Australia’s inexorable rise as a super yacht and cruising destination has gathered pace during 2006 with the opening of Rivergate marina and shipyard in Brisbane, capital of the nation’s sunshine state of Queensland.

Brisbane is the gateway to the wonders of the Great     Barrier Reef to the north while Queensland is now home to the highest per capita level of boat ownership in Australia.

In international terms, the AUS$150 million Rivergate precinct also offers a distinctive range of contemporary facilities including a sizeable state of the art shipyard.

The “all-purpose destination” includes:

•    a 105-berth marina;
•    75 and 300 tonne travel lifts;
•    a state-of-the-art, 23-unit Refit Complex with 12,000 sq m hardstand; and
•    marine re-fuelling wharf.

And coming soon is Queensland’s largest ever dry boat storage to house 300 vessels up to 45ft in length; service berths for yachts up to 60 metres; and a myriad of yacht sales showrooms, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants on a riverfront boardwalk.

Rivergate is under the management of leading Australian yacht industry identities Matt Bate and Peter Ryan.

Mr Bate said that featuring such a large size shipyard together with the marina was unique and made Rivergate one of the most comprehensive facilities on the international scene.

“Once the retail precinct is completed during 2007, it will certainly be a one-of-a -kind destination in Australia and a strong lure for overseas visitors.

“We have the only 75 tonne travelift brand lift with eight metre beam in the country, as most measure just six metres in width. This gives us the increased capacity to cater for vessels up to 25 metres.

“The paved hardstand area is a virtual “cruising yacht car park” which can host up to 50 vessels at a time. The beauty of this hardstand is its direct access to the wide variety of marine industry contractors which are setting up at the adjacent 23-factory unit Refit Complex.

“Rivergate has been custom-designed to ensure easy and integrated access to the all the services a boat owner would ever require.

“The hardstand is also close at hand to the other service operations that have moved into the broader precinct,” he said.

Mr Bate said that the Refit Complex was now home to the cream of Australia’s marine industry operators and featured two highbay Refit Sheds and six covered work sheds.

“We’ve created a genuine marine industry hub perfectly located for local and international users just 15 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD,” he said

Other features of the hardstand and lifting bays include:

• Power available (240v, 32amp & 63amp 3-phase)
• Lifting Bays protected by fixed Tide & Wave curtains ensuring easy and safe access.
• Deep water access ensuring the ability to operate at all times
• Fresh water
• Crane access if required
• Rubbish removal
• Scaffolding available