Caloundra Aerodrome declared a Priority Development Area by the Queensland Government

What's happening

The Queensland Government has declared a new Priority Development Area at Caloundra Aerodrome on the Sunshine Coast. The Economic Development (Caloundra Aerodrome PDA) Amendment Regulation 2026 was made by the Governor in Council on 5 November 2026 and notified on the Queensland legislation website the next day.

The regulation itself is short. It amends the Economic Development Regulation 2023 by adding Caloundra Aerodrome to the list of declared Priority Development Areas, with its boundary shown on Map No. PDA 28. A Priority Development Area is planned and assessed under the state's Economic Development Act, led by Economic Development Queensland, rather than through the local council planning scheme.

The key details

The new declaration builds on years of planning by Sunshine Coast Council for the aerodrome site.

• Regulation: Economic Development (Caloundra Aerodrome PDA) Amendment Regulation 2026, Subordinate Legislation 2026 No. 157.
• Made: 5 November 2026; notified 6 November 2026.
• Map: Caloundra Aerodrome Priority Development Area, Map No. PDA 28.
• Council vision: the Caloundra Aerodrome Master Plan 2042 aims to turn the aerodrome into an aerospace and innovation hub.
• Progress: in August 2026, council reported Stage 1 of the master plan was 50% complete, with updated costs about 62% above the 2021 estimate.
• Earlier forecast: in 2024 council said a fully tenanted Stage 1 could support hundreds of jobs and more than $75 million a year in economic activity.

Timeline and next steps

The regulation does not include explanatory detail about the planned land uses, and GC Prestige could not find a detailed government statement on the declaration at the time of writing. Planning rules for a PDA are typically set by the state through an interim land use plan and later a development scheme, which normally goes out for public comment. Council has said it is still reviewing delivery options for Stage 1 of its aerospace park.

What it means for Gold Coast property owners and developers

The Sunshine Coast is now home to several state-led growth areas, including Caloundra South and Halls Creek. Adding the aerodrome signals the government wants faster, coordinated planning for employment land in the region, which can bring jobs, investment and more confidence for nearby housing and commercial property. Aviation, maintenance and advanced manufacturing businesses tend to need serviced industrial land close to transport, and a clear state framework can make it easier for them to commit to long-term leases.

For Gold Coast developers and investors watching South East Queensland's growth corridors, it is a reminder that PDAs can move projects faster than standard council approvals. This is general commentary only, not planning or financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Caloundra Aerodrome PDA declared?

The regulation was made on 5 November 2026 and notified on 6 November 2026.

Who plans a Priority Development Area?

The Queensland Government, through Economic Development Queensland, under the Economic Development Act.

Has the land use plan been released?

The regulation does not include one; planning controls and consultation are expected to follow.

Source: Queensland Legislation: Economic Development (Caloundra Aerodrome PDA) Amendment Regulation 2026, published 6 November 2026. This article is an independent summary and commentary by GC Prestige based on the original report — read the source for full details.