ISR is taking a lead role in a world-first research project that is exploring the emergence of the "Airport Metropolis" phenomenon. Researchers are studying the relationship between airports and their urban surroundings across Australia and internationally. Partnering with Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC), the $3.8 million project is a unique international collaboration between the community, industry, universities and three levels of government.
BAC is the anticipated home of Australia's first genuine airport city, blending core aviation activities such as passenger and cargo movement with a full range of industrial and commercial activity such as hospital, entertainment, sport retail, fresh produce, childcare, health services and recreation.
More than 15,000 workers are now employed at Brisbane Airport with that figure expected to increase to more than 40,000 - the size of a regional city - over the coming two decades.
The researchers encompasses a leading a team of national and international investigators from University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School and Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands to investigate the airport metropolis phenomenon.
It is the first major study to undertake an evaluation of the impact of airports on surrounding regional areas as catalysts for economic and urban development.
The primary role of this project is from a multidisciplinary perspective, to investigate and make an integrated response to four major interface issues: economic development, land use, infrastructure and governance.
This research will develop innovative policy and practice to enhance future airport management and development across Australia and internationally. It is about measuring and understanding that impact and ensuring all Australian cities and regional centres are in a better position to maximise the economic and job growth that their airports can deliver for the community.
