Miles doing what matters: Sunshine Coast Airport expands

Visual assets here: https://www.dropbox.com/t/T6gyW9k0siQI5rMp

• Construction begins on 2.5ha expansion of the Sunshine Coast Aerospace Precinct
• New home for both LifeFlight and tourism business
• Sunshine Coast Airport jobs to grow to 2400 by 2040

Construction of the Sunshine Coast Aerospace Precinct expansion has begun today, the first major project approved by the Miles Government in the Sunshine Coast Priority Development Area.

The $7 million site preparations, including earthworks, roadwork and other infrastructure, pave the way for the expansion of the Aerospace Precinct.

The new area will allow space for the construction of a new Queensland-Government funded $18.6 million 3-bay hangar for LifeFlight Australia - Queensland’s largest community helicopter rescue service.

The larger hanger will provide space for two LifeFlight helicopters and a jet.

State Development Minister Grace turned the sod on the first of the earthworks today and LifeFlight is expecting to be operating from its new hanger by June next year.

The Aerospace Precinct expansion will also allow for the growth of tourism businesses such as Oceanview Helicopters, who will relocate to the airport.

The airport work is one example of the Miles Government doing what matters for Queensland. On the Sunshine Coast the Miles Government budget provides: 

• $1.3 billion on Big Build for productivity-enhancing infrastructure and capital works, estimated to support around 3500 jobs in this region.
• $1.8 billion on health for the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.
• $65 million on education to maintain, improve and upgrade schools in the region.
• $30.8 million for social housing to expand and improve social housing on the Sunshine Coast.
• $1300 for electricity bill support for Queensland households in collaboration with the Federal Government.
• We’re lowering the cost of living with $1000 off every Queensland household’s electricity bill; 50c public transport fares across Queensland; 20% reduction in the cost of car registration, removing stamp duty for first home buyers to $700,000 and freezing all government fees and charges.

By 2026-27, passenger growth at the Sunshine Coast Airport is expected to boost the local tourism industry by supporting 4977 tourism jobs and $422 million in Gross Value-Add (GVA) to the sector.

By 2030, it is estimated there will be an annual increase of $11 million to Queensland’s GDP.  By 2040, it is estimated the Sunshine Coast Airport will directly contribute $460 million in total to Australia’s GDP.

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace has also flagged community consultation will begin soon on the proposed development plan for the Sunshine Coast Airport PDA that will boost jobs, grow the tourism economy, and support other sectors such as freight and education.

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“We’re thrilled to be able to build on the work we’re doing in Queensland regions like the Sunshine Coast.

“Through this Aerospace Precinct expansion, we’re not only inviting the growth of the tourism industry and creating more good jobs for the community – we’re also ensuring the growth of crucial services as well as local businesses.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor Rosanna Natoli, Sunshine Coast Regional Council:

“The beginning of these early works on the Sunshine Coast’s own Aerospace Precinct’s expansion means more opportunities for our fast-growing community.

“Local industries will have a bigger base, supporting local jobs, and there will be a significant boost in business activity from this project.

“It is wonderful to know that by 2040, it is estimated the Sunshine Coast Airport will directly contribute $460 million in total to Australia’s GDP.’’

Quotes attributable to Chris Mills, CEO, Sunshine Coast Airport:

“The Airport’s $7m investment into the expansion of the Aerospace Precinct will unlock new key sites for LifeFlight and Oceanview Helicopters and help enhance general aviation on the Sunshine Coast.

“The Aerospace expansion marks the start of the Airport’s next phase of growth and is the first major project approved by the State government, laying the foundation for further development opportunities that will support our growing community.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:

“It’s exciting to watch the Sunshine Coast grow and the Sunshine Coast Airport is a key to our sustainable future.

“The Miles Government is managing the growth of our region while delivering real benefits to all residents”.

Quotes attributable to Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:

“The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s fastest growing areas and managing that growth presents both opportunities and challenges,

“The Miles Government is delivering homes, cost of living relief and managed development of our region”.

Further information:

• Last year’s budget announced $586 million in additional funding for LifeFlight Australia, with an additional $18.6 million funding a new hangar in the expanded Aerospace Precinct at the Sunshine Coast airport.
• Priority Development Areas (PDAs) are areas of land within Queensland identified for development to deliver significant benefits to the community.
• The Sunshine Coast Airport PDA was declared at the request of the Sunshine Coast Council to provide a streamlined planning framework that accommodates the future needs of the airport. Learn more: Sunshine Coast Airport | State Development and Infrastructure

ENDS

Media contact: Kim Sweetman 0457 600 237