Key details

The Queensland Government has declared the Caloundra Aerodrome Priority Development Area (PDA) under the Economic Development Act 2012. The PDA covers approximately 117 hectares at Caloundra Aerodrome in Caloundra West, within the Sunshine Coast local government area.

The PDA provides a coordinated planning framework to support future aerospace, advanced manufacturing and defence industry investment at Caloundra Aerodrome and help drive long-term economic growth and skilled jobs on the Sunshine Coast.

Supporting Queensland’s aerospace and defence industries

The Caloundra Aerodrome PDA will support delivery of the HeliMods defence industry expansion and help strengthen Queensland’s sovereign defence capability.

HeliMods was awarded $31.65 million through the Queensland Government’s Sovereign Industry Development Fund to support its major expansion at Caloundra Aerodrome. The project is expected to support 150 construction jobs and create 100 ongoing high-skilled operational jobs.

More broadly, the PDA will provide a planning framework to support:

• advanced aerospace engineering and manufacturing
• research and development
• aviation-related enterprise
• education and training
• more skilled local jobs
• stronger supply chain capability.

Interim Land Use Plan

An Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) applies across the PDA and provides the planning framework while Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) prepares the longer-term PDA Development Scheme.

The ILUP establishes the vision, development assessment procedures and development requirements that apply within the PDA.

The ILUP will remain in effect for up to 12 months or until the PDA Development Scheme takes effect, whichever occurs first.

EDQ is responsible for plan-making and development assessment functions within the PDA.

Vision

The vision is for the Caloundra Aerodrome PDA is as a regionally significant aerospace, aviation and advanced manufacturing precinct that supports innovation, enterprise and high-value employment.

The PDA will:

• expand Queensland’s sovereign defence capability through advanced aerospace engineering and manufacturing
• support research and development, aviation-related enterprise, education and training
• support more local jobs and strengthen the state’s supply chain capacity
• maintain the Queensland Air Museum as an important part of the precinct, safeguarding aviation heritage and contributing to education, tourism and community benefit
• safeguard the planning, delivery and operation of the Dedicated Public Transport Corridor along the eastern side of Caloundra Aerodrome.

Future planning and consultation

EDQ will prepare a PDA Development Scheme to establish the longer-term planning framework for the Caloundra Aerodrome PDA.

Engagement will occur in stages as the Development Scheme is prepared. This will include early engagement with Sunshine Coast Council, key stakeholders and industry, followed by formal public notification of the proposed Development Scheme.

For information about upcoming engagement activities, please visit the Caloundra Aerodrome PDA Have your say page.