The first sod has been turned on Brisbane’s $158 million International Cruise Terminal, which aims to usher in a new era for Queensland’s economy.
The project, scheduled to open in October 2020, has the potential to double Brisbane’s cruise industry, providing more tourists and supplying bigger ships.
It is estimated to bring in more than a billion dollars over the next few years on top of Queensland’s already billion-dollar cruise industry.
Construction company Hindmarsh will deliver the terminal building while Brisbane-based marine contractor Brady Marine and Civil is constructing the wharf.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said building this one piece of infrastructure would have benefits flow through the state’s entire economy.
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“Ships that were too long, too high and too deep to dock at Brisbane’s Hamilton facility will have a dedicated cruise terminal,” Palaszczuk said.
“That will stimulate the industry at ports up and down the Queensland coast, as we aim to increase passenger numbers throughout the state to more than a million a year.”
Minister for State Development and Manufacturing Cameron Dick said the project was already delivering jobs.
“The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is supporting, on average, an estimated 245 jobs each year during construction, while an additional 49 jobs will be created each year over the next 20 years,” Dick said.
“As Manufacturing Minister, I am also pleased that ABFI Steel Group, a local company based in Wacol, has manufactured 105 piles for the wharf where work began in February.”
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal would provide a welcome boost to the state’s tourism sector.
“Last financial year we saw 520 ships port in Queensland — 11 per cent growth year-on-year, making the sunshine state Australia’s undisputed cruise capital,” Jones said.
“Already the cruise sector supports more than 3,700 jobs state wide and we’re committed to growing this industry.”
Port of Brisbane CEO Roy Cummins said the new International Cruise Terminal will be a world-class facility.
“Within its first five years the terminal is expected to handle over 1100 vessel calls and around 1.8 million passengers,” Cummins said.
“With over 180 bookings confirmed for the 2020/21 cruising season thousands of passengers across the globe are already gearing up to head to Queensland.”