This paper is based upon a triple bottom line evaluation to assess the sustainability of three location options of an existing aerodrome: remain in its current location; move to an alternative location identifi ed through background studies; or close the aerodrome. A triple bottom line assessment that considered broader economic, environmental and social elements was needed as an important input to a fi nal decision by Caloundra City Council. Of particular interest was the impact on the aviation-linked businesses that have developed around the aerodrome, and implications for the regional economy from each of the three options. A sustainability assessment tool was used for the assessing the sustainability of each of the three aerodrome options. The sustainability assessment framework has been developed to provide an effi cient approach that is not overly complex and expensive to apply, with a focus on minimising risks and identifying opportunities and benefi ts, rather than a focus on mitigation of impacts. Thirty-nine criteria were developed for the assessment, with 19 of these identifi ed as -critical criteria- that played a key role in assessing performance of the options. The assessment identifi ed the preferred option through assessments of three performance parameters against criteria and indicators. The preferred option was not clear cut, and required analysis of all the performance parameters. The framework was useful in that it compared three options against a suite of criteria and indicators, and integrated the performance assessments so that transparent and objective comparisons could be made.
