Sunshine Coast Council wants to turn Caloundra Aerodrome into an aviation manufacturing and tourism hub. Image: supplied
The Sunshine Coast Council has set its sights on expanding the historic Caloundra Aerodrome into a commercial aviation hub.
The council is hopeful the new Caloundra Aerospace Park can attract more commercial tenants and boost leasable income.
Under the first phase of Caloundra Aerodrome Master Plan 2042, there will be a release of 6.3-hectares of leasable land (out of the current 145-hectare site) with lots flanking either side of Pathfinder Drive and extending to the south-west.
The release is extended to help drive growth in aviation tourism, manufacturing and technology development industries, according to the plan. It says up to 1100 jobs may be created.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli is keen to promote the positive impact of the expansion in terms of the jobs created, business growth and investment while minimising noise for the surrounding areas.
“This expansion is not about more aircraft in the sky,” she says.
“It’s about boosting the scale and diversity of our local economy, attracting new investment and enabling the businesses already operating in the precinct to grow.
“Once Stage One of the Master Plan is tenanted and businesses are operational, Caloundra Aerospace Park is set to create hundreds of new jobs and contribute more than $75 million per annum to our local economy,” Cr Natoli says.
The aerodrome, which has operated since 1931, is home to the Queensland Air Museum with its collection of vintage commercial and military aircraft, Royal Australian Air Force Cadets, Westpac Rescue helicopter service and skydivers.
“This new stage is an exciting opportunity for existing tenants, Sunshine Coast businesses or new players to the region,” Cr Natoli says.
CALOUNDRA MASTERPLAN DETAILS
The Master Plan calls for new infrastructure such as extending Pathfinder Drive, electrical, plumbing, water and sewer upgrades, a bus stop and new carparks.
It recommends that council charge for runway use and aircraft parking (currently free) with plans for new three aprons to house 32 new aircraft (leased), space for three new helicopters and an all-weather helipad, and new taxiways
The aerodrome features two 795m-long sealed runways and is surrounded by urban development in the east, north and west.
Stage Two will see the release of another 37ha of land. The current site is surrounded by housing and ecological conservation land, which has already prompted a redraw of the proposed aerospace park’s boundaries.
Council says there are about 40,000 take offs and landings at the aerodrome each year, most of it to do with flight training.
The new aerospace park will be located 100km from Brisbane City, 20km from Maroochydore and less than 4km from Caloundra’s CBD.
The council is seeking tender submissions from Australian and overseas tenants for long-term ground leases suited for aviation businesses.
Tenders for the stage one lots will open on October 5 and close on November 12.
