     Roads 2015) to prohibit flying activities on Lot 149 on RP130983; and
C.   Continue to work with the Sunshine Coast Sports Aviators Inc. and relevant stakeholders to
     develop a Regional Sports Facility Plan for hang gliding and paragliding within the
     Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council and Gympie Regional Council local government
     areas.


REPORT
Council is trustee of Lot 149 on RP130983, situated at Tingira Crescent, Sunrise Beach (the site)
under a Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) for public park purposes. The site has been used as a
launch site for hang gliding and paragliding since the 1960’s (see Attachment 1). The site faces
due east, is easily accessible and provides a sloping grass surface making it an ideal launch site
for flying in the prevailing east – south east winds over the high frontal dune between Sunrise
Beach to north Sunshine Beach (see Attachment 2). In addition to flying activities, the site is
utilised by the community to observe the surf conditions and view the ocean.

The Sunshine Coast Hang Gliding Club formed approximately 15 years ago and, following
amalgamation with the Conondale Cross Country Flyers, became the Sunshine Coast Sports
Aviators Inc. (SCSA). SCSA and its predecessor have held permits of 1 to 3 years’ duration over
the Site since 2005. The most recent one year permit expired in September 2015 and SCSA
continue to use the site under the expired permit conditions.

Hang gliding and paragliding has a long history on the Sunshine Coast and occurs from a variety
of locations across coastal and inland locations. Each site has unique characteristics and offers a
different flying experience for participants.

On its website www.sunshinecoastsportsaviators.com.au SCSA lists the local area flying sites as:
1.    Alexandra Headland;
2.    North end Sunshine Beach;
3.    Point Cartwright;
4.    Rainbow Beach – Carlo Sandblow;
5.    Teewah Beach; and
6.    Inland Flying sites – mostly along the Blackall Range.

Over the years there have been complaints about the use of the site, particularly in relation to
safety concerns and impacts on residents’ privacy. Approximately five years ago, residents
complained to Council regarding the flyers’ use of in-flight cameras. Subsequently in 2012, a new
clause was included in the tenure agreement prohibiting the use of cameras in flight. One of the
primary reasons for the increase in complaints is the increase in the use of the site, with more
flyers using the site particularly with the advent of paragliding (paragliding is now a popular
activity and has largely replaced hang gliding). Additionally, the visual interaction between the
flyers and residents has increased given changes in house design over time along the coast to
incorporate more outdoor based living, swimming pools and use of glass.



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