Cross-Border Planning for Promoting Economic Development: A Case Study of Gold Coast Airport, Australia

Airports can be pivotal drivers of regional economic development. However, Gold Coast Airport’s cross-border location, spanning two local government areas (City of Gold Coast and Tweed Shire) and two Australian states (Queensland and New South Wales), has created several governance challenges affecting regional economic sustainability. This article explores three questions: (1) What are the barriers and opportunities to promote economic development and cross-border planning around Gold Coast Airport? (2) How do cross-border governance arrangements and planning frameworks impact the airport’s economic contributions? (3) What lessons can be drawn from this case study? To address these questions, the study uses a mixed-method approach comprising key informant interviews and policy analysis. The study finds that the airport’s economic impact is largely confined to the northern (Queensland) side of the border due to insufficient cross-border cooperation and fragmented planning frameworks. The article proposes transforming the border into a catalyst for economic development through three instruments: reimagining the border as a driver of growth, establishing a cross-border ‘airport city region’ with integrated governance, and creating a Cross-Border Committee under Federal oversight to foster collaboration. These insights are also relevant to other agencies managing major infrastructure projects with cross-border implications.