Another step in the expansion of Gold Coast Airport has been taken, with the successful installation of a giant new stormwater unit – the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Installation of the unit is part of a suite of ground transport infrastructure project activities at Gold Coast Airport, initiated to divert trunk stormwater infrastructure around the footprint of the proposed Southern Terminal Expansion (STE), which is part of the $370 million Project LIFT redevelopment.

The new stormwater alignment will service the new terminal, as well as the new 192-bed hotel that is due to be constructed on the airport precinct from the end of this year.

Queensland Airport Limited (QAL) Executive General Manager of Property and Infrastructure Carl Bruhn said the new SPEL Stormceptor was designed to collect and treat an anticipated 96ML of stormwater run-off – equivalent to almost 40 Olympic-sized swimming pools – from a catchment area of more than seven hectares per year.

“The successful installation of the Stormceptor represents a significant milestone in the groundwork preparation ahead of construction of the new terminal and hotel precinct,” Mr Bruhn said.

“Measuring 27 x 3.5 metres in length and weighing in at 13.3 tonnes, the Stormceptor is the largest system of its kind built by SPEL in Australia.

“The new stormwater alignment diverts stormwater around the new terminal footprint, where it then enters the dual-chamber SPEL system which filters out pollutants including suspended solids, light liquids and gross pollutants prior to releasing the treated water back into the drainage channel.

“This represents a win for the environment, while allowing QAL to progress with our exciting new expansion plans.”

Installation of the Stormceptor was overseen by civil contractors SEE Civil alongside manufacturer SPEL, and involved the intricate placing of the giant structure to within millimetres of its designated resting area, six metres below ground level.

“Our contractor SEE Civil used a 250-tonne crane to carefully lift the unit into place. The excavation for the unit removed 3700m3 of spoil to a final depth of six metres below surface level,” Mr Bruhn said.

“It was a significant engineering feat to install this system and we thank our contractors, staff and everyone involved in the project for their outstanding professionalism.”

The new system is expected to be operational by the end of November.

The Project LIFT redevelopment will ensure the facility can accommodate future growth, with passenger movements expected to reach 16.6 million annually by 2037.

Earlier this year, the airport completed an $86 million airside upgrade, including a new apron area for up to four additional aircraft.

Queensland Airports Limited operates Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.

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