The government of Queensland has granted environmental approval to an expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport, a facility located about 100km north of Brisbane.
Annastacia Palaszczuk, the prime minister of Queensland, said the decision was "a fantastic boost of confidence for the Sunshine Coast".
The US$250m development includes:
- A 2,450m long, 45m wide runway
- Two taxiway loops
- The expansion of the terminal and its apron
- A combined air traffic control tower and fire-fighting station
According to its business case, the expansion will add US$3bn to the local economy and will increase tourism and business opportunities.
Nick Lane, acting chief executive of the Australian Airports Association, said: "The project will not only facilitate direct access to more destinations across Australia, it will also open up the Sunshine Coast to international markets."
Construction is expected to start before the end of this year with the project operational by 2020. It still subject to an approval from the Commonwealth Government.
Image courtesy of Sunshine Coast Airport
Story for GCR? Get in touch via email: [email protected]
