Gold Coast Airport (GCA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s approval of its 2017 Airport Master Plan.

Since the approval of the 2011 Master Plan, GCA has welcomed in excess of 6.4 million passengers annually, and is one of Australia’s fastest growing airports.

By 2037, GCA is forecast to have 16.6 million passenger movements annually (13.5 million domestic and 3.1 million international passengers).

GCA Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton said the new Master Plan provided an exciting look into the future of GCA.

“The approval of the 2017 Master Plan by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport the Hon. Darren Chester MP is an important stepping stone in ensuring Gold Coast Airport continues to grow as an economic and aviation gateway to the south east Queensland and northern New South Wales regions,” Ms Charlton said.

“The Master Plan provides a guide to the development of airport facilities, infrastructure and land uses to meet the future requirements of the aviation industry and the communities we serve for the next twenty years.

“It is particularly focused on growth in new aviation infrastructure and commercial facilities over the next 5 years including the continued expansion of the terminal and additional aircraft parking stands.

“Master planning for the airport has also taken into account the future introduction of heavy and light rail facilities. Whilst this is a medium to long term prospect, planning has occurred to ensure that future stations are highly accessible within the terminal precinct. The Master Plan also has provision for a high quality hotel development.

“In line with our previous Master Plans, we will continue to commit to preserving approximately 25 per cent of the airport lease area for conservation purposes through the Cobaki Environment Precinct.”

In 2016, tourism facilitated by the airport contributed an estimated $1.25 billion to the region, making the total economic impact on the Gross Regional Product to be approximately $1.8 billion. This represents 5.7 per cent of Gross Regional Product.

The Economic Impact Assessment identified GCA and its associated on-airport businesses contributed an estimated $545 million to the regional economy in 2016, having grown significantly from $269 million in 2009/2010.

Under the Airports Act 1996, GCA is required to prepare and publish an Airport Master Plan every five years.

This Master Plan has been prepared as per the planning framework prescribed in the Airports Act 1996. The approved Final Master Plan will be formally published and available on the GCA website by late September this year.

The approval of the GCA Master Plan does not authorise any major development on the airport. Such developments require additional community consultation and approval by the Federal Government through the Major Development Plan process.