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Merry Christmas! |
Another year has almost flown by, and what a year it has been!
We hope you enjoy our last Sunshine Coast Airport update for the year ….and also a sneak peak of the big things yet to come in 2011, including our 50th Anniversary celebrations!
We would like to thank you for you valued ongoing support and interest in Sunshine Coast Airport’s growth and development.
We wish you a safe, Happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year.
Until 2011…Best Wishes.
Peter Pallot General Manager Airports
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Master Plan Update |
Council is soaring ahead with plans to develop a new east-west runway for Sunshine Coast Airport that will deliver around 3,000 new jobs to the region and will contribute approximately $1.6 billion to the local economy.
The new runway is part of a suite of projects outlined in the Sunshine Coast Airport Master Plan, which also includes a new terminal and associated support infrastructure.
The current phase of planning includes the development of preliminary designs and preparation of an Initial Advice Statement (IAS) and an Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) referral.
These steps, which are expected to be completed towards the end of the year, pave the way for the preparation of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) – a process that is likely to take around three years.
The Master Plan sets out a vision for a runway of 2450 metres, allowing new domestic and international routes to operate out of the Sunshine Coast.
While construction of the new runway and associated infrastructure was not expected to begin until 2016, Major Projects Councillor Debbie Blumel said the staged transformation of the airport was already taking shape.
“Recent upgrades to road access, car parking and a terminal redevelopment that improves passenger comfort and security while retaining our unique Sunshine Coast character, all form part of what will ultimately be a dynamic transport hub and economic engine for our region.
“While we won’t complete the approval stages for another three to four years, our immediate focus is on getting the design right so the airport meets our future needs.
“The transformation of Sunshine Coast Airport will open the door for airlines to offer more destinations, boosting tourism and giving locals more travel options than ever before with destinations like India, China and the west coast of America achievable from the new runway,” she said. “It is impossible to over-estimate how important this project is to the region.”
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Taking Business to new heights |
Sunshine Coast Airport is asking the region’s business leaders to contribute to a major survey to help establish the first ever business flights.
The airport is negotiating with airlines on the need for the business flights, but wants vital information from Coast executives on their wants, needs and desires. The survey will assist Sunshine Coast Airport to mount a major campaign strategy to secure business flights for the region.
Business leaders are being asked to pre-register their interest with Sunshine Coast Airport so that specific feedback can be gathered on the needs and demands of the business community and the Sunshine Coast.
Business leaders will be asked to advise what flight schedules and routes they require, the daily or weekly frequency of use, pricing structures and the facilities they require such as Wi Fi and other amenities.
The survey will commence in early 2011. A good response from Coast businesses will ensure airport officials will be able to build and make an effective case and also provide proof of the viability of business flights for the region.
The survey is the latest strategic planning by the airport to continue and expand its role as a dominant player in and contributor to the Coast’s social and economic infrastructure. To register your interest email stacy.madden@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
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Help us celebrate - 50th anniversary celebrations |
On August 12 2011 Sunshine Coast Airport will celebrate its 50 year anniversary. A number of events are in planning to help us celebrate this milestone, with both community and industry in the region, in the lead up to the event.
The airport has recently commenced a social history research project, which will continue over the coming months, early into 2011. This project will result in a 50th Anniversary commemorative book documenting the airport’s history, and will be full of historical articles, anecdotes and interviews, and a photographic history.
Peter Pallot, General Manager Airport, encourages community members who have stories to share and who have been involved with the airport throughout its history to come forward and share their information with us. Stories, articles and photographs will be crucial to its overall success, and accurately reflecting the story. “This means that in 2011 when the Airport celebrates its 50th, we will be able to draw from an extensive range of items for a complete history over the years.”
If you would like to be involved or would like to be interviewed to share your story you can contact Stacy Madden on T 5453 1507 or E stacy.madden@sunshiencoast.qld.gov.au Watch this space for more announcements on 50th Anniversary events and celebrations in 2011!
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SCA and Jetstar support Sunshine Coast Nippers |
For the second surf lifesaving season, Sunshine Coast Airport in partnership with Jetstar, is proud to be supporting the coast’s Nippers’ clubs with beach equipment and uniforms.
Sunshine Coast Airport General Manager, Peter Pallot said the Nippers and what they stand for in terms of a fun, energetic, safe and smart lifestyle activity matches the values of both the Sunshine Coast Airport and Jetstar.
“Our support of the Sunshine Coast Nipper movement helps provide a safe environment for our children to learn life skills, whilst enjoying our beaches with their families” Peter Pallot said.
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Premium Long Term Car Park - now open! |
There’s now Premium Long Term Carpark on offer to the travelling public at Sunshine Coast Airport.
This latest facility upgrade follows on from the terminal upgrade which was completed at the end of 2009 and is another example of our ongoing commitment to provide improved facilities to our guests with a variety of parking options.
As part of the upgrade the installation of weather covers to over 160 car parks is currently underway and will offer not only improved weather protection for vehicles but also reduced sun and heat exposure for passengers.
To view all of the parking options available at Sunshine Coast Airport visit the ‘To and From’ page on our website and follow the links to the updated Car Parking page, which includes a useful parking calculator and map to help you plan your trip in advance. |
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In memory of Ian Mackinnon |
Long time Marcoola resident and aviation enthusiast Ian MacKinnon sadly lost his brave battle with cancer this year. Ian was a valued member of the Sunshine Coast Community Aviation Forum for over five years, along with his wife Dawn. He played an integral role within the group, displaying strong, community focused-views and worked closely with Sunshine Coast Airport community group in the development of the Airport Master Plan. Sunshine Coast Airport would like to pay our deepest respects and sympathies to Ian’s wife Dawn and their family. |
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| New transport options for Airport passengers | |
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| Free Holiday Buses | |
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This Christmas/New Year every single public bus across the Sunshine Coast will be free from 26 December to 9 January as Sunshine Coast Council helps to bust congestion and ease parking pressure over the holidays. For the first time, all public buses, Sunbus, Flexilink Services, Glasshouse Country Coaches, Council Cabs and the 3am New Year’s Eve service will be free, across the Coast, made possible by funding from the Public Transport Levy.
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| Bay 1 upgrade | |
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The Sunshine Coast Airport has commenced work on upgrading one of its existing aircraft parking bays. This upgrade will allow greater operating capacity with a total of four bays able to accommodate the larger size commercial aircraft including 737's and A320's. This work is due for completion early in 2011.
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