The expansion of the Sunshine Coast Aerospace Precinct has begun, paving the way for a new $18.6m LifeFlight Australia hanger.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the expansion would provide opportunities for the region.
“Local industries will have a bigger base, supporting local jobs, and there will be a significant boost in business activity from this project,” Mayor Natoli said.
“By 2040, it is estimated, the Sunshine Coast Airport will directly contribute $460 million in total to Australia’s GDP.’’
The $7 million site preparations, including earthworks, roadwork and other infrastructure, lay the ground work for the expansion which will house the new 3-bay hangar for LifeFlight Australia.
State Development Minister Grace Grace said the larger hanger would provide space for two LifeFlight helicopters and a jet.
Minister Grace said LifeFlight was expecting to be operating from its new hanger by June next year.
She said the Aerospace Precinct expansion would also allow for the growth of tourism businesses such as Oceanview Helicopters, who will relocate to the airport.
Minister Grace said community consultation would also begin soon on the proposed development plan for the Sunshine Coast Airport PDA.
