Caloundra Aerodrome is scanning the horizon for new businesses to lead expansion plans as its centenary milestone looms.
In operation since 1931, the Sunshine Coast Council-owned facility will be transformed into the Caloundra Aerospace Park, as part of the Aerodrome’s 2042 Master Plan.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the expansion would have a positive impact on the region’s employment, growth and investment.
Mayor Natoli said noise impacts in the surrounding areas would be contained.
“This expansion is not about more aircraft in the sky,” she said.
“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.”
Mayor Natoli said Council was seeking tender submissions from Australian and overseas tenants looking for long-term ground leases.
She said the opportunity would suit aviation-related businesses working in a range of areas, including maintenance, repair, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
“Caloundra Aerospace Park is strategically positioned 100km from Brisbane city centre, 20km from the Maroochydore city centre and less than 4km from Caloundra’s CBD.
“This new stage is an exciting opportunity for existing tenants, Sunshine Coast businesses or new players to the region.”
Mayor Natoli said there would be a range of lots available within the 6.3ha land release, with parcels either side of Pathfinder Drive, which would be extended to the south-west.
She said incoming businesses would join a number of leading Queensland operators already at the location.
“The aerodrome is currently home to a range of leading aviation businesses and the Queensland Air Museum, which has been attracting aviation fans for more than half a century.
“This prominent site also houses the Australian Air Force Cadets and has trained countless pilots for recreational, commercial and military flying.”
Mayor Natoli said once Stage One of the Master Plan was tenanted and businesses operational, Caloundra Aerospace Park would create hundreds of new jobs and contribute more than $75 million each year to the local economy.
For more information visit the Sunshine Coast Council website.
