Ministerial Statement: Sunshine Coast Airport expansion declared significant ...

[ozbob]

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
27/10/2011

Sunshine Coast Airport expansion declared significant project

The proposed $419 million upgrade to the Sunshine Coast Airport has been declared a significant project by the Coordinator-General.

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council, which owns and manages the airport, has plans to construct a new runway and terminal, and expand the aviation business precinct at the Marcoola airport site.

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade Andrew Fraser said the project would offer significant operational benefits for the terminal and provide opportunities for local economic growth.

"If approved, the new east-west runway will be 2,430 metres long - 633 metres longer than the existing airstrip - allowing for a newer generation of quieter aircraft and a smaller proportion of take-off and landing flight paths passing over residential communities," Mr Fraser said.

"An upgraded airport would be able to accommodate larger aircraft providing additional passenger capacity, stimulating tourism and opening the airport to an expanded international market."

Mr Fraser said if the proposal received approval construction was expected to start in 2014 and would generate about 1,400 jobs over the six-year period of construction.

"The airport has been identified as a key regional transport hub that is likely to influence major growth in the area," Mr Fraser said.

"This project would mean the airport could become an attractive alternative to Brisbane Airport, and could see resource companies take advantage of the employment potential of the Sunshine Coast and hinterland."

Coordinator-General Keith Davies said the project would now be thoroughly assessed through an Environmental Impact Statement process which will consider the source of the runway fill among other environmental issues.

"A significant project declaration does not constitute project approval," Mr Davies said.

"Rather, it means the project's scale, complexity, technology components and potential effects on infrastructure, employment, culture and the environment will be rigorously assessed.

"Community engagement and public comment are an important part of the decision-making process. For that reason, the public will be given an opportunity to comment on the wording and intent of the terms of reference for this project's EIS when they are developed and advertised."

For more information on the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion project, visit www.deedi.qld.gov.au

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[Stillwater]

What a pity that the Connecting SEQ 2031 document confirms Marooychydore as the terminus for the CAMCOS rail corridor, when the original concept was to extend it to the Sunshine Coast Airport.  Getting a railway line across the Maroochy River seems a bit too hard.

It is easy to conceive international charter flights landing at the Sunshine Coast Airport (and also at the Gold Coast Airport), and passengers transferring to a train.  Alternatively, people could stay a few days on the coasts, then catch a train to Brisbane and elsewhere in SEQ.

Before we hear the inevitable reply from some here that air passengers heading to Brisbane should land at Brisbane, not the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast, remember the coasts are international destinations in their own right and that the cheaper charter flights using the coasts (with their lower landing charges) represent a significant proportion of the travel market.  Having charter flights into and out of the coasts also relieves pressure for more road infrastructure serving Brisbane Airport.

It seems the CoastConnect fast train service will eventually link the Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane, but not continue through to the Sunshine Coast Airport.  Mind you, the rail experience from Brisbane to Maroochydore is 20 years off, and probably longer.

[Arnz]

Waste of money for my liking.  There has been the odd seasonal Tran-tasman flights from Auckland to Sunshine Coast over the years, and perhaps the odd occasional charter flight to a Asian port (perhaps Singapore), but I can't see further than regular scheduled domestic and the Tran-tasman flights.

Sunshine Coast Airport management should really look at getting the North Queensland scheduled flights going alongside the recently introduced FIFO flights to North Queensland as well as some Adelaide flights.  Perhaps look at getting Tran-Tasman flights on a regular seasonal basis rather than the odd charters every few years (It would cost money to get Customs officers to drive up from Brisbane for the season).  Airport management do have the terminal space to gate off specific areas for international arrivals, as they have used it before on the occasional Trans-tasman flights.

[somebody]

Waste of money for my liking.  There has been the odd seasonal Tran-tasman flights from Auckland to Sunshine Coast over the years, and perhaps the odd occasional charter flight to a Asian port (perhaps Singapore), but I can't see further than regular scheduled domestic and the Tran-tasman flights.

I agree.  I don't understand what about the facilities it is which restricts its use.  Perhaps night landings?  Other than that, I'd expect that this airport was good enough as is, and yes, I have flown into it.

[SurfRail]

Waste of money for my liking.  There has been the odd seasonal Tran-tasman flights from Auckland to Sunshine Coast over the years, and perhaps the odd occasional charter flight to a Asian port (perhaps Singapore), but I can't see further than regular scheduled domestic and the Tran-tasman flights.

I agree.  I don't understand what about the facilities it is which restricts its use.  Perhaps night landings?  Other than that, I'd expect that this airport was good enough as is, and yes, I have flown into it.

I certainly don't think it would be viable for them to try to be a third gateway for SEQ at large.  As it is we already have people saying Coolangatta should be closed (we can ignore them with relative safety I think).

[Stillwater]

Ahh, don't underestimate the determination of Clive Palmer, Queensland's richest man. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/palmer-plans-sunshine-coast-boost-with-football-and-china-20110811-1invg.html

Also, existing services in and out of the Sunshine Coast Airport means that planes cannot take off with a full load of fuel - significant disadvantage.

[Fares_Fair]

What a pity that the Connecting SEQ 2031 document confirms Marooychydore as the terminus for the CAMCOS rail corridor, when the original concept was to extend it to the Sunshine Coast Airport.  Getting a railway line across the Maroochy River seems a bit too hard.

It is easy to conceive international charter flights landing at the Sunshine Coast Airport (and also at the Gold Coast Airport), and passengers transferring to a train.  Alternatively, people could stay a few days on the coasts, then catch a train to Brisbane and elsewhere in SEQ.

Before we hear the inevitable reply from some here that air passengers heading to Brisbane should land at Brisbane, not the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast, remember the coasts are international destinations in their own right and that the cheaper charter flights using the coasts (with their lower landing charges) represent a significant proportion of the travel market.  Having charter flights into and out of the coasts also relieves pressure for more road infrastructure serving Brisbane Airport.

It seems the CoastConnect fast train service will eventually link the Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane, but not continue through to the Sunshine Coast Airport.  Mind you, the rail experience from Brisbane to Maroochydore is 20 years off, and probably longer.

Agree.
They will do what Sunshine Coasters have to do because of a severe lack of infrastructure and political seat based nepotism - drive.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[somebody]

Also, existing services in and out of the Sunshine Coast Airport means that planes cannot take off with a full load of fuel - significant disadvantage.

Only if you want to go to Perth or perhaps NZ.  You don't see existing flights to to Darwin or Adelaide, so I find it unlikely that there would be a demand for such flights.  Why would Kiwis want to holiday on the Sunshine Coast?  Warmth, I guess, but they have the laid back lifestyle at home.

[Fares_Fair]

Also, existing services in and out of the Sunshine Coast Airport means that planes cannot take off with a full load of fuel - significant disadvantage.

Only if you want to go to Perth or perhaps NZ.  You don't see existing flights to to Darwin or Adelaide, so I find it unlikely that there would be a demand for such flights.  Why would Kiwis want to holiday on the Sunshine Coast?  Warmth, I guess, but they have the laid back lifestyle at home.

If it's so laid back, then why do so many now call Australia home?  

Perhaps we could do a poll of how many RBoT members are in fact Kiwis.  

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[Arnz]

Also, existing services in and out of the Sunshine Coast Airport means that planes cannot take off with a full load of fuel - significant disadvantage.

Only if you want to go to Perth or perhaps NZ.  You don't see existing flights to to Darwin or Adelaide, so I find it unlikely that there would be a demand for such flights.  Why would Kiwis want to holiday on the Sunshine Coast?  Warmth, I guess, but they have the laid back lifestyle at home.

There was MCY-ADL flights with Tiger before CASA shut them down over safety concerns.  Tiger has since been cleared to return, but I don't think Tiger will be back on this route however.

And as for loads, there are no load restrictions on SYD/MEL flights.  I don't recall load restrictions on the last MCY-Auckland flights (with a Air NZ 737, and before that Freedom Air) a few years ago either.  Perth may be stretching it though with the 4-5 hr legs (pushing maximum range of most 737s or A320s).

[somebody]

$ is the reason so many Kiwis are here.

Interesting about the Tiger MCY-ADL flights.  If Air NZ flew AKL-MCY with a 737, that would have been a -300 which is a bit more capable in its runway performance than the now common -800.  I wouldn't be at all be surprised if the newer aircraft couldn't make it.  The -300 can't carry enough fuel to reach Perth, but can do Trans Tasman flights (just).

[Stillwater]

Let's not forget that this project has been declared a Project of State Significance.  It WILL happen.  It is not about musing whether it is a good idea or not.

The issue

The existing main Runway 18/36 is 1,797m long x 30m wide; operations are restricted to narrow body aircraft types (B737-700/800 and A320) operating services to eastern Australian destinations, and possibly trans-Tasman, at reduced payload.

The plan
Runway 18/36 (North/South) will be retained and Runway 13/31 (East/West) will be added.

The Regular Public Transport apron will be reconfigured

The passenger terminal will be expanded to accommodate international (trans-Tasman) services.

Car park layout will be revised

A new airport access road from David Low Way to service new terminal.

General Aviation facilities will be expanded.

Dedicated helicopter operating areas will be established at the west end of the western GA area.

Enhanced aviation support facilities will be provided, including
− Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services facilities
− Aircraft refuelling facilities
− Air cargo handling facilities
− Ground service equipment storage and maintenance facilities

The commercial precinct will be expanded.

What it will achieve
$10m Aerospace precinct to provide 52,000m2 of land for aviation
industries. Development available from 2012. Construction tender by Jan
2012.

$4.8m Environmental Impact Statement new East/West runway 2011/12,
2012/13.

Tendering for consultants by Dec 2011.

$1.3m for design of terminal modifications to provide more space and will
include air conditioning upgrades. Multiple projects to be tendered over
next 6 months.

$825,000 to upgrade Taxiway C to facilitate larger aircraft. Construction
tender before June 2012.

$6m Projected Partner Investment with several aviation businesses to
generate approx 119 jobs. Negotiations & development will be ongoing
over the next 2 years.

[Stillwater]

The Nautilus Study into connecting Nambour Noosa and Maroochydore by public transport corridors seems to have gone on the backburner while the government considers issues south of the Maroochy River.

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/N/Nautilus-Connecting-Noosa-Nambour-and-Maroochydore.aspx

How will the proposed light rail network for the Sunshine Coast link Maroochydore and Nambour?

[Arnz]

$ is the reason so many Kiwis are here.

Interesting about the Tiger MCY-ADL flights.  If Air NZ flew AKL-MCY with a 737, that would have been a -300 which is a bit more capable in its runway performance than the now common -800.  I wouldn't be at all be surprised if the newer aircraft couldn't make it.  The -300 can't carry enough fuel to reach Perth, but can do Trans Tasman flights (just).

I know Virgin and Qantas sends their 737-800s from SYD-PER on a regular basis without any problems.  Their longest flight with the 738's would be Brisbane-Denpasar with 6 hrs or so, (marketed as Pacific Blue, but with Virgin planes).

[somebody]

$ is the reason so many Kiwis are here.

Interesting about the Tiger MCY-ADL flights.  If Air NZ flew AKL-MCY with a 737, that would have been a -300 which is a bit more capable in its runway performance than the now common -800.  I wouldn't be at all be surprised if the newer aircraft couldn't make it.  The -300 can't carry enough fuel to reach Perth, but can do Trans Tasman flights (just).

I know Virgin and Qantas sends their 737-800s from SYD-PER on a regular basis without any problems.  Their longest flight with the 738's would be Brisbane-Denpasar with 6 hrs or so, (marketed as Pacific Blue, but with Virgin planes).

I meant because of the short runway there would be load restrictions, enough to prevent enough fuel from being loaded on a -800 to reach PER, and probably would prevent a -800 reaching NZ.  -700 would reach PER just fine from MCY, I would expect.

-800s can get out of MCY with enough fuel to reach SYD, and I expect MEL, and probably not restricted payload-wise.

Several aviation watchers do not understand what the point of this new runway is.

[Arnz]

As far as I'm aware, the Virgin 738s go out full during the school holidays between MCY and SYD/MEL without any payload problems.  73Gs iirc uses less runway when taking off, so you may have a point about older models on the shorter runways.

[somebody]

As far as I'm aware, the Virgin 738s go out full during the school holidays between MCY and SYD/MEL without any payload problems. 

Try loading on enough fuel to reach PER and see how much payload you can have.  That's the main point of this new runway isn't it?  Or do they want to allow A330s/787s to use it?  Seems strange.

[Stillwater]

The story is told here: http://www.sunshinecoastairport.com.au/go.cfm/master-plan/

[Arnz]

As far as I'm aware, the Virgin 738s go out full during the school holidays between MCY and SYD/MEL without any payload problems.  

Try loading on enough fuel to reach PER and see how much payload you can have.  That's the main point of this new runway isn't it?  Or do they want to allow A330s/787s to use it?  Seems strange.

It's the later (Stillwater posted details above).  

Still a waste of money, imo.  But since it's very likely to happen, the coast travelling public have to make do.  I personally think the widebody gate with the new terminal (A330 etc) is going to be a white elephant, but I do hope they prove me wrong.

[Set in train]

Having attended BAC's info morning last weekend, they freely commented that access charges to their airport will increase, thus pushing planes to the airports on the coasts. But that's once the parallel runway is constructed.