Defence Minister briefed on Rivergate expansion plans

Australia’s Defence Minister, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, visiting Rivergate Marina and Shipyard

Rivergate hosted a recent visit by Australia’s Defence Minister, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, showcasing our current capability and providing more details on the proposed $200 million expansion.

Accompanied by other Federal representatives Ross Vasta MP and Bert van Manen MP, Mr Dutton met with members of the Rivergate team to find out more about the additional lifting capability that would be available to Defence vessels under the expansion proposal.

Rivergate Director Tom Hill outlined how a new 3,000t shiplift and service yard would provide much needed heavy lift capacity on the east coast, strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability and positioning Brisbane as a more strategic marine industry hub for the region. 

The Australian Navy is undergoing transformative growth in its Pacific fleet, making Rivergate in Brisbane an ideal location to provide overflow support to Defence contractors based in northern Australia facing capacity constraints for vessels such as Arafura Class ships.

The expansion would also eliminate the need for such Defence vessels having to steam to Perth to undergo routine and unplanned maintenance.

Mr Hill also detailed other benefits of the Rivergate expansion, including the major contribution it would make to jobs and the economy, creating almost 2,000 new employment opportunities in the marine and tourism industries, and delivering significant growth in superyacht visitation to Australian waters.

Rivergate’s plans include a new shiplift that would provide a 10-fold increase on our current 300t lifting capability, additional hardstand, vessel maintenance sheds and service berths for up to 12 large vessels, and a 5-storey trade centre of excellence and luxury crew accommodation facility.

During the visit, Mr Hill took the opportunity to thank Minister Dutton for his support of the marine industry and its workers during the initial stages of COVID, saying it had been fundamental to ensuring superyachts could still enter our waters subject to relevant State health orders.