Construction has begun on the Sunshine Coast Aerospace Precinct, marking the first project approved by the Queensland 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 three-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.
Queensland Minister for State Development, Grace Grace, has turned the sod on the first of the earthworks and LifeFlight is expecting to operate from its new hanger by June 2025.
The Aerospace Precinct expansion will also allow for the growth of tourism businesses such as Oceanview Helicopters, who will relocate to the airport.
Community consultation will begin soon on the proposed development plan for the Sunshine Coast Airport PDA, set to boost jobs, grow the tourism economy and support other sectors such as freight and education.
Ms Grace said, “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.”
Sunshine Coast Regional Council Mayor, Rosanna Natoli, said that the beginning of these early works on the Sunshine Coast’s own Aerospace Precinct’s expansion means more opportunities for the 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,” Ms Natoli said.
“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.’’
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Chris Mills, said that the Airport’s $7 million 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,” Mr Mills said.
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