NSW’s cruise ship industry set for a multibillion-dollar boost if a second major terminal site is found
A MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR tourism boost from the cruise industry is in sight for NSW after the federal government committed funding towards planning for a second major ship terminal.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
NSW is eyeing a multibillion-dollar tourism boost from the cruise industry, after the federal government committed funding towards planning for a second major ship terminal.
The state government believes that a second Sydney terminal would deliver billions in economic value for the city.
It will now work with the federal government on developing options for the second site.
The cruise ship industry delivers about $5 billion in economic value to Australia every year. Sydney accounts for 63 per cent of that figure, with $3.1 billion in financial benefit pouring into the city.
The federal Budget’s $300,000 commitment to investigating new sites is considered a major leap forward for a tourism industry that is bursting at the seams and simply running out of room in Sydney to meet demand.
The state government believes the second Sydney airport will only add pressure on the industry.
Carnival Australia, the leading cruise company representing seven of the world’s cruise lines including P&O, Carnival and Princess Cruises, welcomed the new commitment as a signal a second terminal was a step closer to reality.
“We welcome this because it acknowledges the growth in the cruise ship industry and the need for extra berthing options east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” a spokeswoman said.
While there has been an industry push to build a terminal at Garden Island, the federal government will investigate options at Port Botany.
Maritime Minister Melinda Pavey will now work with the federal government on the scoping.
About 800,000 passengers embarked on cruise ships in Sydney Harbour in 2017, with the number only expected to grow.
Many large-sized modern ships can’t fit under the Harbour Bridge, leaving the overseas passenger terminal at Circular Quay as Sydney’s only option to dock the ships.