Ministerial Statement: Sunshine Coast Airport flying high

[ozbob]

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney
18/05/2012

Sunshine Coast Airport flying high

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney has welcomed the next stage of environmental assessment for the proposed Sunshine Coast Airport expansion.

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council proposes to construct a new runway and terminal, and expand the aviation business precinct at the Marcoola airport site.

The proposed new east-west runway would be 2430 metres in length - 633 metres longer than the existing airstrip - allowing for a new generation of quieter aircraft.

"I am pleased that the Queensland Coordinator-General has finalised the terms of reference for the project's environmental impact statement," Mr Seeney said.

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

"If the upgrade goes ahead, the terminal could become an attractive alternative to Brisbane Airport, and be used by resource industry companies keen to t ap into the employment potential of the Sunshine Coast and hinterland."

Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson MP expressed her strong support for the progress of the airport expansion and said construction of a new east-west runway and terminal was essential to the long-term growth and development of the Sunshine Coast economy.

"With estimates showing the project will generate 5,385 new jobs, this expansion would boost employment, tourism and aviation business which is good for the Sunshine Coast and good for Queensland," Ms Simpson said.

Mr Seeney said 14 submissions were received from the public and advisory agencies on the draft terms of reference.

"The submissions have been taken into account in finalising the terms of reference, so the way is now clear for the proponent to complete its EIS studies.

"When I am satisfied that the EIS addresses the terms of reference, the document will be circulated to key stakeholders, and advertise d for public comment.

"The public will have another opportunity to provide further feedback, once the EIS is released," he said.

[ENDS] 18 May 2012

[Fares_Fair]

 

[somebody]

John Murtha Airport.  "It's your money":

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvzNj0Vobss

[Arnz]

With all due respect to the Airport, the council can't simply rely on tourism as its crutch.  Whilst some may say the Airport upgrade is needed, I'd personally disagree with some of their plans. 

However I do agree with any runway extensions though to accommodate the occasional wide body from time to time, as well to enable narrow bodies to reach Perth/Darwin(4-5 hrs) without a payload hit.  The longest flight out of MCY ATM is the winter-spring seasonals to Auckland (using a A320) and NZ has used a fully loaded 737 to MCY on charters over 10 years ago iirc.