Push to make over ‘industrial wasteland’ at cruise terminal

One of the world’s biggest cruise lines has thrown its weight behind calls for a makeover to match Brisbane’s “world class” cruise terminal, rather than the “awful” first impression they currently get. HAVE YOUR SAY

View along the drive to the Pinkenba International Terminal. Picture: Liam Kidston

One of the world’s biggest cruise lines has thrown its weight behind calls for a Pinkenba makeover to match the “world class” cruise terminal with better roads, public transport and airport connections required.

Carnival Australia says guests from ships visiting Brisbane want the best experience from each destination, and transport was proving to be a particular problem.

“While beautifying streetscapes is always desirable, Carnival Australia understands that budgets need to be prioritised to projects with the best return,” a spokeswoman said.

“Carnival sees greatest value in the overall guest experience by improving efficiency of transport to the CBD for visiting guests, be that via land or river, improving connectivity to the airport, and increasing onsite parking at the terminal.

“Certainly the connection to the CBD from the terminal doesn’t offer the same incredible views we offer our guests once they set sail.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk acknowledged the poor state of Pinkenba’s road network when she opened the new terminal last year - but it remains unchanged.

The area has been described as an “industrial wasteland”. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Well, we might need to fix up a few of the roads along the way,” the Premier said at the time.

While Brisbane City Council says it is open to working with the state government, Transport Minister Mark Bailey has refused to say whether there was a plan to upgrade the suburb.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Brett Fraser said it was a poor first impression of the future Olympic city.

“It’s important for guests, disembarking from a trip of a lifetime, to be met with surrounds that match the world class terminal,” Mr Fraser said.

“Brisbane’s reputation on the global stage is growing. As we gear up for the 2032 Games, we need to ensure Queensland has amenities that wow guests.”

The first impression of Brisbane for cruise passengers is of Pinkenba. Picture: Liam Kidston

Travel agent Dan Russell described the gateway to the new terminal as an “industrial wasteland” full of roads in disrepair.

Mr Russell, the general manager of Clean Cruising, said customer feedback was universal, that they loved the new terminal but were concerned about the state of the roads.

“International passengers have plenty to explore when they spend a day in Brisbane, but their first impression as they drive in is simply awful,” Mr Russell said.

“Passengers from overseas spend more than double compared to locals, and they often return to visit for longer stays in years to come. Brisbane has so much to showcase, but the roadway from the terminal is letting us down in a big way.”

The very first impression for passengers is ok but as they drive through Pinkenba it’s “simply awful”, according to some. Picture: Liam Kidston.

A Port of Brisbane spokesman said it was time that long overdue action was taken to bring the road network up to the standards required.

“The road network through Pinkenba to Luggage Point has been neglected for decades,” the spokesman said.

“Local Pinkenba community members, thousands of industrial and airport workers, as well as cruise passengers deserve to travel on safe and efficient roads.”

View along the drive to the Pinkenba International Terminal. Picture: Liam Kidston

Deputy Premier Steven Miles has publicly dismissed Pinkenba’s road network as not being a state government problem.

“They are council roads so if the mayor would like to upgrade them I’d certainly support his efforts to do so,” Mr Miles said in July.

A council spokeswoman said the state government had failed to invest in the precinct but said it was open to working with state and federal governments towards a solution.

“It was very clear before this terminal was built that it would always be within Brisbane’s heavy industry precinct,” the spokeswoman said.

“There are no plans for this important industrial use to end in the future and the investors were well aware that heavy industry areas like this can be unsightly and involve both odour and noise issues.”

Mr Bailey’s office dodged questions when approached for comment regarding new public transport and improvements to Pinkenba roads.

Instead, a spokesman dismissed the matter saying it was the responsibility of the Port of Brisbane and the council as the “owner of the road network”.