More details of our plans for a game-changing commercial marina for Brisbane have been unveiled, including the announcement of our project name – Colmslie Wharves.
Co-located with Raptis Seafoods at Morningside in the city’s inner east, Colmslie Wharves will provide vital overnight berthing for commercial tourism vessels and is forecast to inject more than $100 million a year into the local economy.
A Development Application for Colmslie Wharves has just been lodged with Brisbane City Council by Raptis Investments.
The project on Colmslie Road will include 50 berths designed to accommodate vessels up to 35 metres, on-water fuelling, wastewater facilities, car parking and staff amenities. The site is located only 9 km from the Brisbane CBD with easy access for vessel provisioning, which will mostly occur on weekends and outside of business hours.
Raptis Investments CEO Tim Beirne said Colmslie Wharves would provide the missing piece in Brisbane’s marine tourism industry by creating a much-needed permanent home for commercial vessels.
“While Brisbane is known as the River City, we are underperforming in river tourism compared with other Australian capital cities and less than 10 per cent of overnight visitors currently participate in a river, bay or islands experience,” Mr Beirne said.
“Colmslie Wharves will support and grow aquatic tourism by giving current operators the security of long-term berthing while also encouraging new entrants to the industry.
“It will enable more investment, more jobs and more visitation to Brisbane, revitalising marine tourism in the River City and our reputation as a premier waterside destination.”
Since 2023, Brisbane’s commercial tourism operators have faced a severe shortage of suitable marina berths, resulting in a market failure that has constrained the growth and investment potential of the marine tourism industry.
The forced removal of commercial vessels from Dockside Marina at Kangaroo Point, combined with the closure of marine facilities at Eagle Street Pier, required commercial operators to relocate. Many have sought temporary berthing at either Raptis’ current Colmslie dock or recreational marina at Rivergate, neither of which are fit for purpose.
“Colmslie Wharves has been designed with environmental responsibility at its core, ensuring minimal impact on the Brisbane River and surrounding ecosystems,” Mr Beirne said.
“It will also help to reduce unauthorised mooring of commercial vessels, mitigating any related environmental risks.
“Colmslie Wharves is the right solution in the right location and at the right time for Brisbane to step up and takes its place among Australia’s leading waterside tourism destinations.”
Once approved, it is expected that construction of Colmslie Wharves will start immediately with the first vessels forecast to arrive in 2026.
