Backers say superyachts better than cruise ships
A SUPERYACHT marina is being proposed on The Spit opposite Sea World that will allow for future low-rise hotel development like the Palazzo Versace.
Connecting Northern Gold Coast chairman Grant Pforr, a former Gold Coast City councillor, has helped prepare the plan presented at The Spit masterplanning session for key stakeholders.
A sandbar marina plan opposite the theme park featured in the presentation last week by superyacht industry peak body representatives Lance Cushion and Barry Jenkins.
The proposal provides berths for 352 recreational boats, 42 chartered boats and 30 superyacht berths, and stretches south in front of Sea World’s car park and a vacant parcel of Crown land once earmarked for the ASF hotel development.
Stakeholders were told the city currently can only accommodate 23 superyachts longer than 24m at the Gold Coast City Marina, 15 at the Southport Yacht Club, up to six at the Boat Works at Coomera and four at Palazzo Versace Marina.
Mr Pforr said the new superyacht marina would focus on only developing the Statecontrolled land, freehold and leased areas, along with developing some new small islands in the Broadwater for recreational use.
“One of these parcels, the sand banks near Sea World, is a good option for a superyacht-berthing harbour, developing a barrier from downstream flooding as well as easing storm surges through the Seaway,” he said.
“It will leave all open space and the Federation Walk to public space designs. As a councillor, I went to several overseas superyacht conferences and trade missions. I believe this plan fits with our Gold Coast lifestyle and will create a destination second to none.”
Stakeholders learned that an estimated 180 to 220 superyachts were in Australian waters during the 2015-16 superyacht season.
“The sector represents an opportunity for Queensland’s marine industry to build further upon its significant global reputation,” the presentation said.
The group said an economic breakdown showed developing the superyacht industry would be a better option than pursuing a cruise ship terminal.
Figures provided on a superyacht stayover in Darwin revealed each crew member would spend $200 a day, and the 57 workers and 26 guests, along with work on the boat, gave a $700,000 injection to the local economy.
The superyacht industry in southeast Queensland was worth $194 million to the State’s economy and had created 4535 full-time positions.
The Coast was considered the ideal location for a boat refit due to its climate, construction crew base and highquality refit and design services.
Mr Pforr said the new marina was in a perfect location and the Government land could provide a commercial base for low-storey hotel development.