Separation issue involving a Short Bros Pty Ltd SD360-300, VH-SUR, Hervey Bay, Aerodrome, QLD on 6 July 1997

When approaching the aerodrome the crew made the appropriate CTAF calls, with no response. At 1,500 ft, just before turning crosswind, a single engined Cessna aircraft was observed about 800 m to the right and about 200 ft below. No response was heard after further calls on CTAF. The crew was unable to identify the aircraft. The pilot suggested that the Hervey Bay / Maryborough area be made an MBZ due to the number of airline flights into the area each day, and the traffic density associated with the two aerodromes. Advice of a safety deficiency has been raised and is being considered. The situation is common to other aerodromes subject to frequent airline operations.