Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) has received Stage 1 approval from the Queensland Government for its Market-led Proposal (MLP) to deliver a $100 million mega ship cruise facility for South-east Queensland (SEQ) at Luggage Point, at the mouth of the Brisbane River, the company said in its press release.
Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Roy Cummins, said the proposed cruise facility would be a vital piece of tourism infrastructure, delivering substantial economic and tourism benefits to SEQ and the State.
The proposed location is the only viable site in Brisbane to accommodate mega cruise ships because of the following:
Access to a swing basin for vessels greater than 270m in length to cater for all cruise vessels calling in Brisbane, both now and in the future
Deep water frontage to minimise dredging costs and avoid restricting vessel size
Essential separation from the main cargo-related activities of Fisherman Islands
Close proximity to the domestic and international airports
Avoid air draft issues associated with the Sir Leo Hielscher bridges
Free from urban encroachment
The ability to expand if necessary in the future.
During this next stage of the MLP process, Port of Brisbane will complete detailed design and all required environmental and technical investigations, with the final proposal subject to Government and PBPL Board approval, as well as Board approval from key stakeholders.