Winding back superyacht regulations could be the key to unlocking the potential of the Whitsunday economy.
The Queensland Government has received Superyacht Australia’s report on the Economic Impact of the Superyacht Sector on the Australian Economy and Treasurer Curtis Pitt said some good ideas were flagged.
“The study reports that the sector directly supports more than 1100 jobs and directly contributes $103.7million to the Cairns and Whitsundays gross regional product, but with a policy change could deliver hundreds more jobs and nearly double the economic benefit,” he said.
Abell Point Marina general manager Luke McCaul said he was hoping to see regulations prohibiting superyachts larger than 35 metres from entering the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park abolished in the Whitsunday plan of management.
However, this wasn’t the only issue he said was holding back the industry.
“The second one is the import tax required on foreign flagged vessels which is 10% of the hull,” he said. “For a vessel worth $5million, they would have to pay $500,000 to come here, which is not viable.”
Source: Whitsunday Times
With Christmas fast approaching and the Queensland border fully open from December 17, Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) is gearing up for a record shattering period with up to 70 weekly flights scheduled over the holiday season. Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox said there was perfect synergy with the Whitsundays … Read more
This week I take a look at our most wanted. Where we want to buy and rent, based on price growth and where we want to be, based on population movements. Our most wanted city (and suburbs) There really has been no suburb or city untouched by COVID accelerated demand. … Read more