The private sector has been
invited to submit designs for
the city’s proposed marine
facility on the Spit or the
Broadwater.
PLANS continue for the development of a
multi-purpose Gold Coast cruise terminal, with
the City Council and Queensland State
Government teaming up to call for expressions
of interest.
To be built on Government-owned land, the
ambitious facility is expected to comprise a
cruise ship terminal, hotels, shops, restaurants,
entertainment venues, residences and
community recreation space.
National and international firms have been
encouraged to present “one of a kind” ideas
that will transform the region into a “truly
global destination”, Gold Coast Mayor Tom
Tate said.
Carnival Australia welcomed the call as “a step
in the right direction” to enable the Gold Coast
to share in the economic benefits of cruising.
“Cruising’s growth in Queensland has played
a significant part in our industry becoming the
standout success of Australian tourism in
recent years delivering widespread economic
opportunities,” Carnival Australia CEO Ann
Sherry said.
“Cruise ship visits and the Gold Coast, as a
major tourist destination for local and
international travellers, represent a natural
combination that could give local tourism
activity a much needed boost.”
According to research prepared by
consultancy firm EC3 Global, such a world-class
integrated tourism development would have
the potential to contribute $750 million in
additional annual revenue into the Gold Coast
economy and create more than 10,000 local
jobs by 2020.
Sherry said Carnival looked forward to
working with the Government and Council in
the development of the terminal.
“We have always said that if the facilities are
there, the cruise ships will come,” she said.
The proposal has seen strong opposition
from community, environmental and surfing
groups, but Mayor Tate said Council would
continue to meet with stakeholders to provide
detailed information.
