Mayor Jenny Whitney welcomes this week’s announcement by Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen about clearing the way for super yachts to be able to berth in the Whitsunday region.
“In January, I met with Mr Christensen, Paul Darrouzet, owner of Abell Point Marina and the State Member Jason Costigan, to discuss the barriers which currently exist around letting super yachts berth in our region,” she said.
“On Monday, Mr Christensen announced he is confident he can clear two major hurdles currently blocking the industry.
“Mr Christensen has indicated that an agreement may be reached later in the year with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to relax environmental restrictions currently blocking super yachts from entering Whitsunday waters.
“It is an acknowledgement that these high-tech super yachts would actually have less environmental impact on the local marine park than vessels currently able to enter the waters.
“Mr Christensen has also announced that the protocols used for the cruise ship industry around GST, could be extended to super yachts being brought into Australia, relieving another major barrier for the industry.
“These two measures will open up the lucrative super yacht industry for the Whitsunday region which could inject up to $50,000 a week into the local economy.
“I know Mr Darrouzet will be very keen to see these hurdles removed as he has been campaigning for this additional tourism industry to be opened up for our region,” she said.
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