Brisbane fish market in line to become major Queensland tourist attraction

THE Palaszczuk Government is ready to shell out money to help build a major seafood market as a tourist attraction. The question is, where in Brisbane will it be built. The experts already have some locations in mind. SUBSCRIBER POLL

A number of locations have been put forward for a proposed Brisbane fish market. You can vote in our poll below.

THE Palaszczuk Government is ready to shell out money to help build a major seafood market as a tourist attraction.

Tourism Australia chief John O’Sullivan recently pitched the proposal, saying a Brisbane fish market to rival Sydney’s would draw huge numbers of visitors, particularly Asian tourists.

“We think it’s a great idea,” Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones told The Courier-Mail.

“We have a $36 million tourism infrastructure fund which is all about partnering with the private sector. This is exactly the kind of project it’s aimed at.

“It’s about finding the right location.”

While Brisbane could be suitable, the project could also fit well as part of a masterplan for The Spit on the Gold Coast.

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Tourism Minister Kate Jones, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, says location will be key. (AAP Image/Steve Pohlner)

Shadow federal Tourism Minister Anthony Albanese is also a fan.

“I have discussed this with Kate Jones and it’s a great idea. Queensland is famous for its seafood.

“Tourism is a growth area and the next Federal Labor Government will be very keen to investigate and get behind new tourism ventures,” he said.

Leading Brisbane architect Noel Robinson said somewhere near Eat Street at Hamilton Northshore would be an ideal location.

“There is quite a bit of land there with wharfage where trawlers and boats could pull up. The area is very accessible via the Gateway and Kingsford Smith Drive.

“I think a fish market would be fabulous. I really hope it is pursued.”

The new Eat Street Markets at Northshore. Picture: Mark Cranitch

The proposed development at the old Howard Smith Wharves, next to the Story Bridge.

Harvey Lister, chairman of Queensland’s leading entertainment venue operator AEG Ogden, agreed Hamilton could be a suitable spot.

“My personal view is that a seafood market is probably best located close to the water.”

Mr Lister is the chief proponent of Brisbane Live! -- a $2 billion proposal for a new indoor arena and surrounding entertainment, retail and accommodation precinct over the Roma Street Railyards.

The concept is now being developed by the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority as part of the city’s planned new train tunnel and stations network.

Mr Lister said he and partner Rod Pilbeam had always given thought to whether a boutique fruit and vegetable market could be incorporated in Brisbane Live! as a nod to Roma Street’s history as the city’s fresh produce markets for many decades.

But the scale of a major drawcard seafood market could be too great for the site.

James Tuma, national director of city-shaping specialists Urbis, said: “The tourism benefit, as well as providing Brisbane people with the opportunity to access the bounty of our local fisheries, would be an incredible asset to the attractiveness and lifestyle of the city.

“Location would require some consideration around accessibility and logistics but Bulimba, Newstead, Howard Smith Wharves, the CBD and South Brisbane all hold a level of opportunity.”