Australia. Superyacht plan to make Queensland 'Caribbean of the Southern Hemisphere'
Friday, 07 March 2008
International growth in Super, Mega and Gigayachts is representing a multi-billion dollar business
opportunity for Queensland, Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, Desley Boyle
announced in Cairns today.
At the launch of the Queensland Superyacht Strategy, Ms Boyle said while the Caribbean had long been
a haven for the international superyacht industry, Queensland had the potential to steal the mantle.
"We know we have the perfect natural marine environment that is unmatched anywhere in the world,"
Ms Boyle said "But there is much more to the industry than just the benefits received from hosting
the world's holidaying rich and elite. Manufacturing, refitting, maintenance is where the serious
money and opportunities exist. The average cost of a new superyacht is around $40 million with
annual operating and maintenance costs averaging around ten percent - that's a minimum of $4
million each year, per boat based in Queensland."
Ms Boyle said the Queensland Superyacht Strategy was just part of the Queensland Government's plan
to make the state economy reliant on more than just 'rocks and crops'.
"The Queensland Government has worked closely with the private sector to identify key industries
that hold significant economic and employment opportunities for Queensland. There is no doubt that
the marine industry holds so much untapped potential but until now there has never been a
coordinated approach to superyachting in Queensland. It is estimated that the industry in Queensland
currently employs approximately 350 people and generates $125million for the state annually. Under
this plan over the next five years we will see the private and charter superyacht industry grow to
employ around 1,000 Queenslanders and generate around a half billion dollars.
"This will be achieved by:
Increasing marketing of Queensland superyachting internationally;
Attracting new manufacturing, maintenance and refit businesses while increasing visitation;
Removing regulatory restrictions for the superyacht industry; and
Facilitating the development of world-class marine infrastructure.”
Ms Boyle said the key superyacht regions identified under the plan include:
Cairns
Mackay/Whitsundays
Brisbane
The Gold Coast
"This industry has grown massively world-wide from 3,500 boats in 2002 to 7,000 in 2008, and
another 916 new boats under construction. In fact in 1999 only four superyachts visited Queensland,
increasing to 60 in 2006 and over the past three years to more than 200. By investing in growing
this industry we are investing in the future of Queensland," she said.
Queensland's superyacht hubs are located in:
Cairns - Already the superyacht hub of the South Pacific, Cairns attracts more superyachts than
anywhere else in Australia. It's also home to some of the most experienced, quality assured luxury
refit and repair facilities in the Southern Hemisphere including Cairns Slipways and Norship Marine.
Premier superyacht marinas including Cairns Marlin Marina and Marina Mirage Port Douglas are located
on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The Superyacht Group - Great Barrier Reef is a model of
industry clustering and development now being mirrored in other parts of the country.
Mackay/Whitsundays - Here superyachts can experience the calm-water archipelago of Mackay, the 74
islands that make up the Whitsundays and the southern atolls and reefs of the Great Barrier Reef.
The region also boasts premier superyacht marinas including Laguna Quays Marina, Mackay Marina, Port
of Airlie, Hamilton Island Marina and Abel Point Marina. Mackay is also a major heavy engineering
hub with significant capacity to provide a range of maintenance services to the superyacht sector.
Brisbane - The river city boasts a high calibre of internationally cost-competitive service
provision and an outstanding track record in refitting, refurbishing and maintaining superyachts.
With two major shipyards, Brisbane Marine Industry Park and Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, Brisbane
now houses a thriving marine manufacturing and servicing industry with more than 150 businesses
offering a complete range of services from electrical engineering and interior fit out to specialist
superyacht finishes. The average number of superyachts visiting the region has increased by an
average of 42 per cent every year over the past five years.
Gold Coast - Superyacht Base Gold Coast City is a conglomerate of 50 companies working to attract
more superyachts to Australia's Glamour City. There are several marinas on the coast with dedicated
facilities for superyachts and premium service provision, including Marina Oceanus, Palazzo Versace
Marina, Southport Yacht Club, Sovereign Islands and Sanctuary Cove. The Gold Coast City Marina and
Shipyard is located on the Coomera River and has a 200-berth marina incorporating purpose-built
superyacht berths and maintenance facilities.
Last Updated ( Friday, 07 March 2008 )
Source:
http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=23520
