Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has hailed Brisbane's International Cruise Terminal for delivering jobs and a new economic engine room for the Queensland.
The Premier toured the site today as it reaches peak employment numbers. She said it's the perfect example of how building key infrastructure powers the economy.
"This project stands for jobs now and into the future," the Premier said.
"What we're building here is not only good news for cruising and the Port of Brisbane but for the entire economy."
The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal already supports close to 250 jobs on average during each year of construction.
It's estimated that within 20 years, the $177 million terminal will potentially triple the size of Brisbane's cruise industry to:
- support 3,750 jobs
- bring over 760,000 visitors annually
- contribute $1.3 billion in net expenditure into the Brisbane economy.
The growth in Queensland's economy continues to outstrip the nation at 2.5% including:
- 240,500 jobs created since 2015
- Queensland's economy grown by $40.7 billion to $358.6 billion
- Goods exports grew to $84.9 billion to December, more than NSW, Victoria and Tasmania combined
- Queensland's credit rating restored to AA1 and stable
- Debt lower than the previous government
- Four budget surpluses
The Premier said the International Cruise terminal, positioned near Brisbane's soon-to-be expanded airport, promised to drive the Queensland economy even further.
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the terminal was a great example of government championing a complex commercial project (through the former Market Led Proposals initiative, now Exclusive Transactions framework) that demonstrated clear benefits to the Queensland community.
"This project is already supporting almost 250 jobs during each year of construction, including many local workers and tradies as well as suppliers, manufacturers and sub-contractors from around South East Queensland," Mr Dick said.
"Right now, with the building almost three-quarters complete, there are construction workers, glaziers, roofers, electricians and plumbers working in every corner of the terminal, all helping to build a world-class facility for Brisbane and Queensland.
"The financial benefits will be felt up and down the state's coast, particularly as Queensland Government aims to increase total passenger numbers throughout the state to more than a million a year."
Mr Dick said construction on the terminal had posted some impressive numbers, including:
- 107 wharf piles installed
- 2000 concrete columns reinforcing the ground
- over 3000 cubic metres of concrete poured for the terminal building slabs and elevated walkway
- 3500 cubic metres of concrete poured for the wharf
- 600 tonnes of galvanised structural steel used in the terminal building.
Leading Australian construction company Hindmarsh is delivering the terminal building and Brisbane-based specialist marine contractor Brady Marine and Civil is constructing the wharf.
Port of Brisbane CEO, Roy Cummins said the Port would deliver a world-class facility that Brisbane and Queensland could be proud of.
"This is a purpose-built facility to suit the cruise industry. We've worked very closely with the cruise lines and other stakeholders from the start of the process to ensure it delivers a seamless experience for travellers starting or finishing their journeys.
"And that's critical because with around 180 cruise ships scheduled for the 2020/21 season, it means we are getting ready to welcome around 450,000 passengers in the first year of operations," he said.
"The terminal's location – at the mouth of the Brisbane River with access to deep water – means it will be able to handle all visiting cruise ships, including the largest cruise ships in the world.
"This is the next evolution of Queensland's cruise industry, and we're excited to be playing such a pivotal role in helping to grow the industry and we look forward to the opportunities ahead."
