Big Plans for Sunshine Coast Airport: What It Could Mean for Local Property

Sunshine Coast News recently shared that a new master plan has been submitted for the Gateway Precinct around Sunshine Coast Airport, setting out a bold and transformative vision for the area. This proposal goes far beyond a terminal upgrade. It lays out a long-term plan for a bustling precinct filled with lifestyle amenities and transport connections that could reshape not only the airport itself but also the communities that surround it.

Covering about 30 hectares between Airport Drive and David Low Way, the plan includes a 250-room transit hotel right in the heart of the precinct. There are also proposals for cafés, restaurants, retail spaces, a small supermarket, childcare, health services, and low-impact industry – all capped at ten storeys to maintain a human scale. Landscaped pedestrian links and open plazas would connect these areas, creating a green spine running through the precinct for people to move easily and safely between transport, shops and services.

Major transport upgrades are central to the vision. These include realigning David Low Way, building a new Gateway Access Corridor, relocating Airport Drive and constructing a multi-level car park by 2035. There’s even scope for future public transport, with land set aside for a potential transit station and “The Wave” metro line, planned just west of the terminal. The airport itself will see a big change too, with the terminal expansion known as Project Horizon expected to be up and running by late 2027.

For the Sunshine Coast, this is a big deal. It’s about creating a transport hub that works for locals, visitors and businesses while opening the door for new jobs, better services and stronger connections across the region.

Why property owners should care

For anyone living or investing around Kawana, Caloundra, Beerwah or the Glass House Mountains, this could be huge. Big infrastructure projects like this often bring:

• Stronger rental demand – Tenants love convenience and more jobs plus better transport links tick a lot of boxes.
• Future capital growth – Areas close to new amenities and improved transport usually see buyer interest rise over time.
• More lifestyle appeal – New cafés, shops and services make suburbs more attractive for families and professionals.

The changes will roll out in stages, so the impacts will build over time but some, like the terminal expansion, will come sooner rather than later.

Our take as local property experts

At McGrath Coast & Hinterland, we keep a close eye on projects like this because they shape the future of our communities. Whether you’re selling, buying or investing, understanding how big infrastructure upgrades affect the market helps you make smarter property decisions.

If you want to know how these changes might influence your area or property goals, we’re here to help.