‘SUPERYACHTS’ TO SUPPORT BUOYANT TOURISM ECONOMY

Australia’s economy will be boosted with the passage of a Bill to support tourism and trade by opening up coastal Australian waters to vessels known as superyachts.

The Special Recreational Vessels Bill will allow superyachts to offer charters on the Australian coast – something the current system does not allow.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the passing of this Bill will create job opportunities and an economic boost for coastal areas across Australia.

“Cairns, the Whitsundays and Port Douglas are examples of some of the regional tourism hotspots that will enjoy the major boost thanks to expanded superyacht tourism,” Mr McCormack said.

“The 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the America’s Cup in Auckland will bring a number of these vessels to the Pacific over the next 18 months and this Bill enables Australia to get on board and ride that wave.

“This Bill is one part of our broader approach to making coastal shipping and cruising a viable and important part of the domestic economy, while maintaining protections for Australian vessels.

“This Bill would not have passed without shipping and cruise industry stakeholders who have supported the changes – and the Labor Party who has provided bipartisan support for this initiative.”

Cutting this red tape will vastly expand Australia’s ability to share in tourism benefits that our pacific neighbours such as Fiji and New Zealand have been enjoying for some time.

This unlocks a number of exciting trade and tourism opportunities all around the coast, particularly in regional areas on the Far North Queensland coast.

There are around 5,000 superyacht vessels around the world and this Bill will allow Australia to take advantage of this thriving industry, bringing passengers from all over the world to sail in our waters.

CEO of Superyacht Australia David Good welcomed the news of the legislation passing Parliament.

“We commend the Morrison McCormack Government for recognising that now is the critical time to act,” Mr Good said.

“The high value visitors this will bring to regional Australia is significant. Tourism Australia has been working with Superyacht Australia to ensure our country’s signature experiences are well marketed to these potential charter clients.

“The 11,800 jobs this will create mostly in regional areas is something the Government should be proud of.”