INNER-CITY Brisbane could soon be the gateway to Moreton Bay and the islands under new council plans to grow the region’s tourism offering.
Brisbane City Council is looking to facilitate urban marinas and moorings to load tourist passengers and whisk them down river.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk used his annual address to the Property Council yesterday to outline the plans.
He said a recent tourism summit identified the need to focus more on opportunities on the bay and islands.
“That could be development of marinas or at least mooring facilities in our central city area,” Cr Quirk said.
“This has been an ongoing discussion and debate we are having with (Maritime) Safety Queensland.”
“We know there are some locations where we might be able to get these facilities up and going and we might be able to do that.”
Cr Quirk said the private sector would probably be involved at some level.
“To be able to take people to the bay and islands is another great opportunity we have, but we need to be able to do that from a central city location in order to maximise our opportunities and support the whole South Bank experience,” he said .
“We are always open to looking at particular sites.”
Bulimba Barracks has already been identified as a potential site.
“I think the Bulimba Barracks site is a classic example,” Cr Quirk said.
“That will be not only a land-based opportunity but also, and I have got a tick-off on this one from Maritime Safety Queensland, a great place for a marina.”
Brisbane has seen 25 per 25 per cent growth in international tourism in the past four years, while domestic visitation has grown by 18 per cent.
But Cr Quirk said improving Brisbane’s tourism offerings was important to maintain that growth.
“Travel agents are prepared to get out and promote Brisbane, but the reality is they need to make a dollar along the way,” he said.
“We know that with tourism comes investment in our city.”
Originally Published: http://www.couriermail.com.au