Major development plan for Sunshine Coast Airport revealed

Concepts for a reimagined Sunshine Coast airport precinct have been revealed as part of a major development scheme as locals are encouraged to have their say on the future of the 460-hectare site.

An aircraft flies over houses at Mudjimba on approach to Sunshine Coast Airport.

Hotels, shops and tourist attractions have been revealed as part of a major development plan for the Sunshine Coast Airport as locals are encouraged to have their say on the state government’s proposal.

The priority development area, which was declared in July last year, surrounds the existing Sunshine Coast Airport and encompasses approximately 460 hectares in Marcoola.

According to the state government approximately 50 per cent of the total land is deemed appropriate for aviation use.

In the plan put to the public, six precincts are identified as part of the site’s future development, as well as a number of designated environmental buffer zones.

Sunshine Coast Airport development scheme includes six individual precincts.

According to the report, precinct one would ideally be used for aviation facilities such as air traffic control and emergency services, with a 40m buffer zone between the neighbouring residential properties.

The report states precincts two and five are intended for aviation-related industries, as well as other developments including short-term accommodation, retail and tourist attractions between two and 10 storeys.

Meanwhile, precinct four’s preferred uses include renewable energy facilities and conservation activities.

A number of transport projects were also identified in the proposal, including a bus interchange and future Sunshine Coast Airport train station.

The report emphasised the need for efficient development of the Sunshine Coast Airport as the region undergoes unprecedented population growth.

“The development of the airport will be critical in supporting the region’s population growth and the forecast growth in visitation and passenger numbers,” the report stated.

“The investment and expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport will be appropriate to support its role as a key driver of growth for the Sunshine Coast region.”

The development plan comes after the Sunshine Coast Airport completed an extension to accommodate larger aircraft in 2020.

“Existing facilities include the terminal building on the southwestern side of the runway, which predominantly caters for domestic operations, with a ‘swing gate’ arrangement for international operations to and from New Zealand,” the report stated.

“In 2020, a new runway was also established to cater for larger aircraft.”

Written submissions regarding the Sunshine Coast Airport development scheme close on August 8, 2024.

Originally published as Major development plan for Sunshine Coast Airport revealed