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CST debate reignited

A GOLD Coast city councillor has weighed into the controversial cruise ship terminal debate in a poll on future water tourism plans.

In an online poll, Councillor William Owen-Jones quizzed residents on whether they would prefer for commercial ratepayer funds to be spent on oceanside cruise ship terminal studies or a 170m superyacht berth for the Southport Yacht Club.

Support for the CST came in at 63 per cent while just 37 per cent of the 145 voters supported the superyacht berth plans.

Constituents who disagreed with either option were asked to leave a grumpy face, 46 residents did so.

Despite the support for the CST Cr Owen-Jones said it was important people understood the value the yacht berth could bring to the Coast.

“It isn’t necessarily about the poll, it was really a conversation about the opportunities for the city,” Cr Owen-Jones said. “The superyacht industry is a massive industry and could be incredibly important for the city, especially with the State Government behind the strategy.”

The Queensland Government’s Superyacht Strategy plans to increase the state share of the global superyacht sector by 10 per cent by 2023.

The growth is anticipated to create highly-skilled jobs across the state.

“It is in the city’s best interest to invest capital and encourage superyachts into the Owen-Jones said.

“A general maintenance spend on one of these yachts is 10 or so per cent of their capital values. I would love to see something included in the state budget to support the Southport plan.

“Ultimately there is support for both plans but there are limited resources. More boats equals more jobs.”

Brett James, the general manager of the Southport Yacht Club, said he believed more locals would support the superyacht berth if they knew more about the benefits.

“The Southport Yacht Club is a non-profit sporting organisation that employs 100 people across the city. We are not a private identity,” he said.

“We are also ready to go with the plans and have some funding availability for the berth, we just need some support.

“The build would assist the Coomera marine precinct and events like the Sydney to Gold Coast yacht race and even fishing tournaments.

“The club really can’t afford to go without it for much longer. Currently we are turning a superyacht away every month.”

Mayor Tom Tate said support for one project did not mean the other was without support.

“It’s great to see so many people supporting the proposed cruise ship terminal, but in my view it would be shortsighted to only support one of these projects,” he said.

“Both have merit and would be of great benefit to the city.” city,” Cr