Superyacht arrivals streamlined: Gold Coast gets clearance for Seaway

International superyachts can sail into the Gold Coast Seaway permanently in a coup for the Gold Coast boating and tourism industries with approval secured for a clearing station.

INTERNATIONAL superyachts can sail into the Gold Coast Seaway permanently in a coup for the Gold Coast boating and tourism industries, with approval secured for a clearing station.

Moncrief MP Angie Bell said the permanent border clearing station was a vote of confidence for the Coast during tough times. It will provide customs clearance.

Superyachts at the Spit.

“This is one more step in building the Gold Coast into one of the world’s great superyacht destinations as we look forward to the road to recovery for our city,” Ms Bell said.

“We know there is a strong desire for people to come straight into the city and not have to spend extra hours going via Brisbane.

“To have the ability to welcome these vessels to Southport Yacht Club rather than diverting them to Moreton Bay means more people will visit our city once restrictions ease. This will create jobs and grow our economy once again.”

Southport Yacht Club general manager Brett James talking to Moncrieff MP Angie Bell about superyacht plans.

The council last year ticked off on $2 million in funding for superyacht berths to be fast tracked next to the yacht club.

A superyacht terminal is a key part of The Spit master plan, and the aim was for the Gold Coast to host some of 140 vessels expected take part in the America’s Cup next year in New Zealand.

Ms Bell said the border clearing station was established as a trial in July 2017 to clear foreign vessels of less than 50 metres in length to support the Commonwealth Games.

“I’ve been working closely with the Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton, and the Southport Yacht Club to ensure this becomes a permanent station to support our local industry, so this is a fantastic outcome for our city,” she said.

Gold Coast superyacht plans - Moncrieff MP Angie Bell and Southport Yacht Club general manager Brett James meet to discuss new plans.

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Southport Yacht Club general manager Brett James said the clearance station was a win for the Coast and the local tourism industry.

“A single superyacht is worth thousands of dollars to the Gold Coast economy per day,” Mr James said.

“The Gold Coast can now clear customs and berth the superyachts at the Southport Yacht Club, then have any maintenance done at the Coomera marine precinct.

“It is very clear that superyachts throughout the world want to come to Australia once restrictions are lifted, which will assist tourism especially on the Gold Coast.”