By Cassandra Pulver

With the recent State Government’s approval of the Reef Marinas applications to convert land to freehold tenure and the arrival of the super yacht Vegas, the official launch held on Tuesday could not have been timed better.

The Reef Marinas Andrew Hooper-Nguyen commented that the extension was so important on a practical level as it allows the marina to facilitate a lot more commercial tour operator boats. “It also allows us to have private visitors from all around the world like Vegas which is the first super yacht in the new marina.

“But beyond our immediate investment which was about 3 million dollars, it’s probably one of the biggest investments on the waterfront since the 1980s, it is really the economic and employment multiplier which is important to Port Douglas.

“We are just getting started this is the first big step for us. But we have got phase 2 of the expansion coming up at some stage soon we’ve got some wonderful new food and beverage outlets that are going to be opening in the near term and of course we then move on to a redevelopment of the waterfront.

“Our goal is to really make the reef marina one of Australia’s best marinas and we want to create a vibrant waterfront for visitors and locals alike and we want to be the first owners of this marina that do not go bankrupt!” said Andrew.

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Colin Bransgrove the executive officer of the Marina Industries Association which is the Reef Marinas peak industry body, outlined the importance marinas play in seaside communities particularly in an iconic tourism destination such as Port Douglas.  

“MIA represents the main marinas in Australia.  We have  260 members in Asia and China now.  We are a growing association perhaps reflective of the marina industry as it comes out from being in the past just the boat part to a community hub in water side communities.

“It is an exciting industry to be in and it is exciting to be part of this celebration of this mile stone today .  I have had 25 years in the tourism industry and I really think it is so exciting to see an iconic tourism destination like Port Douglas seeing the revitalisation of its waterfront happening.

“This is significant not just for the region or Queensland but from Australia’s point of view.  This is one of our iconic destinations.  You should be very proud of whats happening.

“Marinas are very important as regional hubs it’s not about the economics, which is essential, but its about employment its also social, recreational and community benefits in terms of the facilities and activities that are provided by marinas.  

“With new developers coming in like Andrew, Rob and the team, they are not just focusing on the infrastructure they are focusing on the people and community and it’s a partnership of the community which is the future of our industry going forward. 

“For destinations like Port Douglas, tourism infrastructure is paramount.” said Mr Bransgrove.