CW readers say no to Yarra Bay

ALMOST every Cruise Weekly reader supports the development of a third cruise terminal in Sydney - but not in Yarra Bay.

A survey recently conducted by the Australian cruise news leader found 97% of respondents endorse the development of a third terminal, but only about a quarter of them believe it should be in Yarra Bay.

Almost two-thirds (61%) of respondents believe the Government of New South Wales was right to eliminate Yarra Bay as an option for the third Sydney terminal (CW 29 May), while 12% said they are unsure.

However a pre-existing port located outside of metropolitan Sydney (such as Port Kembla) should not be considered either, with almost two-thirds (64%) voting against this proposal.

The remainder (36%) would favour this approach, which is often seen in Europe, in destinations such as London, Rome, Athens, and Venice.

The inner-city harbour locality of Garden Island, currently used by the Royal Australian Navy, was favoured by most readers as the site for the third terminal, with other popular suggestions including Neutral Bay, Kirribilli, the Opera House, and Manly.

Almost three-quarters of respondents believe Sydney is at threat of losing out to other Australian destinations if no third cruise terminal can be realised.

Seventy-three percent think rival ports such as Melbourne and Brisbane could poach business from Sydney, while 18% think Sydney is in no danger.

Readers also warned against future obsolesce of a new cruise terminal, with many stressing it must be able to accommodate two Oasis-class ships.

Former cruise line executive and Cruise Lines International Association Chair Steve Odell told Cruise Weekly the Government of NSW cancelling Yarra Bay without announcing an alternative left it open to speculation and criticism.

“First and foremost the key stakeholders, including the cruise industry, the Sydney business community, and tourism bodies, need clarity and reassurance around how the region can continue to capitalise on the booming resurgence and demand for cruise travel,” he explained.

“Sydney is not operating in a vacuum - Melbourne and Brisbane especially are capitalising on the opportunity.

“The most dramatic scenario is that cruise lines simply won’t come at all with additional capacity and deploy cruise ships elsewhere, which will be a lost opportunity for everyone.”