SC Airport Expansion
What is happening?
The Sunshine Coast Council is proposing 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.
Sunshine Coast Airport
Reasons for upgrade
A longer & wider run way will allow more types of aircraft including wider bodied aircraft with greater capacity (more people) and range (more destinations).
Fewer dwellings in public safety area and noise impact area (or so it’s claimed)
Increased passenger numbers will increase tourism spend in the region and increase number of jobs at the airport
The airport currently operates 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
History of the project so far
Planning for the project commenced with the development of a draft master plan in 2006
The project was referred under the EPBC Act in 2011 and was found to be a controlled action because it impacts on:
wetlands of international importance (sections 16 and 17B)
listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A)
listed migratory species (sections 20 and 20A)
Click here for more details about the environmental concerns.
The project is being assessed through the State led Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process which will satisfy the Commonwealth assessment process through the bi-lateral agreement with QLD. It will require approval by the Federal Environment Minister.
The terms of reference for the EIS were released in May 2012, the EIS is expected to go out for public consultation during the first half of 2014.
Click here for details about the cost benefit analysis.