Queensland’s superyacht dreams come a $2m step closer
Taxpayers to help to build a $7.7m superyacht berth that will generate jobs and plenty of revenueQueensland’s bid to become the superyacht capital of Australia has come a step closer with taxpayers tipping $2 million into a superyacht berth at the Southport Yacht Club.
The investment is part of a $60 million project to make over The Spit and create more jobs in the superyacht industry – expected to boom in the wake of changes that make it easier for foreign-owned vessels to lay over in Australia.
Queensland State Development Minister Cameron Dick said today the $7.7 million berth would boost tourism opportunities and make the area more attractive to motor yachts wanting to make a stopover.
Related stories:
“The Southport Yacht Club estimates this $7.7 million superyacht berth project, to be located adjacent to Jack Gordon Park, could see up to 25 jobs created during the construction phase, with many more created as a result of the project,” Dick said.
“The new berth will allow the SYC to cater for more, and larger boats, which opens up the Gold Coast to some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts.”
Catching commuters
The superyacht berth is expected to be completed by October 2020, meaning it will be open for business for superyachts commuting from the Japan Olympics, or heading to New Zealand’s America’s Cup challenge.
Southport Yacht Club chief executive Brett James said the berth was a huge opportunity for the Queensland’s growing superyacht industry.
“This berth will open the doors to visits from bigger and more expensive yachts which bring with them economic opportunities not just for the yacht club but for businesses across the region,” James said.
“More yachts mean more work for the people who service them up in Coomera, more orders for the people providing provisions to them, and more customers for restaurants, eateries and retail outlets across the Gold Coast.”
Approvals fast-tracked
The Palaszczuk government is speeding up approval of projects designed to make it easier for superyachts to access the Gold Coast, including dredging the Coomera River and installing more navigation aids on the water.
The improvements will make it easier for superyachts of up to 60 metres – that’s 200 feet in the old measure – to access the Gold Coast.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
