Sunshine Coast – Airport Redevelopment
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is set for a major tourism boom after a multi-million dollar runway extension for the region’s airport at Maroochydore was granted Federal approval of the Environmental Impact Statement.
The New Runway Project will deliver a new 2450m x 45m runway fully compliant with regulatory standards and capable of servicing aircraft such as the Airbus A330, Boeing 787 and Boeing 777, as well as runway end taxiway loops, an expanded apron and terminal facilities, a new air traffic control tower and associated infrastructure.
The Sunshine Coast Airport has been operating and evolving for more than 50 years, and as the region continues to grow, the airport must expand to meet the needs of the community and to continue to support the development of the region’s economy. The project will enable direct flights to more destinations across Australia, Asia and the Western Pacific, enhancing national and global connections. It will generate jobs and economic growth, boost tourism, help export businesses and secure air access to the Sunshine Coast for generations to come.
Aircraft movements are forecast to grow by 20 per cent to 38,270 by 2020 and a further 30 per cent to 53,480 by 2040, with the potential to bring almost half a million more visitors a year to the coast by 2040. The project represents business opportunities for local construction, manufacturing and professional service companies in the region, and is forecast to generate 1,500 new ongoing jobs by 2040, as well as more than 80 construction jobs and an estimated $140 million-plus boost to regional economic activity during construction.
The environment conditions and recommendations set on the project will manage potential aircraft noise, protect flora and fauna habitat and water quality, particularly in the sensitive Maroochy River and Mount Colum National Park.
The project will provide a broad range of benefits with the realigned east-west runway resulting in almost 5,000 fewer dwellings affected by aircraft noise than if the north-south runway had been extended. The enhanced connection between Sunshine Coast business and the global economy will stimulate the diversification in employment opportunities, contributing $4.1 billion to Gross Regional Product between 2020 and 2040 and supporting the on-going development of the Sunshine Coast.
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