Pontoon for charter boats at cruise terminal built ‘in next 12 months’

A charter boat pontoon could be built in the next 12 months near the $177 million Brisbane International Cruise Terminal as part of a river tourism link to the CBD.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency chief executive Anthony Ryan said the idea had been refined by the Better Brisbane Alliance over the past two years.

“We are looking at work over the next 12 months at putting a pontoon in that space and helping with people alighting from that billion-dollar industry [cruise ships],” Ryan said.

Tourism businesses are planning a charter boat pontoon near the cruise ship terminal at Luggage Point.

“It is something that is keenly part of our overall strategic intent, because cruise terminals, like aviation, are driving so much great revenue into our city.”

BEDA reported 139 cruise ships berthed at the terminal last year, with each cruise generating $1 million for the Queensland economy.

Ryan said BEDA was represented on a group that also included Port of Brisbane chief executive Neil Stephens, Brisbane Airport Corporation chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff, and Tourism Events Queensland chief executive Patricia O’Callaghan.

At the launch of Brisbane’s first-ever State of the City report (from left): Howard Smith Wharves chief executive Luke Fraser, Deputy Mayor Krista Adams, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Brisbane Economic Development Association chief executive Anthony Ryan.Credit: Tony Moore

Ryan said while weekly meetings had been held with senior bureaucrats, it was time to take it further.

“We haven’t had that overall conversation with the state government at the moment, but that is the next step in the work we are doing with [Port of Brisbane chief executive] Neil Stephens.”

Cruise lines have long pushed for a river connection, however the logistics, and funding arrangements, have yet to be resolved.

Speaking at the launch of a new State of the City report, Ryan said allowing cruise ship passengers to travel to the CBD via the river, not industrial areas, was critical.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner agreed the river was a better selling point.

“What I would really like to see is a dedicated charter service that takes people from the cruise ships, up through the river and up into the heart of the city,” Schrinner said.

“That is the best way to get a welcome experience to Brisbane. There is no better way to arrive into Brisbane than via the river.

“What better way for people who have just arrived here on a cruise ship, get their entry to Brisbane via the river.”

He said Brisbane City Council had in late 2023 approved an additional river terminal at Howard Smith Wharves to boost tourism.

Howard Smith Whaves have received approval for this project to add floating dining and additional boat mooring facilities under the Story Bridge.

“That was a project that was funded with the support of the state government. The state provided some funding, the council assessed and approved and Howard Smith Wharves are investing in it as well,” Schrinner said.

Howard Smith Wharves chief executive Luke Fraser said there could be a network of riverside attractions along the Brisbane River.

“There is no doubt the river has the potential to really transform the way people move around our city,” Fraser said.

“There needs to be a series of spots along the river where a range of different boats can come and connect.

“Whether it is from the cruise ship terminal or moving through the heart of the city we are going to do our bit in a new river hub here at Howard Smith Wharves.”