InfrastructureKirsten CrazeFri 25 Sep 26
Runway to Resort—$75m Sunshine Coast Airport Masterplan Revealed
The former site of a runway at Sunshine Coast Airport could become a new mixed-use precinct under a $75-million masterplan.
The Airport North Precinct masterplan filed with Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) proposes a resort, hotel, short-term accommodation, shops, eateries, health services and indoor recreation for the 34ha parcel.
The plan also outlines a retirement facility and multiple homes for the site on the northern side of the airport next to the beachside suburb of Marcoola.
Airport North is part of the Sunshine Coast Airport Priority Development Area (PDA), a 460ha state-controlled planning area declared in 2023 to support the airport’s expansion and diversify its economic role beyond aviation.
As a result of its PDA status, applications bypass the Sunshine Coast Council.
Following the announcement this week, Sunshine Coast councillor Taylor Bunnag issued a statement appealing to the community to share their views when public consultation opens.
“The Airport North Precinct ... is in a relaxed beachside location that is serviced by already-stretched infrastructure. As someone who has grown up locally and is now raising their kids here, I want to retain some of our unique coastal characteristics,” she said.
Bunnag said residents in the North Shore and Coolum communities had consistently fought against inappropriate highrise and intensified developments.
Bunnag also said that proposed land uses within the airport boundaries, such as retirement and other housing, “diminishes the opportunity for complementary aviation in the future”.
Building heights across the PDA are generally constrained by aviation requirements, meaning development usually cannot exceed 10 storeys.
Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive Chris Mills said that detailed traffic and flood modelling were being finalised in consultation with the council.
“We believe it is important that the community has access to the full suite of relevant information when being asked to consider the proposal,” he said in a statement.
Beyond Airport North, the Gateway Precinct surrounding the existing terminal approved in November, 2025 includes terminal expansion alongside a 250-room hotel, retail, commercial, childcare, median and industrial sites.
Its economic contribution is forecast to inject $307 million into the Australian economy and $460 million in total by 2040.
The Airport North Precinct proposal will undergo 20 business days of public notification—no start date has been announced.
