We, the undersigned respectfully petition Sunshine Coast Council to issue a trial permit for Paradise Seaplanes for the purpose of determining what, if any, impacts the operation will have on the Pumicestone Passage and the users thereof.

The enjoyment of this beautiful area for ALL is extremely important. RAMSAR guidelines specify that a listed area be protected but also that it is subject to “wise use”. This specifically includes tourism activities.

Seaplanes in general are considered worldwide to be the least impactful means of accessing environmentally sensitive areas. Paradise Seaplanes in particular has an outstanding track record of operation here on the Sunshine Coast.

The risk involved with allowing this award-winning and responsible tourism business to operate for a trial period is practically nil and is the usual process employed by the Council to determine whether a permit should be issued.

There is no evidence that seaplanes or this business will have a negative impact on shorebirds, other users, residents, businesses, or council lands.

Council has a responsibility to the community to ensure the wise use of the area to benefit the most people, not to limit the use to benefit none.

We, therefore, urge Council to issue a trial permit to ensure that decisions regarding a permit to operate are based on fact and community feedback from the actual operation rather than on ‘feared or imagined’ impacts.