Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and engagement, Stirling Hinchcliffe, stopped in at Rivergate recently for a chat about their expansion plans and the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
The Hon. Mr Hinchliffe joined Rivergate Directors Judy Brinsmead and Tom Hill for tour of the marina and shipyard on a stunning Spring Day in Brisbane.
Mr Hill paid tribute to the State Government’s incredible effort to secure the 2032 Games and declared the marine industry was ready to play its part in ensuring Brisbane made the most of the opportunity.
“As a local family business supporting more than 500 skilled workers and 120 other marine small and medium-sized businesses directly, we are very excited about the opportunity the Olympics presents for our marine industry,” he said.
Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, Judy Brinsmead and Tom Hill from Rivergate
“Queensland’s amazing cruising grounds are already a big drawcard for international superyachts so the bonus of hosting the Olympics could see a record number of vessels coming to our region.
“Our independent research shows that an additional 60 superyacht visits a year would create 2,000 new jobs in the marine and tourism industries and contribute close to $1 billion to the Queensland economy.”
Mr Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government had already established a Superyacht Strategy in recognition of the industry’s current and future economic contribution through berthing, construction, maintenance, and tourism.
“Superyachts are one of the best distributors of wealth in the world,” he said.
“To meet safety and insurance standards, these vessels need extensive and regular maintenance which creates marine industry jobs and supports hundreds of small to medium businesses.
“Superyachts deliver direct jobs in more than 25 skilled trades and professions, as well as apprenticeship opportunities.
“Queensland’s tourism recovery also benefits with passengers and crew spending in the region.
“The longer superyachts stay in our waters with the help of businesses like Rivergate, the more jobs they support for our visitor economy.
“A flotilla of superyachts is predicted in Southeast Queensland waters in the lead up to and during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, highlighting the importance of having the right infrastructure.”
Rivergate’s proposed expansion will be perfectly timed for the Olympic Games, providing the important infrastructure needed to encourage more superyacht visits and support the myriad of commercial vessels that will ply the Brisbane River during the Games.
