On July 28 2023, the Minister for Economic Development Queensland (MEDQ) declared Sunshine Coast Airport a Priority Development Area (PDA) – a collaboration between Economic Development Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Airport.
The announcement of a PDA recognises the airport as a significant regional asset and the important role it plays as an economic enabler for the wider region. The PDA, which covers the 460 hectare airport site, will support the creation of a modern competitive airport, delivering significant growth opportunities across employment, local business and tourism.
The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and in 2023, Sunshine Coast Airport welcomed a record 1.63 million passengers, reinforcing how critical the development of the airport will be in supporting the region’s growth.
Now that the PDA has been declared, the Airport site will operate under
an Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) while the proposed development scheme is being prepared.
The ILUP is a planning instrument that essentially acts as a ‘holding pattern’ whilst the development scheme is being prepared.
Land uses listed in the ILUP have elevated development rights, which means development applications can be lodged and obtained to allow construction commencement prior to the development scheme approval.
The ILUP for Sunshine Coast Airport consists of two precints:
- Precinct 1: Airport – includes the existing Sunshine Coast Airport terminal, airport facilities and infrastructure, and general aviation operations.
- Precinct 2: Environmental Conservation – includes environmental conservation areas that are of environmental significance and have associated conservation, biodiversity, habitat and scenic amenity values.
As Australia’s first carbon neutral airport, we will continue to put sustainability at the heart of everything we do.
The following initiatives are part of our on-going commitment to ensuring a responsible approach to environmental management:
90Ha environmental conservation area
Airfield LED lighting upgrade reduced energy consumption by approx. 50%
More than 1,600 trees planted, including 600 Mount Emu She-Oak trees
21 frog ponds support vulnerable acid frogs and froglets
27Ha Wallum Heath Management Area for vulnerable Eastern Ground Parrot
Stay up to date with development
We appreciate and encourage our community to follow the progress of the proposed development scheme.
A public notification period also forms part of the PDA process, providing the opportunity to view and understand the proposed development scheme and have a say.
More information about the Sunshine Coast Airport PDA and the proposed development scheme can also be found on the Queensland Government EDQ Website.
Please Alternatively, you can visit our dedicated online resource at www.scadevelopments.com.au.
