Urgent calls to revitalise ‘derelict’ suburb surrounding $177m international cruise terminal

Industrial views, flood-prone streets neighboured by a sewage treatment plant and a lack of cheap transport options confront cruise ship passengers when disembarking in Brisbane.

Industrial views, flood-prone streets neighboured by a sewage treatment plant and a lack of cheap transport options confront cruise ship passengers when disembarking in Brisbane.

Nearly 150,000 passengers have floated through the new $177m Brisbane International Cruise Terminal since its unveiling at Pinkenba in June.

Queensland’s tourism market, now able to welcome in the world’s largest liners at a deeper port, is set to reap the economic rewards of more than a $1bn by 2032.

But, it’s on the drive out of the new terminal, past a neighbouring water treatment facility, piles of dirt and rubble for refineries, a house removal business and the temporary signage reassuring passengers they are not lost, where upgrade calls are being made.

A P & O ship docked at the new International Cruise Ship Terminal at Pinkenba. Picture: Liam Kidston.

It has no kerb and channel, the road runs through an industrial estate full of truck traffic while on the outskirts lies the graffiti-ridden Pinkenba State School which closed in 2010.

Calls have been made for the roads and the surrounding area to be revitalised so it can live up to its status as an international hub.

Brisbane City Council lashed out at the state government for “claiming credit when the facility opened, but failing to invest any money into it”.

A spokeswoman said the council had invested millions into the nearby road networks but said it was the state government’s turn to fund further works.

“It’s very clear to everyone that access improvements are urgently required,” a council spokeswoman said.

The terminal has already welcomed 140,000 passengers on 70 vessels. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“This is a major tourism facility of statewide significance on state-owned land and it’s time for them to put some real money into improving access.”

Port of Brisbane chief executive Neil Stephens said it only site in South East Queensland capable of receiving the world’s largest cruises without “major, environmentally” disruptions.

With no public transport options to or from the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, locals or visitors looking to commute from the CBD will be hit with a $40 tax fare and rideshare options from $20 due to the lack of public transport in the area.

Mr Stephens acknowledged the terminal had challenges with its connectivity but said the location provided it with expansion opportunities to host more cruise liners.

He said the Port of Brisbane and the council had each contributed $5m towards roadworks during the terminal’s construction phase.

“We all know more work is required to ensure the road is safe, amenable and capable of handling not just cruise traffic, but the increasing number of trucks and other vehicles that frequent the area and have done for decades,” Mr Stephens said.

The terminal is surrounded by industrial areas. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“We have spoken to both the council and the state government about this issue in the past and we look forward to favourable consideration from them in the future.”

Mr Stephens said the terminal had welcomed in about 140,000 passengers on 70 vessels and was forecast to pump in $1.15bn into the state’s economy over the next decade.

“Ultimately, the world’s biggest cruise lines are backing in the terminal, with almost every brand talking to us about bringing more vessels and more tourists to the facility in the years to come,” Mr Stephens said.

When asked about being near a water treatment plant, Mr Stephens said an innovating dosing solution had been implemented to improve amenity when ships berthed on days of unfavourable weather conditions.

LNP member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls said Pinkenba had always been designated for heavy industry and was “wildly inappropriate” for a cruise terminal.

“It was an optimistic place for a cruise terminal,” Mr Nicholls said.

“Then you have the sewage treatment plant for half of Brisbane that’s open to the elements. What genius thinks that it won’t cause a smell?

Tourists have commented that the area around the terminal is due for a makeover. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“Brisbane needs an international terminal, no doubt. But no one thought this plan through. It’s no tourism destination, it’s not something people go and visit.”

Mr Nicholls said there was little incentive for passengers to disembark and spend money in the local economy.

Gold Coast couple Olivia and Desmond Patu said the streets and leading into the terminal were well overdue upgrades.

“It was a bit rough, a bit primitive, especially being an international terminal there was no wow factor at all,” Ms Patu said.

“This feels like it’s out in the sticks a bit. It doesn’t match up with the terminal itself.

“You expect industrial being the Port of Brisbane but not a cruise terminal, there needs to be work done in that respect and with Brisbane being a big city. The infrastructure doesn’t support it.”

Desmond and Olivia Patu of the Gold Coast say the suburb doesn’t match up to the slick terminal. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Fellow Gold Coasters Leanne and Andrew Elliott said they expected better from an international terminal.

“It’s quite derelict. It realty should be fixed up,” Mrs Elliott said.

Cruise Lines International Association Australasia managing director Joel Katz in June said the new terminal had “cemented the city’s standing as a key cruise gateway for the wider South Pacific region”.

“Brisbane now has some of the best cruise facilities in Australia,” Mr Katz said at the time.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe’s office declined to comment when approached by The Courier-Mail.