Gold Coast Council and State Government to examine cruise ship terminal

The State Government, in conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council, will call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to develop an international cruise ship terminal and associated development on the Gold Coast.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the decision to proceed to an EOI process was due to enormous interest generated for these types of developments particularly on the Southport Broadwater.

“Already we have had a number of the world’s leading developers and tourism groups expressing their genuine interest in establishing a cruise ship terminal and associated developments on the Gold Coast,” Mr Seeney said.

“Following discussions with the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) we have agreed that an EOI process is the best way forward to start the next exciting chapter in the development of the Gold Coast.

“By opening the Gold Coast to cruise ships we will add further vital tourism infrastructure to one of Australia’s premier tourist destinations.”

Mr Seeney said the State Government and the GCCC had agreed proponents would be asked to submit their proposals for the Southport Broadwater, which would include Wavebreak Island and parts of the Spit including land immediately to the north and south of Seaworld Nara.

“The Government’s willingness to participate in this exercise is conditional on the proposed developments being subject to rigorous assessment and evaluation in every respect and proceeding without financial or material risk to the State,” he said.

“We will give interested parties until early 2013 to put forward their expressions of interest.

“Our intention is to then determine a shortlist and move to a Request for Proposal phase with the announcement of a successful bidder by mid-2013.”

Mr Seeney said the Australian cruise ship market was a substantial economic driver, and any cruise ship terminal and associated developments would offer substantial benefits not only for the Gold Coast but the Queensland tourism sector.

“Proceeding with a new cruise ship terminal on the Gold Coast will provide an immediate boost to the construction and ancillary industries which will flow on to higher tourist numbers for the Gold Coast and the State.

“The Gold Coast City Council has identified a Southport Broadwater based cruise ship terminal as a priority for the Coast, and the State Government is very keen to support local decision making.

“The State is working hard to spur on economic activity in the state’s tourism, agriculture, mining, and construction sectors.

“This potential development ticks two of these critical boxes and could lead to substantial employment and economic rewards for the Gold Coast and the State.”

The EOI is likely to be available to industry by mid -November 2012.

[ENDS] 2 November 2012

Media Contact: John Wiseman – 0409 791 281