The Australian city of Brisbane plans to kick off a 12-month pilot program as part of a larger superyacht-destination campaign. To attract waterborne visitors, and the economic stimulus they represent, superyacht buoy mooring tests should start midyear this year.
Maritime Safety Queensland, responsible for safety on and protection of the state’s waterways, revealed the plans this week. The pilot program will welcome megayachts of 78 feet (24 meters) and larger to the Brisbane River. They will tie up beneath the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, a popular recreation area. No yacht- or facilities-related infrastructure exists on land here, or will be erected. However, the proximity to the Brisbane Central Business District, across the waterway, is a key factor in the location. Both private and charter yachts will be able to use the moorings, as long as the maximum guest capacity is 12.
Maritime Safety Queensland adds that the fee structure isn’t yet set. It plans to post updates about this, and other aspects of the superyacht buoy mooring tests, at a dedicated webpage.
For now, it does say that yachts will be able to book a mooring for one to 14 days. Extended stays may be possible as well, if a spot is available. Though, the government authorities stress most yachts will need to adhere to a 14-day window between bookings.
The superyacht buoy mooring tests in Brisbane aren’t unprecedented. In fact, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard says it devised a mooring for Aurora, a 243-footer (79-meter), which decided to stay in the city following repairs at the yard last year. Aurora (pictured, while in Brisbane) became the largest visitor to drop anchor in the area, with additional assistance from Maritime Safety Queensland. According to Rivergate, the owners enjoyed having quick access to the downtown dining and shopping sites. They further enjoyed the overall ambiance of the city.
Brisbane has the climate and calendar of events that make it a year-round destination,” asserts Tom Hill, Rivergate’s director. “The Brisbane CBD is alive at night and during the daytime, which appeals to yacht owners and their crew.”
However, not everyone in Brisbane is onboard with the superyacht buoy mooring tests. The mayor, Adrian Schrinner, tells the Brisbane Times that a planned pedestrian and bicycle bridge will need to be redesigned if the yachts come into town. “It’s a big river, there are multiple locations, but for some reason they have selected a site which jeopardizes a council infrastructure project which will provide great benefits for the people of Brisbane,” Schrinner tells the paper. The state development minister, Cameron Dick, claims the bridge exists “only in his mind and in his ratepayer-funded brochures and leaflets.” Dick adds, “It will cost nothing to adjust them to make room for the jobs and economic opportunities that superyachts will bring.”
Public commentary on the proposal remains open through April 3. If it receives approval, Maritime Safety Queensland will manage the moorings and all related aspects, including bookings.
Maritime Safety Queensland msq.qld.gov.au/
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard rivergate.com.au
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