The proposed Colmslie Wharves development, set to revolutionise marine tourism in Brisbane, is also poised to deliver a significant boost to the local marine industry.
From boatbuilders and maintenance contractors to suppliers and service providers, the project is expected to create a ripple effect of economic opportunity across Brisbane’s marine sector.
Colmslie Wharves will address Brisbane’s critical shortage of long-term berthing for commercial vessels, providing 50 new berths at Murarrie where it will be co-located with Raptis Seafoods.
While the project will provide much-needed certainty for marine tourism and commercial vessel operators, it will also offer marine-aligned businesses the confidence to invest, expand, and grow in line with the broader industry.
“We have set out to solve Brisbane’s dire shortage of commercial berthing options, and in doing so the wider marine sector stands to benefit from Colmslie Wharves too,” said Raptis Investments CEO Tim Beirne.
“That includes trades that work on these commercial vessels, the manufacturers building them, the brands that sell parts – the entire marine industry here in Brisbane.”
With a dedicated home for commercial vessels in Brisbane, a steady demand for local maintenance and repair work is expected.
One business that is positive about the benefits of Colmslie Wharves is Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, located just a stone’s throw away from the Raptis Investments project.
“Many commercial vessels have limited options to berth in Brisbane, and unfortunately that’s always been the case, so they’ve been forced to undertake business operations further afield,” said Rivergate Director of International Business Stephen Bay.
“It will be great to keep them berthed on the Brisbane River.
“The commercial vessels opt to have maintenance and repair work done as close as possible to where they’re berthed, so we know that they will choose Rivergate for this work.
“As such the growth in commercial operators will increase demand for Rivergate’s shipyard services and also bring more work for the skilled trades on the Brisbane River.”
Boatbuilders also stand to benefit, as the marine industry expands to meet a growing appetite for river tourism. With major Brisbane-based operators like Yot Club expressing intentions to expand their fleet once Colmslie Wharves is up and running, the demand for new vessels and refits is forecast to increase.
With a projected $430 million in economic output over five years, Colmslie Wharves will serve as a powerful economic driver for the Brisbane region as the city ramps up to host the 2032 Olympics.
“We’re talking about a significant increase in the number of commercial vessels calling Brisbane home, which will bring a much-deserved boost for the marine tourism industry,” Mr Beirne said.
“This industry has been at the mercy of serious constraints for far too long. Colmslie Wharves aims to free the marine industry from the berthing limitations that have held it back, and in doing so allow Brisbane to become a true river city.”
