The Mackay Port Authority is seeking community support in developing a top class sports complex that will give hockey and soccer a safer new home in Mackay.

The MPA has started the ball rolling with the purchase of a large parcel of land off Milton Street.

A community discussion paper has been prepared and negotiations have now been initiated with the Mackay Hockey Association and the Mackay Junior Soccer Association.

The soccer and hockey fields are positioned on the flight path to Mackay's main runway.

Public safety issues are dominating debate on the proposal to relocate soccer and hockey from Barbour Park.

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor said the MPA was seeking to replace the Barbour Park sports fields with a Public Safety Zone.

“The State Government has introduced legislation that requires public safety zones to be established from the threshold of all new runways when new developments are undertaken or international services commence,” Mr Taylor said. “The safety zone can vary in distance from 500 metres to a kilometre.

“The MPA as the operator and owner of Mackay Airport acknowledges it has a duty of care to establish a safety buffer on the approach path to the main runway. Our main runway is adjacent to the Barbour Park soccer and hockey fields.”

Mr Taylor said studies have shown that the majority of aircraft incidents occurred during landing and take-off.

“Close examination of aircraft accidents reported to the International Civil Aviation Organisation since 1970 suggests most of these accidents occur within a thousand metres before the runway on arrival and 500 metres beyond the runway on departure,” he said.

Mr Taylor said Mackay Airport was experiencing unprecedented growth and was clearly one of the busiest regional airports in Australia with more than 40 000 private and commuter aircraft using the airport each year.

The city now boasted 56 passenger services a week with the figure set to rise with the introduction of direct Sydney-Mackay services later this month and plans for direct Auckland-Mackay flights next year.

“Safety has always been paramount. We are aware of our legislative responsibilities and recognise the duty of care that’s required to operate a busy airport in a safe manner,” Mr Taylor said.

“Safety is driving this agenda to relocate hockey and soccer away from the flight path approach to the main runway. All parties involved, including the city council, soccer and hockey have a responsibility to provide a safe environment.”

Mr Taylor said the relocation project should provide the two associations with top class playing fields and facilities. It would allow the groups to expand and plan for the future.

Safe car parking facilities formed a key component of the proposal.

Mr Taylor said the MPA was now seeking public input and feedback on the proposal to relocate soccer and hockey to a new home in Milton Street.

Plans were also underway to establish a community consultative committee to assist in the planning phase of the project.

“I hope the community will eventually take ownership of this project and develop the Milton Street site into a top class sports complex that will cater for a variety of sports into the future,” Mr Taylor said.