The Sunshine Coast Airport is about to undergo the biggest change since its initial construction 55 years ago, with a $347 million expansion project to start this year.
The expansion, which includes a longer and wider main runway to cater for larger, more fuel-efficient aircraft, gained enormous momentum in 2016, laying the groundwork to connect the region to more destinations nationwide and internationally.
The project’s environmental impact statement gained State Coordinator-General support in May and was followed by confirmation of a $181 Federal Government concessional loan in November.
The expansion will provide a huge boost to the local economy and more choice for residents who fly local.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the expansion project would deliver a world of opportunities to the region and he was looking forward to the first plane taking off from the new runway in 2020.
“We pride ourselves on being a region with a get-up-and-go attitude and this council has been very determined to make sure our asset provides the best outcomes for our community,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Once complete, the increased capacity at the airport is anticipated to inject around $4.1 billion into the local economy between 2020 and 2040.
“It will open up the Coast to international markets and drive economic growth.
“New routes will boost tourism and trade and help our export businesses, particularly those operating in the food and agri-businesses sectors, so they get their products and services to markets faster and more efficiently.”
Mayor Jamieson said this year had been a record-breaking one for Sunshine Coast Airport and the expansion project would pave the way for continued growth.
“Sunshine Coast Airport has been Australia’s fastest growing airport since July 2015, was officially designated as Australia’s newest international airport in October 2016 and broke the one million passenger milestone in a 12-month period to cap off the year.
“That shows that we’re building for our future at the right time.
“Our next goal is getting construction underway and completed by the end of 2020. Then we’ll be ready to soar.”
