Sunshine Coast Airport

Following a series of recent milestones including the successful completion of the terminal building upgrade in November 2009 and announcements by both Jetstar and Tiger Airways about increased flight frequency during 2010, Sunshine Coast Airport is now planning for the next growth phase.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Bob Abbot said the airport team had commissioned technical experts, AECOM and ARUP, to start investigations around the delivery of a new runway, which was a key element in the 2007 Master Plan.

“This is a very early but essential stage in planning for a new runway and will contribute to the development of a preliminary design,” Councillor Abbot said.

“A new runway had been identified as a catalytic project that would bring significant economic benefit to the entire region,” he said.

“However, this initial planning and investigative stage will enable us to advance our understanding of the opportunities and constraints around the proposed project.”

Sunshine Coast Airport General Manager Peter Pallot said the preliminary investigations are expected to take around six months.

“The Initial Advice Statement is an information gathering process that will inform all levels of government of the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the project,” Peter Pallot said.

“From this, the relevant commonwealth and state government departments will set the terms of reference for an environmental impact study,” he said.

Source:  Sunshine Regional Council