Development Plans

Under the Airports Act 1996 (Cth), Gold Coast and Townsville airports are required to prepare a Master Plan every eight years, covering a 20-year planning horizon. 

Illustration of Gold Coast Airport’s future master plan featuring a modern terminal, hotel, landscaped public spaces, and integrated green architecture.

Gold Coast Airport Master Plan

The Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon. Catherine King MP, granted approval for the 2024 Master Plan on 23 June 2025 following extensive consultation with the community and other key stakeholders.

The Master Plan is a strategic document outlining the airport’s vision for the next 20 years, with a detailed focus on the initial eight years. By 2044, Gold Coast Airport is expected to welcome over 13 million passengers annually. The plan sets a clear strategy to support the region’s growth and ensure the airport can meet the expanding needs of passengers and the community.

Download the Gold Coast Airport 2024 Master Plan

Hard copies are available for public viewing and purchase from the Gold Coast Airport Management Centre, located at Level 1 Airport Central, Eastern Avenue Bilinga, between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday. 

Townsville Airport Master Plan

The Townsville Airport Master Plan 2023 was approved by the Federal Minister in February 2024. It provides a 20-year framework for the development and management of Townsville Airport, with a detailed focus on the first eight years.

The Master Plan identifies key areas for growth and infrastructure investment, ensuring the airport can continue to support the region’s connectivity, economic development, and passenger growth. It also incorporates environmental and community considerations, including the Airport Environment Strategy, which sets out measures to manage environmental impacts, protect biodiversity, and maintain air and water quality.

Download the Townsville Airport Master Plan 2023.  

Hard copies of the Townsville Airport Master Plan 2023 are available for public viewing and purchase from the Townsville Airport Management Centre, Corner of Halifax Street and Stinson Ave Garbutt, between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday. 

Aboriginal flag with black top half, red bottom half, and a yellow circle in the centre. Acknowledgement of Country

Queensland Airports Limited (QAL), respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the cultural landscapes upon which we operate, being the Bundjalung and Yugambeh peoples at Gold Coast Airport; Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba people at Townsville Airport; Kalkadoon people at Mount Isa Airport and the Traditional Custodians at Longreach Airport.

QAL recognise their continued connections to the lands, seas and skies upon which our airports operate within and across and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

QAL also acknowledge all other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.