Green light for major expansion of Australian marine precinct

The Mayor of the City of Gold Coast, Tom Tate, has thrown his support behind the next phase of the evolution of The Boat Works in Coomera, Australia, declaring its plans for expansion a “major project” of particular significance to the region for the size of investment and the impact on the community in terms of jobs and increased business.

Superior Jetties won the contract to build the new 50-berth marina, which it’s anticipated will welcome its first vessels in early December. Stage 1 is due for completion in April 2019.

Tony Longhurst is at the helm of The Boat Works, helping to drive the next phase of evolution of the Coomera marine precinct with a focus squarely on jobs and input to the economy. Investing A$100m into The Boat Works, he will oversee an ambitious expansion program, effectively doubling the yard’s current footprint to 43 acres.

The new precinct will create Australia’s first dry marina, devoted to dry storage for up to 200 boats from 25ft-100ft, as well as expanded refit facilities, the new 50-berth marina and waterfront village comprising boutiques and restaurants. The expansion will prove a boon for the Gold Coast’s entire marine precinct, generating employment and attracting more vessels to the Gold Coast.

The Boat Works currently lifts 50 boats per week with its travel lifts and sealift equipment and employs 1,000 personnel, figures which are forecast to double in the next three to five years.

“The entire Coomera Marine Precinct will benefit from the Gold Coast Waterways Authority’s commitment to dredge the Coomera River in early 2019, granting year-round access for vessels that previously may have been reluctant to call in to the Gold Coast for repairs, refits and storage because of shallow waters at low tide,” says Longhurst.

“The Gold Coast will become the port of call for every type of boat – from leisure craft to larger commercial vessels – as they travel the east coast between Melbourne and Sydney and the Whitsundays.”

John Hogan, CEO at Superior Jetties, says: “The marina is a specialist working marina where vessels can be provided with all types of servicing needs. There will be over 40 specialist berths to 30m that include multihulls. Special close deep water for crane and forklift access allow in-water refits, as well as a shiplift and ramp facility to service upland storage of vessels on a hard stand.

“The berths will be locally manufactured using Superior Jetties Super Elite concrete system and delivered via the Coomera River. The new dredging program from GCWA assists to facilitate this work and stimulates investment.”

Officially declaring the project underway at the riverfront site adjacent to The Boat Works, Mayor Tom Tate said: “Expanding the City’s economy is vital for our future growth. The marine sector is enjoying considerable growth and this development will take us to the next level nationally and internationally.

“We will become the Number 1 port of choice along the entire east coast and I commend The Boat Works for opening up our marine service and logistics facilities to a global market.”