Plans have been unveiled for a new commercial marina in Brisbane which aims to boost water-based tourism in the River City.
Colmslie Wharves will be co-located with Raptis Seafoods at Morningside, in the city’s inner east and provide overnight berthing for commercial tourism vessels.
Raptis Investments CEO Tim Beirne said the wharves would provide the missing piece in Brisbane’s marine tourism industry by creating a much-needed permanent home for commercial vessels.
Mr Beirne said the development was forecast to inject more than $100 million a year into the local economy, attract almost 110,000 additional visitors to Brisbane per annum and create 337 ongoing jobs in the tourism industry.
“As Brisbane gears up for the 2032 Olympic Games, the marina will be the catalyst for new Brisbane River, Moreton Bay and Bay Islands experiences,” he said.
“It will also encourage investment in common user river infrastructure, creating new and improved pick-up and drop-off points and day trip outings.”
He said plans for the project on Colmslie Rd included 51 berths designed to accommodate vessels up to 35 metres, on-water fuelling, wastewater facilities, car parking and staff amenities.
“The site is located only 9km from the Brisbane CBD with easy access for vessel provisioning, which will mostly occur on weekends and outside of business hours.”
Mr Beirne said while Brisbane was known as the River City, it was underperforming in river tourism compared with other Australian capital cities and less than 10 percent of overnight visitors currently participated in a river, bay or islands experience.
“Colmslie Wharves will support and grow aquatic tourism by giving current operators the security of long-term berthing while also encouraging new entrants to the industry.
“It will enable more investment, more jobs and more visitation to Brisbane, revitalising marine tourism in the River City and our reputation as a premier waterside destination.”
He said since 2023, Brisbane’s commercial tourism operators had faced a severe shortage of suitable marina berths, resulting in a market failure that has constrained the growth and investment potential of the marine tourism industry.
“The forced removal of commercial vessels from Dockside Marina at Kangaroo Point, combined with the closure of marine facilities at Eagle Street Pier, required commercial operators to relocate.”
He said many had sought temporary berthing at either Raptis’ current Colmslie dock or the recreational marina at Rivergate, neither of which are fit for purpose.
“Colmslie Wharves has been designed with environmental responsibility at its core, ensuring minimal impact on the Brisbane River and surrounding ecosystems,” Mr Beirne said.
He said, once approved, it was expected that construction of Colmslie Wharves would start immediately with the first vessels forecast to arrive in 2026.
