State joins superyacht charter war
STATE Treasurer Curtis Pitt has called on the Federal Government to relax stiff rules on foreign superyachts running charters in Australia.
The superyacht lobby believes the rules are holding back growth of the industry.
Mr Pitt has written to Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Steven Ciobo, urging him to ease the restrictions which could lead to an increase in visits by foreign superyachts and create jobs in Queensland.
The Bulletin revealed last month the Coast was potentially missing out on up to $100,000 a week from each visiting foreign superyacht.
Foreign superyachts must pay the 10 per cent GST on the value of the vessel if they are chartered locally.
In contrast, New Zealand, Tahiti and Fiji charge significantly less, requiring GST to be paid on only the charter fee.
Gold Coast charter firms and marina bosses said the GST hurdle was the single biggest inhibitor to more superyachts visiting to the country.
“These restrictions appear to be causing foreign superyachts to overlook Australia and instead visit other countries with more flexible chartering arrangements,” Mr Pitt said. IF you see this car cruising around the Gold Coast this weekend, take a decent look because it is the only one in Australia.
The new McLaren 570GT, the third piece in the McLaren Sports Series puzzle, has just zoomed into the Coast from London and could be yours for a cool $438,000.
The sexy metallic purple beast is being billed as a supercar for weekends away, with leather-trimmed touring deck to accommodate luggage, a panoramic roof and a seven-speed gearbox that drives the rear wheels to a top speed of 328km/h.
In what will appeal to revheads, the car can go from zero to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest road cars on the market today.
Dealer Corey Arps, from McLaren Gold Coast, said the 570GT was one of the most stunning cars he had seen unveiled by the British automotive manufacturer.
“The GT is designed to be the most luxurious and relaxing of any McLaren to date,” Mr Arps said.
“Unlike the previous two sport series models, the GT is more targeted towards longer journeys and weekends away.”