State Government acts to secure the future of Caloundra South

After considerable assessment, the State Government has decided the Caloundra Aerodrome should not be moved, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe announced today.

Mr Hinchliffe said the decision would save more than $100 million tax payer dollars and provide certainty for the 220 workers, 20 small businesses, 13 leaseholders and iconic air museum at the Aerodrome.

"Shifting the aerodrome simply doesn't stack up for the community, and it doesn't stack up economically,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The studies we have undertaken reveal the cost of relocating the facility could easily exceed $100 million.

"In the current tough economic times, that is not a cost Queensland taxpayers should have to cover.''

Mr Hinchliffe said the State Government's Assessment of Options for the Replacement of the Caloundra Aerodrome Review found building a new aerodrome would cost a minimum of nearly $70 million. The review also found external services required to service the new facility could have cost tax payers up to $39 million.

In addition, the estimated cost of buying an alternative property to house a new facility was estimated at up to $10 million. The relocation cost for existing businesses and leaseholders was estimated at up to $15 million.

"Last week I received a motion from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council that finally confirmed their view that the Aerodrome should be relocated to Johnston Rd, Glasshouse Mountains and that the cost of relocation should be covered by tax payers,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"While planning studies found a number of sites to be technically feasible, and worthy of preliminary consideration, the same studies determined that the costs and risks involved were simply unacceptable.

"Aerodrome businesses, the museum and Sunshine Coast Regional Council have sought certainty on this matter and this decision provides that certainty.

"This decision also provides the certainty that Council need to finalise the Caloundra South Structure Plan.''

Mr Hinchliffe said the Caloundra South site had the potential to provide 22,000 dwellings. He said he would begin the process to use ministerial powers to progress the structure plan and boost housing affordability.

"Council's own Sunshine Coast Affordable Living Strategy 2010-2020 further highlights what the Bligh Government has known for years, and that is that the Sunshine Coast has a very real housing affordability problem,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"This study also found housing stress impacts one in three Sunshine Coast homes.

"In addition, BankWest data released in July found the Sunshine Coast housing affordability situation was worsening, with the First Time Home Buyers Report stating that Sunshine Coast homes were the most expensive in the state.

"The report also found that while it took the average first time home buyer 4.5 years to save for a house, those looking to buy in Noosa and Caloundra had to save for 6.8 years and 5.8 years respectively.

"I have therefore formed the opinion that the Queensland Government needs to act.

"To that end, I foreshadow the use of Ministerial powers, including a call-in of the Preliminary Approval Development Application for Bellvista 2, and a ministerial directive in relation to the Caloundra South Structure Plan.

"As required by law, I will consult with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and the land owners on the use of these ministerial powers.

"Delivery of housing and jobs on the Sunshine Coast has waited too long and I am willing to act decisively to ensure key workers, first home buyers, families and existing and new residents can be part of the Sunshine Coast community.''

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
02/09/2010

Permanent Link: State Government acts to secure the future of Caloundra South
Publish Date: 02 Sep 10