THE state government is eyeing off Moreton Bay in its plans to grow Queensland’s superyacht industry.
State Development Minister Cameron Dick said 200 superyachts had injected $630 million into the state’s economy during the 2016-17 financial year.
Work is underway to double revenue by 2021 by attracting more of the boats to the state.
Superyachts are luxury vessels equal or great than 24 metres long, manned by professional crew and carrying up to 12 guests.
They fall into a niche industry that mostly caters for individuals with a net wealth of at least $US30 million.
Mr Dick said a five-year superyacht strategy would position Queensland as a key Asia-Pacific superyacht hub.
He said maintenance on superyachts was often undertaken where vessels were chartered, bringing jobs and a boost to local marine sectors.
“Going by the rule of thumb that superyacht charters spend about 10 per cent of the value of the vessel on running costs, plus the cost of maintenance, provisioning and follow-on tourism, we can readily see the benefits this work will bring to Queensland,” Mr Dick said.
Existing maritime facilities at the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns and the Whitsundays would be expanded under the strategy, with Moreton Bay, Bowen and the Wide Bay investigated for their development potential.
Large yachts, motorboats and ferries are already built at Eprapah Creek’s marine complex at Thornlands.
Mr Dick said Cairns MP Michael Healy would be responsible for growing superyacht business in northern-Queensland, which is where most superyachts entered Queensland waters.
“Queensland’s climate, tourism assets and cruising grounds, world-class maintenance and refit facilities, proximity to Asia and the South Pacific and safe and stable environment mean we can take the lead in the superyacht industry in the region,” Mr Dick said.
