Superyachts to be Gold Coast’s next big economic success story after the Commonwealth Games

SUPERYACHTS are worth millions to the Gold Coast’s economy and millions more are set to pour with the State Government unveiling its plans to make the Coast a Superyacht hub.

THE Gold Coast is poised to ride a superyacht boom.

While the oceanside cruise ship terminal off The Spit faces logistic and funding challenges, an announcement this morning confirms it is smooth sailing for superyachts with the State Government backing the marine building industry.

State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron

Dick will launch the five-year Queensland Superyacht Strategy at the Australian

Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine Conference at Sanctuary Cove.

Mr Dick told the Gold Coast Bulletin:

Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick will be on the Gold Coast today to address a conference on super yachts. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

“We are positioning Queensland as a key superyacht hub in the Asia Pacific by

2023, with 10 per cent more of the global market.

“Superyacht activity in south east Queensland brought $630 million into the state’s

economy and supported 4500 jobs in 2016, and is expected to expand to $1.1 billion

and nearly 8000 jobs by 2021.”

LUXURY $10 MILLION SUPERYACHT ARRIVES ON COAST

The Government will invest $45, 000 to keep the Australian Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine Conference in Queensland for the next three years.

“We see real value in hosting this unique event at Sanctuary Cove to showcase

Queensland’s capability in the marine sector and attract key decision-makers,” Mr

Dick said.

“Our strategy encourages companies to build superyacht berths 80 metres or longer

to capture this strategic opportunity, lift existing maintenance facilities to European

standards, and further develop access to facilities, services and social activities for

guests and crew.”

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Superyachts at the Spit.

The Government’s priorities outlined in the superyacht strategy include

working with the Federal Government and industry to:

• deliver clear policy settings

• promote infrastructure to facilitate industry growth,

• promote Queensland as a global superyacht destination

• support and develop Queensland’s superyacht supply chain.

Superyacht Australia CEO MaryAnne Edwards welcomed the Government’s new strategy and support for the industry.

Superyachts at the Spit. The Shirley Anne (navy blue hull) docked at the Southport Yacht Club. Reporter: Jennifer Barwick

“Queensland is a key destination for superyachts and as a result the supply chain

that supports these vessels contributes significantly to the Queensland economy,

especially regional Queensland and we see continuous growth in the sector,” Ms

Edwards said.

“A superyacht strategy for Queensland is critical to harness the opportunities, ensure

the infrastructure is in place to support growth and market the capability of the

industry alongside the tourism experience of visiting the many signature experiences

Queensland has to offer.

“This is the eighth year we have run this very successful event and this year we are

also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Australian Marine Industry Export

Group.”