New pontoons part of $20m expansion of Howard Smith Wharves

The bustling Howard Smith Wharves precinct on the Brisbane River will soon be accessible by boats of all sizes under a major plan set to boost tourism across the city’s centre.

The Howard Smith Wharves could soon become more accessible from the Brisbane River. Picture: Supplied.

Brisbane’s bustling riverside entertainment precinct will soon be accessible by boats of all sizes under a major plan set to boost tourism across the city’s centre.

The $20m expansion of Howard Smith Wharves will involve the construction of new flood-resistant pontoons to allow boats of all sizes and tourism operators to berth directly at the precinct.

Howard Smith Wharves chief executive Luke Fraser said the vision was for the precinct’s riverside access to become a “world-famous” experience.

Howard Smith Wharves will undergo a $20m expansion to allow access from the river. Picture: Howard Smith Wharves

“(It will be) a river’s edge tourism and dining hub right in the heart of the city that provides a connection to not only the river but to the Moreton Bay, Tangalooma and island region,” he said.

“Imagine kickstarting your tour with a premier food and drink experience before jumping on a water taxi, tour boat or luxury yacht to explore the Brisbane River or take a day trip out to Moreton Bay?

“We’ve seen first-hand how visitors and the community have embraced the water’s edge, and we’re excited to expand our offering so that more people can share in this experience.”

Construction will begin next year and finish by the summer of 2024, supporting 50 building jobs in the process.

The state government has chipped in $5.5m for the project through the “Attracting Tourism Fund” which leverages private sector investment for “game changing” tourism infrastructure.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the project would be a significant addition the city’s tourism offering as Brisbane gears up to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.

It’s expected the new infrastructure has the potential to inject more than $60m a year into the Brisbane economy by the time the Games roll around.

Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Luke Fraser and Adam Flaskas on a pontoon. Picture: Annette Dew

The project is currently going through the development assessment process.

Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the council had been “working closely with Howard Smith Wharves” to ensure the new gateway would “maximise the long-term benefits of our city.

Mr Fraser said the company had been working with expert marina builders and engineers to ensure the pontoons are designed and engineered to be flood-resistant.

“As we prepare to welcome the world with the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, we’re dreaming bigger than ever and this new tourism gateway will provide a whole range of opportunities for people to experience the very best that South East Queensland has to offer.” Mr Fraser said.