Brisbane to host 2032 Olympics
The 2032 Olympic Games to be hosted by Brisbane, the “River City” , will undoubtedly be a massive drawcard attracting an influx of superyachts to Australia.
Brisbane is a world-class sporting venue.
Announced Wednesday 21 July ahead of the start of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the successful bid was celebrated around Australia.
Hosting the Games in 2032 will put Brisbane on the international map and help to increase Australia's desirability as a destination for superyachts.
The Brisbane River gives superyachts the ability to berth in the city which is relatively unique for a host city and very attractive for owners who are expected to relocate their yacht as their private base when they attend the games.
The beauty of the South Pacific region, showcasing exceptional cruising opportunities, accompanied by the excitement and competitive atmosphere of the Olympic Games, represents an enormous enticement for superyachts. The attraction of superyachts to the region will create economic and employment opportunities for Queensland and Australia.
David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia, says, 'This is excellent news for Queensland but also for all of Australia and the region with the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane attracting superyachts to the South Pacific. We would expect many of Australia's top destinations to benefit economically. We are also fortunate to have world-class refit and repair yards in Australia to service the vessels from the global fleet while they visit our region.'
Australia last hosted the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000, attracting superyachts from around the globe, as did London in 2012. Both host cities provided similar opportunities for superyachts to be close to the event locations.
The 2032 Olympics will be hosted over three precincts - Brisbane as the primary host location, with the Gold Coast to the south and Sunshine Coast to the north, also providing key sporting arenas. Both the Brisbane River and the Gold Coast Spit Masterplan development will provide outstanding opportunities to host superyachts for the Olympics.
In 2018, the Gold Coast hosted the Commonwealth Games.
Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Queensland Government Superyacht Representative Michael Healy said, “The Brisbane Olympic Games will present an outstanding opportunity for our superyacht industry”.
“We see this as being vitally important to the industry's growth, and this announcement will be another huge shot in the arm.
“The Superyacht Industry is worth well over a billion dollars to the Queensland economy, through construction, maintenance, berthing and the growing charter sector, not to mention the thousands of jobs in Brisbane and regional centres.
"The global exposure which is associated with the Olympic Games will benefit our Superyacht industry significantly, and I know we've got some of the smartest people in this industry in Queensland, and we are confident that the industry will capitalize on this outstanding opportunity with the support of the Palaszczuk Government".
The growing popularity of the South Pacific region, the spectacular scenery and the infrastructure available for these vessels are just a few reasons the Brisbane Olympics is likely to be a dominant destination for the global superyacht fleet in 2032.
Rivergate is perfectly positioned for superyachts to refit and berth in the lead up to the Olympic Games.
Rivergate Director Tom Hill said “The Olympic Games in Brisbane in 2032 could easily attract a record number of superyachts to Australia because of the many other exceptional cruising opportunities in the region.
“We know that there is substantial pent-up demand among superyacht owners to visit Australia and the Olympics would be another huge drawcard, provided we have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate these vessels,” he said.
“The world is experiencing a superyacht building boom and the average size of the vessels is increasing, so we expect there will be many more of these large boats in service by 2032.”
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard recently unveiled plans for a major expansion of its Brisbane River facility, which would create a $200 million superyacht hub able to lift vessels of up to 3,000 tonnes and 90 metres for vital inspections, repairs and refits.
The expansion would also include extra berthing options for superyachts visiting for an Olympics, extensive hardstand space, three new refit sheds, a 5-storey Trade Centre and resort-style crew accommodation.
Mr Hill said the new hub would provide superyacht owners and captains with the assurance of knowing they could access world-class facilities while in Australian waters.
“As the largest facility in the Asia Pacific capable of lifting out and servicing multiple superyachts, the Rivergate expansion would enable more vessels to visit for the Olympics and stay on to cruise the Great Barrier Reef and other spectacular destinations on our doorstep,” he said.
“Our research shows that an additional 60 superyacht visits a year would create 2,000 new jobs in the marine and tourism industries and contribute close to $1 billion to the Queensland economy. Imagine the boost to jobs and the economy if more than three times this number of vessels dropped in for the 2032 Olympic Games.”
The multi award-winning Rivergate Marina and Shipyard was established in 2006 and is now recognised as one of the top three shipyards in the world. It is widely respected by superyacht owners and crew for its highly-skilled trades, safe environment and warm hospitality.
Rivergate offers deep water access on all tides, near-perfect weather for year-round operations, and easy access to capital city services, including a 24-hour international airport only 10 minutes away.
As an official Customs and Clearance port, Rivergate would also be an easy choice for owners and crew entering Australia for the 2032 Olympics.
To find out more about Rivergate’s expansion plans, go to www.rivergatesuperyachts.com.au
More at www.superyacht-australia.com