Queensland Authorities Welcome Government Superyacht Visa Change

by Mary Swire, for LawAndTax-News.com

01 May 2008

The Bligh Government's plan to make Queensland the 'Caribbean of the Southern Hemisphere' received a boost this week as Federal Minister for Immigration, Chris Evans announced temporary and long-term changes to the visas affecting the superyacht industry.

International growth in Super, Mega and Gigayachts represents a multi-billion dollar business opportunity for Queensland, but close consultation with industry has identified some serious growth restrictors, Queensland's Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, Desley Boyle announced on Wednesday.

"Visa access is one of the key challenges facing the industry in Queensland and I have been working closely with the industry and Federal Government to have amendments made," Ms Boyle explained, going on to add that:

"For the past ten years the industry and my department have been pressing to get a decision on this issue. Senator Evans has delivered."

"I would like to sincerely thank Senator Evans for listening to Queensland tourism and super yacht industry by making a quick decision that will open the seas surrounding Queensland to a multibillion dollar industry."

"Superyacht crews will now enter Australia under a 456 Business Short Stay Visa giving them increased and easier access to Queensland."

"This will be a temporary measure while work is done on developing a visa specifically for the superyacht industry," she further revealed.

Ms Boyle went on to add that the Bligh Government recently launched the Queensland Superyacht Strategy that was designed to steal the Caribbean and Mediterranean's mantle as the world's superyacht capital:

"We know we have the perfect natural marine environment that is unmatched anywhere in the world," she observed, continuing:

"But there is much more to the industry than just the benefits received from hosting the world's holidaying rich and elite."

"Manufacturing, refitting, maintenance is where the serious money and opportunities exist."

"The average cost of a new superyacht is around $40 million with annual operating and maintenance costs averaging around ten percent - that's a minimum of AUD4mn each year, per boat based in Queensland."

"There is no doubt that the marine industry holds so much untapped potential but until now there has never been a coordinated approach to superyachting in Queensland."

"It is estimated that the industry in Queensland currently employs approximately 350 people and generates AUD125mn for the state annually," Ms Boyle stated, adding that:

"Under this plan over the next five years we will see the private and charter superyacht industry grow to employ around 1,000 Queenslanders and generate around a half billion dollars."

"This will be achieved by:

• Increasing marketing of Queensland superyachting internationally;
• Attracting new manufacturing, maintenance and refit businesses while increasing visitation;
• Removing regulatory restrictions for the superyacht industry; and
• Facilitating the development of world-class marine infrastructure."

Ms Boyle revealed that the key superyacht regions identified under the plan include:

• Cairns
• Mackay/Whitsundays
• Brisbane
• The Gold Coast

"This industry has grown massively world-wide from 3,500 boats in 2002 to 7,000 in 2008, and another 916 new boats under construction," Boyle concluded, announcing that:

"In fact in 1999 only four superyachts visited Queensland, increasing to 60 in 2006 and over the past three years to more than 200."

"By investing in growing this industry we are investing in the future of Queensland."

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