The Australian port of Brisbane has received Stage 1 approval from the Queensland Government for a AUD 100 million mega ship cruise facility for South East Queensland at Luggage Point, at the mouth of the Brisbane River.
“We are pleased the Queensland Government recognises the need for a mega ship cruise facility in Brisbane and Port of Brisbane’s commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for the State in the shortest possible timeframes,” Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Roy Cummins, said.
A new cruise facility will potentially triple the size of Brisbane’s cruise industry over the next 20 years, growing to support 3750 jobs, bringing 766,260 international and domestic cruise visitors annually to the city and state, the port said.
The proposed location is the only viable site in Brisbane to accommodate mega cruise ships because of the access to a swing basin for vessels greater than 270m in length, deep water frontage, and separation from the main cargo-related activities.
“Cruise ships are getting longer and currently there is no dedicated facility in Brisbane to accommodate ‘mega ships’ (vessels longer than 270 metres). By 2020, mega ships will represent approximately 60% of Brisbane’s vessel calls and without a new facility Brisbane, and Queensland, may miss out on future visits, ” Cummins said.
During this next stage of the MLP process, port of Brisbane will complete detailed design and all required environmental and technical investigations, with the final proposal subject to government and PBPL board approval, as well as board approval from key stakeholders.