Cairns cruising towards Q2

The Cairns Cruise Ship Terminal will receive a $11.2 million upgrade as part of the State Government’s efforts to support tourism in the Far North Region.

Premier Anna Bligh and Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the re-development, to be completed in late 2009, will give cruise ship tourists a quicker and more comfortable experience when they enter Cairns.

“A key component of the Toward Q2 vision is a strong economy and these new facilities will help grow a key industry for Cairns,” said Ms Bligh.

“First impressions count and this new cruise terminal will act as a gateway for international travellers to one of the most beautiful regions in the world.”

The Premier said facilities will be moved to a redeveloped Wharf Shed No 3 at Trinity Inlet while Wharf Shed No 2, where the terminal is currently based, will be refurbished.

“The relocation of the cruise terminal facilities to Shed No 3 will give improved access to bus and vehicle facilities for cruise passengers,” she said.

“All the historical and heritage elements of the wharf such as the old clock tower will be retained.

“Sections of the terminal will now be air-conditioned for the first time. There will also be new check in areas and bus and taxi drop off areas with covered links and a new gangway ramp.”

Ms Bligh said the $11.2 million terminal upgrade was an important step in meeting the expected increase in cruise ship visitations to Cairns over the next 15 years.

“We know that Cairns is already one of Australia’s busiest ports, with 199 international and domestic cruise ship visits last financial year,” Ms Bligh said.

“The Cairns Seaport Strategic Plan has identified that international cruise visitations will increase from 36 last financial year to 53 in 2025.

“The economic benefits of these visits will be felt right across Cairns’ tourism industry, from restaurants to tour operators.

“This $11.2 million upgrade of the Cairns Cruise Ship terminal is fantastic news for our tourism industry which has been doing it very tough this year.”

Minister Boyle said the cruise shipping generated more than $132 million for the Queensland economy each year.

“It’s vital we provide comfortable facilities and quick arrival processes for those passengers coming ashore to spend time, and money, in Cairns,” she said.

“This $11.2 million injection by the State Government will ensure that Cairns doesn’t miss the boat on this enormous opportunity.”

The Minister said the terminal upgrade would be able to accommodate two large cruise ships carrying up to 1,800 transit passengers.

It would also be able to operate as a home port for a ship based in Cairns which was up to 200 metres long and carrying 600 passengers.

“It has been conservatively estimated that a 1,500 passenger vessel injects approx $1million into the local economy per base port call,” she said.

“A transit visit is worth between $500,000 and $750,000 to the community and the overall average spend by cruise passengers on day visit to Queensland destinations is at least $370.

“With figures like these it’s great news that I can say today that this upgrade will be completed by the end of next year.”

Media Contacts: Marcus Taylor 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326