Plans to build a mega-cruise ship terminal near the mouth of the Brisbane River by 2020 have advanced, with stakeholders reaching an in-principal agreement.

The agreement between the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council and Queensland Urban Utilities means the way is now clear to undertake the detailed business case to finalise the Port of Brisbane’s proposal.

If approved, the project is estimated to support on average over 300 jobs per annum during construction, and will be completed during the 2019-20 cruise season.

Port of Brisbane CEO Roy Cummins says the Port worked closely with the State Government to progress the project. 

“While this does not mean a final investment decision has been made, reaching these in-principle agreements was a key requirement of our PBPL Board to demonstrate the project’s viability,” Cummins says.

“As a result, this now means we can progress engineering and design works. This work will inform the final business case that will be presented to the government for its consideration. 

“The proposed new terminal will be able to accommodate the mega-ships now becoming widespread in the cruise industry. 

“It’s estimated that over 60% of cruise ships in Australia will be longer than 270 metres by 2020.”

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Curtis Pitt says planning, constructing, and operating a terminal for mega-cruise ships was challenging.

“The Port of Brisbane has had to work with key stakeholders to develop solutions that address key issues such as road access to the site,” he says.

In 2015-16 a record 329 cruise ships visited Queensland – more than any other Australian state. 

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the Brisbane City Council supported plans for a world-class cruise ship terminal at Luggage Point. 

“Council has been working with the State Government and the Port of Brisbane and offers full support for this important tourism project,” he says.

“An in-principal commitment of $5 million has already been made by Council, for half of the costs of preliminary works to upgrade the local road network leading to the new terminal. 

“Council welcomes news that this $100 million investment in our tourism industry is one step closer to being completed.”