- Crisafulli Government declares Caloundra Aerodrome a Priority Development Area to fast-track a $78.1 million key defence-grade aerospace expansion and unlock the precinct’s broader potential.
- Project will strengthen Queensland’s sovereign industry capability, support 150 construction jobs and create around 100 ongoing high-skilled jobs, with community invited to have their say on the expansion.
- Move builds on $31.65 million investment in Queensland success story HeliMods through the $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
The Crisafulli Government has declared Caloundra Aerodrome a Priority Development Area to strengthen Queensland’s sovereign defence and aerospace capability, while supporting a Queensland business success story.
The declaration will unlock a $78.1 million expansion of the Sunshine Coast’s HeliMods, delivering more than 10,000 square metres of defence-grade aerospace infrastructure and strengthening the state’s defence and aerospace supply chain.
The move is also a win for hardworking Queenslanders, supporting 150 construction jobs and creating around 100 ongoing high-skilled operational jobs for the Sunshine Coast.
The milestone builds on the Crisafulli Government’s $31.65 million investment in HeliMods in June 2026, the first funding recipient under the flagship $180.6 million 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.
This is just the start, with the Priority Development Area designed to unlock the broader potential of Caloundra Aerodrome, creating opportunities to attract further investment, grow the aerospace and defence industries and deliver more jobs for the Sunshine Coast.
The declaration will not affect the continued operation of the Caloundra Aerodrome, which will remain the responsibility of Sunshine Coast Council or existing tenants.
Economic Development Queensland will work closely with the local community, existing businesses and stakeholders, including the Heritage Museum, to ensure their interests are protected and existing operations can continue uninterrupted.
The declaration is another step in the Crisafulli Government’s plan to ensure Queensland is open for business again, back homegrown businesses, strengthen sovereign capability and create the conditions for industry to grow after a decade of decline under Labor.
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 Crisafulli Government was backing Queensland businesses and creating the conditions for industry to grow.
“After a decade of decline under Labor, Queensland is open for business again, and we’re backing aspirational locals, workers and industries that will power our state’s future,” Deputy Premier Bleijie 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 significant vote of confidence in the Sunshine Coast, backing local industry and creating more 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,” Ms Hatcher 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.
“After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is restoring confidence and backing regional Queensland to attract investment, grow industry and create jobs.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the declaration was an important milestone for the precinct.
“This is an exciting step forward for our region, with high-value jobs and new industry opportunities to be created,” Mayor Natoli 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 of Caloundra Aerodrome as a Priority Development Area was an important step towards seeing sovereign industry investment realised at the aerodrome, both for HeliMods and for other aerospace businesses.
“The Crisafulli Government’s support for Queensland business and sovereign industry is greatly appreciated, and this declaration gives us greater confidence as we work towards our next stage of growth at Caloundra Aerodrome, where the company began in 2002,” Mr Shrapnel said.
“We thank the Deputy Premier and the Crisafulli Government for their continued commitment to helping realise sovereign industry investment at Caloundra Aerodrome, and for supporting the Sovereign Industry Development Fund investment with a planning framework to help progress it.
“We also want to thank Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher for her ongoing support of the aerodrome and it’s importance to the broader community.
“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.”
