{
  "id": 9230527,
  "title": "Airport expansion a threat to character of beachside suburb, opponents say",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/airport-expansion-a-threat-to-character-of-beachside-suburb-opponents",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T00:33:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-23/sunshine-coast-airport-expansion-plan-backlash/107180462"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sunshine Coast Airport has submitted a draft master plan for the Airport North Precinct to Economic Development Queensland, detailing a proposal that could see a resort, hotel, shops, multiple dwellings and a retirement village built on a 34-hectare site. This development has stirred controversy among community groups and a local councillor, who argue that it threatens the character of the beachside suburb. Councillor Taylor Bunnag stated that the proposal risks destroying the unique local character that generations have fought to preserve. The master plan includes various potential uses such as hotels, short-term accommodation, shops, bars, veterinary and health services, indoor sports and a retirement facility. If approved, buildings could reach up to 10 storeys in height. The Sunshine Coast Airport Master Plan 2040 also allows for logistics, cold storage, warehousing, food and beverage, freight facilities and commercial car parking. Marcoola Community Group president Susie Chapman expressed concern over the sudden deviation from the master plan's original intent, which did not include accommodation. She emphasized the need for early public consultation to give residents sufficient time to prepare for the proposal. Airport chief executive Chris Mills declined to comment but stated that the airport submitted the draft plan for initial feedback.",
  "summary": "Residents living in a \"low-key\" beachside area on the Sunshine Coast say they have been blindsided by the plans, which allow for hotels, homes and shops.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}