David Good, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) – part of the Australian International Export Group (AIMEX) – has backed the proposed Colmslie Wharves development, calling it “absolutely essential” for Brisbane’s marine tourism sector.
As a dedicated advocate for Australia’s commercial vessel operators and marine industries, David said the project offered a viable solution to the long-standing infrastructure problem that’s stalled Brisbane River tourism growth.
He said that despite Brisbane traditionally “turning its back on the river,” sites like Trip Advisor consistently rated the City Cats as one of the city’s top attractions, showing that there was indeed a strong appetite for marine tourism.
The critical lack of infrastructure has hindered the growth of the marine tourism industry, as many operators looking to expand or start new operations in Brisbane are typically forced to go elsewhere.
“There has been an increase in the number of tourism operators wanting to service Brisbane and start operations, but there is a lack of infrastructure when they do,” David said.
He believes Colmslie Wharves will be the catalyst for change, transforming the city’s lacking river reputation by attracting new operators and encouraging existing operators to expand their fleets.
Of course, with more operators comes tourism growth for Brisbane, with an estimated 110,000 additional visitors predicted to travel to the city after Colmslie Wharves is completed. The development will also unlock the wider island region, cutting travel time to Moreton Bay by 50 per cent.
“To put that into perspective, every year thousands of people head north to Hervey Bay to go whale watching, despite having Moreton Bay on the doorstep and more whales,” David said.
The new marina is also expected to attract interest from major operators in other cities, particularly in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics, with David suggesting Sydney-based operators could be interested in deploying spare vessels or even building new ones for the Brisbane market.
The location of Colmslie Wharves offers a major advantage for local and interstate operators, too. Its industrial setting, away from the public eye, will allow operators to carry out light maintenance, wastewater pump-outs, and other behind-the-scenes activity.
With an upcoming report from economic research firm AEC set to highlight the commercial marine sector’s vital contribution to the economy and jobs, the timing for a project like Colmslie Wharves couldn’t be better.
Colmslie Wharves is set to provide the infrastructure needed to support this vital sector and unlock Brisbane’s potential as a true marine tourism destination.
