A $100 million new Brisbane Cruise Ship Terminal another step closer
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the planned Brisbane Cruise Ship Terminal for the mouth of the Brisbane River has entered the detailed assessment phase.
The Market Led Proposal was submitted by the Port of Brisbane Authority and is supported by the major cruise ship operators.
Built in deep water at the mouth of the Brisbane River it would safely accommodate the world-wide trend to superliners.
The existing Cruise Ship Terminal at Portside Hamilton because of the narrow, shallow depth of the river can only berth vessels up to 270 metres.
60% of the cruise ships in Australia will be bigger than 270 metres by 2020.
Cunard Cruise liners Queen Mary 2 is 345 metres long. Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is 362 metres.
“A new purpose built, deep water Cruise Ship Terminal would be a major step forward for the tourism sector here in Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“And early projections from the Port of Brisbane indicate that it could lead to 300 construction jobs.
A PBPL commissioned study forecasts an additional expenditure increase of up to $1.3 billion over the next 20 years once the terminal is opened.
Forecasts are that passenger numbers for the Brisbane market will increase to 766,000 in 2036 if the new terminal is built.
The Premier said that planning and construction a cruise ship terminal anywhere on our coastline is challenging.
“The PBPL proposed new facility would be delivered at no cost or risk to Queensland taxpayers.
“And we also know that private sector interests have to make feasible, responsible planning decisions.
“I thank the PBPL for submitting this market led proposal.
‘The next phase involves detailed assessment and the Government looks forward to working with them,’ Ms Palaszczuk said.
Source: News Release, Queensland Government, 12, February, 2016