New Superyacht Marina for Downunder

by Sail-World on 22 Jan 2006 The $250 million Rivergate project, one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, will result in a 104 berth deep access marina for the widest range of boats, 15 minutes from Brisbane's inner city, 10 minutes from the Airport and 6nm from Moreton Bay.

The project is opening up in stages, with some of the marina berths open now, the 75 tonne travel lift opening by mid-February, and the 300 tonne lift in September. Also under construction is a Refit Complex, consisting of 23 workshops surrounding the hardstand, and this is expected to open in April.

The project, located adjacent to the Gateway Bridge, is rapidly transforming the Brisbane Riverbank at Murarrie, and will certainly bring Brisbane out of the marina doldrums, enabling the northern city to take on superyachts as the gateway to the cruising grounds of Queensland.

The project has further announced the inclusion of the “river city’s” newest experience - a cosmopolitan boardwalk destination on the riverfront at Rivergate.

The 200 metre plus 'James Holt Ferry Walk' is set to become a mecca for local and visiting “boaties” with plans for riverside restaurants, cafés, and a hotel and tavern all part of Rivergate’s unique master plan.

Just returned from the launch of Rivergate at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Director of Marketing Ms Kirsten Mackenzie was encouraged by the enthusiasm there. She said overseas market representatives saw it as further proof of Australia’s rise as a major player in the super yacht arena.

'There’s no doubt in the industry internationally that 'down under' is on the brink of something big.

'Already our refit and repair providers in Australia are fast gaining a reputation for quality and cost effectiveness, and Australia and the South Pacific offer some of the most spectacular cruising grounds in the world.' she said.

Ms Mackenzie said that it was little known that Australians and Kiwis made up 40% of crews and captains in the international super yacht industry.

'Rivergate is going over well because many of them can now come home instead of just cruising the Mediterranean and Caribbean all year,' she said.

'There are 6000 super yachts cruising the world’s oceans, so we hope the growing knowledge of Rivergate will increase those visits markedly.'

Cool stuff for Brisbane, who has so far largely ignored the larger cruising market! For further information, click on Rivergate


Background:

Rivergate is being constructed on 15.24-hectare site purchased from the State Government in June 2004.

The disused and degraded riverfront site was a former abattoir, ferry-serving depot and vehicle ferry terminal.

Civil works began in September 2004 with marina approval secured in December 2004 with a 50 year, 4.16 hectare seabed lease being granted.

Murarrie Developments Pty Ltd, a company associated with Adco Constructions Directors Mr Bob Hill and Ms Judy Brinsmead and Central Properties Corporations’ Mr Stephen Gosling, is undertaking Rivergate.