Setting sail for growth

Push to expand FNQ superyacht industry

THE State Government has committed to providing the support necessary to boost superyacht service industries and expand infrastructure to facilitate growth.

The message came from a Queensland Superyacht Strategy Information Session, hosted by Cairns state Labor MP Michael Healy and Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef yesterday.

SYGGBR manager Joanne Drake welcomed the announcement and said marketing, maritime engineering and ancillary services, and the expansion of all Far North marinas were also on a wishlist for funding.

“The Queensland Government is still really finalising how that will work going forward so we need to continue our talks,” she said.

“The beneficiaries of this industry are diverse and the job opportunities flow far and wide throughout our region. Our group believes there is a great opportunity for expansion.

“Cairns is an ideal port of call for all vessels coming to Australia due to our location, our capability and, of course, the destination drawcard of having two world heritage sites on our doorstep.

“As an ex-superyacht crew member, I have seen that there are very limited ports in the world that can offer an international airport, three Lloydsaccredited shipyards and a marine college all within a 10minute radius of a safe and secure world-class marina.

“Over a number of years now, the SYGGBR, with assistance from the Cairns Regional Council and Ports North, has been funding many targeted outbound and inbound missions to stimulate visitation to our region – and with growing success. In the last four years our visitation has increased seven-fold, returning now to pre-GFC figures.

“Having said this, our potential marketing vision to maximise the current opportunities, extends past our available funding.

“There is a need for much more support to further stimulate visitation and investment.

“We are very much looking forward to hearing more of the State Government’s initiatives to promote, support and develop our state and region as a growing hub to the global superyacht fleet.”

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