Plans for a new mega-cruise ship terminal at Luggage Point near the mouth of Brisbane River have progressed, with an in-principle agreement reached between stakeholders and Port of Brisbane on crucial commercial and technical issues.
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Curtis Pitt, said in-principle agreement with the State Government, Brisbane City Council and Queensland Urban Utilities meant the project had taken a significant step forward in the government’s Market-Led Proposal assessment process.
“This milestone shows this government, through our Market-Led Proposals initiatives, is in the business of creating jobs and working with the private sector to facilitate good ideas,” Mr Pitt said.
“Agreement on terms between the Port of Brisbane and key stakeholders has opened the way for the progression of the detailed business case.
“Good progress has been made with these stakeholders to overcome hurdles and develop a facility that will bring a welcome economic boost and new jobs to our state.”
Mr Pitt said that planning, constructing, and operating a terminal for mega-cruise ships was challenging.
“The Port of Brisbane has had to work with key stakeholders to develop solutions that address key issues such as road access to the site,” Mr Pitt said.
“In-principle agreement with these stakeholders means that realistic solutions have been developed and the way is now clear to undertake the detailed business case to finalise the Port’s proposal to deliver a facility that will be a welcome addition to Brisbane’s tourism infrastructure.”
Port of Brisbane CEO, Roy Cummins, said the port had worked closely with the government to progress the project.
“While this does not mean a Final Investment Decision has been made, reaching these in-principle agreements was a key requirement of our PBPL Board to demonstrate the project’s viability,” Mr Cummins said.
“As a result, this now means we can progress engineering and design works. This work will inform the final business case that will be presented to government for its consideration.”
Mr Pitt said in 2015-16 a record 329 cruise ships visited Queensland – more than any other Australian state.
“The proposed new terminal will be able to accommodate the mega-ships now becoming widespread in the cruise industry,” Mr Pitt said.
“It’s estimated that over 60 per cent of cruise ships in Australia will be longer than 270m by 2020.”
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the Brisbane City Council supported plans for a world-class cruise ship terminal at Luggage Point.
“An in-principle commitment of $5 million has already been made by council, for half of the costs of preliminary works to upgrade the local road network leading to the new terminal,” Mr Quirk said.
“Council welcomes news that this $100 million investment in our tourism industry is one step closer to being completed.”
The proposal to construct the facility was submitted by the Port of Brisbane under the government’s Market-Led Proposal framework.
If approved, the project is expected to be completed during the 2019-20 cruise season.
