I have approved the construction of a second building at the Gold Coast Airport campus of Southern Cross University.

This $50 million development will include lecture and teaching spaces, faculty offices and student facilities. It is expected to be completed by 2012.

In approving the project’s Major Development Plan, I had regard for the strong support expressed by local government as well as Federal and State members of Parliament during the 60 days of public consultation.

The development of a second university building is consistent with the Airport’s 2006 Master Plan and will have no impact on its operations.

Studies also indicate the development’s impact on local roads will be minimal, with the University continuing to work with Queensland Transport to ensure access to the campus is integrated with the existing road and public transport networks.

Consistent with the regulatory changes that came into effect in September, all future developments at the Airport will need to be subjected to a Major Development Planning process.

Furthermore, the Airport’s operators have been advised that I expect consolidated applications for any further development of the campus site so all stages can be assess as a whole, rather than as individual buildings.

The Airport has 50 business days to make its MDP available to the public.