PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk has toured Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, describing it as “a new economic engine room” for the sunshine state.

The terminal is set to open later this year.

“What we’re building here is not only good news for cruising and the Port of Brisbane but for the entire economy,” the Premier said.

According to the Premier’s office, it is estimated that within 20 years, the $177m terminal will potentially triple the size of Brisbane’s cruise industry.

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State development minister Cameron Dick said the terminal was a great example of government championing a complex commercial project.

“This project is already supporting almost 250 jobs during each year of construction, including many local workers and tradies,” Mr Dick said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (second from left) believes the cruise sector has a bright future. Image: Port of Brisbane

He said the financial benefits would be felt up and down the state’s coast.

Mr Dick said some key construction statistics included:

  • 107 wharf piles installed
  • 2000 concrete columns reinforcing the ground
  • More than 3000 cubic metres of concrete poured for the terminal building slabs and elevated walkway
  • 3500 cubic metres of concrete poured for the wharf
  • 600 tonnes of galvanised structural steel used in the terminal building.

Prominent Australian construction company Hindmarsh is delivering the terminal building and Brisbane specialist marine contractor Brady Marine and Civil is building the wharf.

Port of Brisbane CEO Roy Cummins said the port would deliver a world-class facility that Brisbane and Queensland could be proud of.

“This is a purpose-built facility to suit the cruise industry. We’ve worked very closely with the cruise lines and other stakeholders from the start of the process to ensure it delivers a seamless experience for travellers starting or finishing their journeys,” Mr Cummins said.

Roy Cummins, CEO Port of Brisbane

“And that’s critical because with around 180 cruise ships scheduled for the 2020/21 season, it means we are getting ready to welcome around 450,000 passengers in the first year of operations,” he said. “The terminal’s location – at the mouth of the Brisbane River with access to deep water – means it will be able to handle all visiting cruise ships, including the largest cruise ships in the world.”