Economic Development Queensland
Click here to visit the website for Economic Development Queensland.
Priority Development Area (PDA)
On 28 July 2023, the Minister for Economic Development Queensland (MEDQ) declared Sunshine Coast Airport a Priority Development Area (PDA). The announcement of a PDA recognised the airport as a significant regional asset and the important role it plays as an economic enabler for the wider region.
On 27 September 2024, the SCA PDA Development Scheme came into effect following a period of public notification from 26 June 2024 to 8 August 2024.
The Development Scheme will help create a world-class airport precinct that connects the local community and welcomes visitors. The Development Scheme unlocks opportunities that will attract investment, drive economic growth, and create jobs both on and off airport.
The PDA covers the 460-hectare airport site, with the development scheme split into six distinct precincts. The Sunshine Coast Airport Gateway Precinct Master Plan has received approval from Economic Development Queensland, marking a major milestone for one of the region’s key growth projects.
Gateway Precinct Master Plan
On 17 November 2025, the Gateway Precinct Master Plan received approval from Economic Development Queensland.
The Gateway Precinct includes a redeveloped terminal providing a welcoming arrival and departure experience, an airport hotel and other development opportunities supported by an active transport network. Development will reflect the region’s unique identity – making Sunshine Coast Airport the natural choice for travellers, business and our community.
The Gateway Precinct is a core part of the strategy to deliver a modern world-class airport that will unlock significant economic benefits for the region and open up commercial opportunities for the airport as it grows.
Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) sought community feedback on Sunshine Coast Airport’s proposed Gateway Precinct Master Plan during the public notification period from 15 September to 14 October 2025.
You can view the Approved Gateway Precinct Area Map in the following section of this page.
Gateway Precinct Area Map
View Gateway Precinct Map >
View the Development Scheme
Click here to view the Sunshine Coast Airport Priority Development Area Development Scheme.
Impact and benefit of a PDA
The PDA will have a significant impact in helping the airport grow its aviation and non-aviation offerings.
As a key economic enabler, and gateway to the wider region, we have a responsibility to our community to attract more business, provide employment opportunities, drive tourism and provide a vibrant hub that will connect people both domestically, and internationally.
Value to the economy
The growth of the airport will add significant value to the local economy and a boost for local businesses.
The PDA will deliver significant economic benefits as a result of a fully developed airport through boosting jobs, growing the tourism economy and supporting other sectors such as food and agribusiness, freight, education and health.
Development Scheme
1 Aviation
Aviation infrastructure and operational areas (runway, taxiways and helipads)
2 Gateway
Supports aviation infrastructure, regional growth and connectivity, catering to the needs of visitors, passengers and employees.
Airport terminal and opportunities for commercial, retail and airport hotel.
3 Aerospace
31 hectares to support the aerospace industry creating new job opportunities.
4 Airport West
Important buffer to critical airport infrastructure and supports environment and sustainability initiatives.
5 Airport North (2 sub-precincts)
Diverse mix of land uses and development to support economic activity.
Tourism, offices, short term accommodation, F&B, light industry.
6 Environmental Conservation
Dedicated to areas of environmental significance associated with conservation, biodiversity, habitat, and scenic amenity values.
Development Scheme Public Notification (completed)
We appreciate our community of residents, tenants, business owners, industry and government have an interest in what happens at the airport. We thank the community for providing their feedback on the Sunshine Coast Airport PDA Development Scheme.