FAQs
- declaring the Sunshine Coast Airport PDA (28 July 2023) and commencing of an Interim Land Use Plan.
- preparing a Development Scheme, which includes public consultation.
What is a Priority Development Area (PDA)?
PDAs are parcels of land within Queensland, identified for development to deliver significant benefits to the community. Further information relating to PDAs can be found here.
What is the PDA planning process?
Under the Economic Development Act 2012, the process involves:
EDQ has started this process.
What development can occur under the Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP)?
The ILUP regulates development in the PDA until the detailed planning for the area has been completed and the Sunshine Coast PDA Development Scheme commences. Development that can occur on the Airport site, under the ILUP, is generally consistent with the type of development that could have occurred on the site under the Council’s Planning scheme.
View the ILUP here.
How does the PDA interact with the Sunshine Coast Airport runway expansion project?
In 2020 the Sunshine Coast Council completed the Sunshine Coast Airport runway expansion project (runway expansion project) to enhance the airport’s capabilities and position the Sunshine Coast as a key transportation hub in Australia. The runway expansion project was declared a significant project under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971. The Coordinator-General’s report was delivered on 19 May 2016.
The runway expansion project was also determined to be a controlled action under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared under the bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth and State governments. The EIS assessed the impacts associated with the airport expansion, including impacts from aircraft noise.
The PDA declaration over the Airport site does not override existing approvals and legislative environmental protection requirements associated with the runway expansion and will not reconsider these matters.
What measures are in place to ensure the PDA integrates with surrounding neighborhoods and minimises negative impacts on residents?
The ILUP regulates airport-related development, proposed on land adjoining residential areas, and requires the making of a PDA development application to assess and mitigate potential impacts on the adjoining residents.
Will there be any public input or community engagement processes?
The proposed PDA development scheme will be subject to a minimum 30 business day public notification period. Public notification on the development scheme is anticipated in the second quarter of 2024. This process will provide the community with the opportunity to express their views on the future development outcomes sought for the PDA.
What happens to development applications lodged prior to declaration?
Any development applications lodged with Sunshine Coast Council prior to declaration date and have not yet been decided, will continue to be assessed and determined under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme. For any enquires, please contact council at:
Sunshine Coast Council
Phone: (07) 5475 7272
Email: Customer.Service@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
How are aircraft activities managed now the area is in a PDA?
Airservices Australia is responsible for airspace management and the design of flight paths. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates aviation safety in Australia.
Please contact the Sunshine Coast Airport for the range of tools and resources they have developed to help the community better understand what was involved in the runway expansion project and what it means for residents. Please refer to the Sunshine Coast Airport’s website for further information on noise: Noise | Sunshine Coast Airport
Who do I contact if I have a noise complaint about an airport operation?
Queries or complaints about airport operations at the Sunshine Coast Airport, including noise, should be directed to the Sunshine Coast Airport or the Sunshine Coast Council. Contact details are provided below. Economic Development Queensland does not manage airport operations.
Sunshine Coast Airport
Phone: +61 1300 993 543
Email: info@sunshinecoastairport.com.au
Sunshine Coast Council
Phone: (07) 5475 7272
Email: Customer.Service@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au