Present were Emma Thomas (SCRC CEO); Councillor Jason O’Pray; Tom Jamieson (SCRC General Executive Built Infrastructure); Ayllie White (SCAPL); Ross Ullman (SCAEP Project Director); Martin Peelgrane (MRA President); Darrin Edwards (MRA).

The MRA members met with the SCRC to seek clarity from Council regarding the roles and accountabilities of Council officers for the Airport and to seek support from our Council, and Councillors, for the concerns Mudjimba Residents have for the current operations of the Airport’s new runway.

Martin referred to a briefing paper provided to Council prior to the meeting to outline the history and issues of the airport redevelopment for the new CEO. We sought clarity around Council accountability for the EIS Recommendations and Proponent Commitments. We also asked which Council officer is responsible for the Airport and the issues of concern to the community. We were advised it is ultimately Tom Jamieson, General Executive Built Infrastructure, who reports to the CEO on the Airport.

We shared specific flight data observed following the opening of the new runway and the summary of issues being experienced by residents (as per previous reports by MRA to the SCAPL). We discussed the deficiencies of the existing Noise Abatement Procedure (NAP) and shared our improved NAP to be submitted to the Post Implementation Review to be conducted by Airservices Australia over the coming months. We left copies of our proposed NAP with the attendees for their consideration. We asked SCRC to support all aspects of our NAP to reduce noise and nuisance flights over Mudjimba homes.

Outcomes:

The meeting was positive and constructive. We were thanked for providing a solutions-based approach to the issues of concern.

Council indicated they have been ensuring ASA runs a very thorough PIR and consultation mechanism. Council committed to work with the Airport (SCAPL) regarding our concerns and proposed solutions.