Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion
The Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) initially proposed to upgrade the existing facilities at the Sunshine Coast Airport through the construction of a new East-West runway, a new Terminal precinct and new aerospace business areas. Planning for the project commenced with the development of a draft master plan in 2006 followed by a Conceptual Development Plan in 2010 as well as associated Business Cases in 2009 & 2010. View the Airport Expansion Master Plan here.
Council’s reasons for upgrade
- A longer & wider runway will allow for wider bodied aircraft with greater capacity (more people), and range (more destinations).
- There will be fewer dwellings in the public safety area and noise impact area (according to EIS statement).
- Increased passenger numbers will increase tourism spend in the region, and increase the number of jobs at the airport.
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The airport originally operated under a CASA safety dispensation which will end in 2021, the new runway will meet all safety standards and not require renewal of the CASA dispensation.
Note: On 13 November 2014, due to amendments to the CASA regulations, the requirements for safe operation were transferred from the airport operators to the airline operators.