Article: Brisbane River terminal will open up Moreton Bay tourism

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Brisbane River terminal will open up Moreton Bay tourism

Brisbane River terminal will open up Moreton Bay tourism
Article from: The Courier-Mail

By Bruce McMahon

March 05, 2009 11:00pm

A NEW marine terminal recommended for the Brisbane River at Hamilton would open Moreton Bay to more local and international tourists.

The 3400sq km bay is home to the world's largest population of bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as migrating humpback whales, at least 750 species of fish and five of the world's seven species of sea turtles.

A new study commissioned by Invest Brisbane, an arm of Brisbane Marketing, suggests the underutilisation of the 125km-long bay could be addressed by a terminal near the river mouth for faster, more effective access.

Current connection points are scattered and not easily accessible to international, interstate and regional visitors.

Following assessments and feedback from industry stakeholders and agencies, the study recommends land at Northshore Hamilton east, owned by the Port of Brisbane, as the most suitable location. Other choices include an area at Holt St, Pinkenba, and Northshore Hamilton west.

The chosen site would need vessel-berthing pontoons, room for road transport pick-ups, carparks plus a ticket sales and tourist information centre.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman considers the proposed new terminal a strategic project for the city.

"It's about opening up Moreton Bay and the islands to tourists both in the short and long term," Cr Newman said yesterday.

"It's about providing an opportunity to get people to enjoy the bay and, in this current economic climate, will provide a lot of jobs in the tourism industry."

Brisbane Marketing chief executive John Aitken said the Brisbane Moreton Bay Terminal Study was an important part of a long-term vision to connect Brisbane's CBD to its natural coastline.

"While the study identified two preferred sites, we will now begin the process of preparing a business case to review and assess the commercial viability of both sites," Mr Aitken said.

"It will be the land owners, the potential investors in conjunction with the authorities who will decide where and when the project proceeds."

A common-user facility toward the mouth of Brisbane River would help tourists without a private vehicle or those bemused by the city's public transport system, according to this latest study.

A terminal in the area would avoid excessive travel and costs to access the bay. It would also provide close access to Brisbane's international airport.

Consultants considered the Northshore site was the best location for providing Brisbane with a front door to the bay and islands.

Also suggested was a fast catamaran connection, such as a CityCat, for a link between Brisbane's CBD and the terminal.

Invest Brisbane will now produce feasibility studies and a business case.