Master Plan 2006 - Gold Coast Airport

1.3 DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE
MASTER PLAN
The Master Plan is a strategic plan for future airport facilities
that will satisfy the forecast aviation demands in a way that is
compatible with the environment and local community needs.
It provides a rational development program for aviation
infrastructure that maintains flexibility to accommodate future
changes in the dynamic aviation industry.
The Master Plan must also reflect the reality of the changing
revenue-generating sectors of the airport’s business and
identify new non-aviation commercial revenue streams
that will maintain the airport’s profitability by supporting
infrastructure development and economic growth.
GCAPL’s development objectives are to:
1.4 HISTORY OF GOLD COAST AIRPORT
An emergency landing strip for aircraft was developed on
the site of what is now Gold Coast Airport in 1936. In 1939,
three gravelled runways in a triangular arrangement were
further developed to accommodate services by Regular
Public Transport (RPT) aircraft. The upgrading continued
with the main runway being extended to 1,676m in 1952
and the bitumen sealing of aircraft movement areas during
the years from 1954 to 1956. Extension of the runway to its
present length of 2,042m was carried out in 1968 to permit
the operations of DC9 and L-188 Electra aircraft. In 1981
airline operations were transferred to a new terminal building
and apron area. Further upgrading of movement areas to
accommodate wide-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A300
and the Boeing B767, and increased traffic was carried out
in 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1996.
• ensure the capacity and provision of Gold Coast Airport’s
infrastructure is commensurate with the forecast growth in
passenger and aircraft movements;
• ensure the safe, secure and efficient movement of
passengers and aircraft;
• achieve an acceptable balance between the development
of the airport and mitigation of environmental impacts
including aircraft noise;
• capitalise on the compatible development potential of
the airport site, thereby generating employment and
economic growth for the region and an equitable return for
shareholders;
• ensure an efficient, diverse and responsive ground
transportation network to cater for the land transport
needs of the traveling public, visitors and airport staff;
• deliver high levels of service, quality and facilities;
• grow the aviation market and network of domestic and
international services to and from Gold Coast Airport;
• provide services and infrastructure that demonstrate a
multi-use, flexible and integrated planning approach; and,
• facilitate the implementation of a road/rail corridor west of
the airport that is acceptable to all major stakeholders.
The current terminal building has been built in a linear
configuration and was intended for extension to the north
and south to cater for future traffic growth.
Prior to 1988 the airport was owned and operated by the
Commonwealth Government. On 1 January 1988, the then
Department of Transport and Communications transferred
control of the airport to the FAC, a Government business
enterprise. Government policy changes saw the airport
privatised on 29 May 1998 with Queensland Airports
Limited (QAL) being the successful tenderer and taking the
role of Airport Leasing Company. In 1999, QAL changed
the company name to Gold Coast Airport Limited (GCAL).
In 2006 the company name was changed to Gold Coast
Airport Pty Limited (GCAPL).
In 2001, pursuant to the Airports Act 1996 the Airport Master
Plan was approved by the Federal Minister of Department
of Transport and Regional Services (DoTARS). This master
plan is the over arching strategic document which guides the
future development of the airport and its environs.
Gold Coast Airport Master Plan 2006
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