Build it and they’ll come: cruise lines keen on Coast
TWO of the country’s largest cruise lines have expressed an interest in the proposed $450 million Gold Coast cruise ship terminal.
It comes as the council prepares to vote on the feasibility study for the terminal at full council today.
If passed, the vote will trigger the process to devise a business case and begin the environmental impact study needed before the state government will consider approval.
That process is expected to take about 18 months.
Royal Caribbean Australia and New Zealand managing director Adam Armstrong said the company had been speaking with Gold Coast City Council about the proposal
“If a cruise terminal were to be built on the Gold Coast and it was economical and suitable for use, there would be interest in us calling there,” he said.
A spokesman for Carnival Australia, who also operate P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, said the Coast would be considered as a place to make transit calls.
“However, irrespective of what ultimately happens at the Gold Coast, Brisbane would continue to be the main turnaround port where cruises start and finish,” he said. “We have also stated that whether there is a cruise terminal on the Gold Coast is appropriately a matter for the State Government, the Council and the local community to determine.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is yet to show support for the project.