Get ready for a glimpse into the future of travel on the Gold Coast. Gold Coast Airport (GCA) has just received federal government approval for its 2024 Master Plan, a 20-year vision guiding a sustainable and innovative airport precinct.
According to airport operator Queensland Airports Limited (QAL), the plan follows extensive consultation with the community and cultural groups and features firm environmental commitments and infrastructure upgrades timed ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Receiving approval for the Master Plan marks an exciting step forward in delivering a future-focused precinct that generates significant health, employment and social outcomes for our surrounding communities,” QAL CEO Amelia Evans said.
“We are a crucial value driver for the region and proudly play an important role in the economic vitality of southeast Queensland and northern NSW.”
What’s ahead?
Key proposed developments include a new public plaza with integrated public transport, more hotels, office space, health and wellness facilities, a conference and technology hub, a retail village and further campus expansion for Southern Cross University.
With the upgrades, GCA projects the hub’s economic contribution to the region will nearly double to $990 million annually, supporting over 6,000 jobs in the next two decades.
“Ensuring GCA’s connectivity and accessibility is vital for the success of both our airport and the regions we serve. It will also deliver an enduring legacy for the 2032 Games,” Ms Evans said.
“Our forecasts project 13 million passengers will pass through the airport annually by 2044 – that’s more than double our current passenger figures.
“The mixed-use precinct will create a vibrant destination for people to work, relax, shop and connect. Our vision extends beyond being just an airport – we aim to be a destination in our own right.”
You can check out the whole plan at goldcoastairport.com.au/masterplan.
Newly launched international routes for Gold Coast Airport include Jetstar’s thrice-weekly direct Gold Coast–Bali flights and Hong Kong Airlines’ nonstop OOL-HKG service.
