A Sunshine Coast aerodrome has been declared a Priority Development Area, paving the way for a $78 million expansion of a local aerospace company and future industry growth.
The state government has announced the Caloundra Aerodrome as a PDA, to strengthen Queensland’s defence and aerospace capability.
The declaration will unlock the expansion of the HeliMods, delivering more than 10,000sqm of defence-grade aerospace infrastructure and strengthening the state’s defence and aerospace supply chain.
The move will support 150 construction jobs and create around 100 ongoing jobs.
The milestone builds on the state government’s $31.65m investment in HeliMods in June 2026, the first funding recipient under the flagship $180.6m Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
HeliMods is one of only a few Australian companies delivering end-to-end aerospace capability across design, certification, advanced manufacturing and systems integration.
The Priority Development Area is also designed to unlock the broader potential of aerodrome, creating opportunities to attract further investment, grow the aerospace and defence industries and deliver more jobs.
The declaration will not affect the continued operation of the aerodrome, which will remain the responsibility of Sunshine Coast Council or existing tenants.
Economic Development Queensland will work closely with the community, existing businesses and stakeholders, including the Heritage Museum, to ensure their interests are protected and existing operations can continue uninterrupted.
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To support the precinct’s growth, an Interim Land Use Plan is now in place while Economic Development Queensland prepares the longer-term Development Scheme for the area.
The proposed Development Scheme will be open for public feedback for 30 business days before it is finalised.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the government was creating the conditions for industry to grow.
“We’re backing aspirational locals, workers and industries that will power our state’s future,” he said.
“Declaring Caloundra Aerodrome a Priority Development Area will cut through unnecessary red tape and fast-track the infrastructure needed to unlock a $78.1 million investment in Queensland’s sovereign aerospace capability.
“HeliMods is a Queensland success story, and we’re backing its next chapter with a $31.65 million investment through our $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
“The hundreds of jobs this project alone will generate is a win for Queensland workers, a win for local industry and a win for our state’s sovereign capability.
“We want to unlock the full potential of Caloundra Aerodrome by creating a platform for the next generation of Queensland aerospace and defence businesses to invest, innovate and grow right here on the Sunshine Coast.
“This is what happens when you have a government that backs business, backs jobs and gets on with delivering instead of standing in the way of investment.”
Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said the expansion was a vote of confidence in the Sunshine Coast, backing local industry and creating opportunities for local workers and businesses.
“Caloundra has the talent, the businesses and the capability to play a much bigger role in Queensland’s defence and aerospace industries, and this investment is helping make that happen,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to see a homegrown Queensland business like HeliMods continuing to grow right here in Caloundra, creating skilled local jobs and strengthening our region’s economic future.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said the declaration was a milestone for the precinct.
“This is an exciting step forward for our region, with high-value jobs and new industry opportunities to be created,” she said.
“We look forward to working with the Queensland Government on those priorities, while continuing to represent the interests of our local community.”
HeliMods founder and managing director Will Shrapnel said the declaration was an important step towards seeing sovereign industry investment realised at the aerodrome, for HeliMods and other aerospace businesses.
“This declaration gives us greater confidence as we work towards our next stage of growth at Caloundra Aerodrome, where the company began in 2002,” he said.
“Caloundra Aerodrome has a long aviation history and a strong community of operators, and we look forward to working with the Queensland Government, Economic Development Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council and our fellow aerodrome businesses so the precinct grows in a way the whole region can be proud of.”
Further information regarding the Caloundra Aerodrome PDA is available via Economic Development Queensland’s website, with the community encouraged to register via EDQ’s Have Your Say page to participate in the future public notification phase.
