Sunshine Coast Council has indicated its support for the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project and will look to advocate for the project to the State Government. The commitment follows a meeting on Friday, 17 July, between Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, Cr Joe Natoli, Council Economic Development Manager Angela Lisle and Brisbane 2032 Marine Project Manager Stephen Joyce. They were joined by Captain Gordon Scott and local marine agent Sarah Toxward, General Manager of Carter Marine Agencies.
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Economic Benefits
The meeting focused on the opportunities the project presents to the Sunshine Coast, including examples of vessels currently cruising the region that could stop on the Sunshine Coast and the economic benefits this visitation would bring.
The Sunshine Coast joins a growing coalition of Queensland councils supporting the project, including the City of Townsville, Cairns Regional Council, Whitsunday Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council and the City of Gold Coast. In addition, the project has the backing of the Northern Territory Government.
Suitable Berthing Infrastructure
With international vessels already visiting Australia, Sunshine Coast Council was briefed on the significant economic opportunities available if suitable berthing infrastructure is in place to accommodate these vessels. It was highlighted that the current shortage of suitable berths may result in vessels bypassing Queensland and moving to other Australian states or even New Zealand.
The economic impact of superyacht visitation is significant, with a recent example of one vessel sourcing 380 individual items from 64 different organisations as part of its provisions for its next journey.
Brisbane 2023 Olympics
Independent modelling by AEC Group projects that more than 200 additional international superyachts will visit Australia in connection with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, generating an estimated $1.8 billion in national economic output and supporting more than 7,600 jobs.
Queensland is expected to capture more than 60 per cent of this expenditure. For the Sunshine Coast, this means expenditure and jobs flowing to local marine service providers, tourism operators and hospitality businesses.
The visit also highlighted the depth of local industry capability supporting the project. A site tour of Superyacht Australia member Marine Structures showcased the marine construction work the business is delivering on projects, including the Colmslie Wharves and the Howard Smith Wharves extensions, a capability that will be important in achieving the project’s infrastructure aims.
MachJet International
A visit to MachJet International showed the company’s new hangar, which will store and prepare private jets for visiting high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Operations Manager Mason Dawe’s tour underlined the close relationship between private aviation and the superyacht market and the strength of the Sunshine Coast’s proposition for these visitors.
The support from Sunshine Coast Council reinforces the growing recognition of the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project as a catalyst for regional economic growth, infrastructure investment and increased visitation.
With strong local capability, existing marine expertise and a clear opportunity to capture a greater share of the international superyacht market, the Sunshine Coast is well positioned to play an important role in Queensland’s future marine economy.
