The first commercial marina berths have been sold out at Queensland’s first and only fully integrated marina/shipyard destination, the $150 million Rivergate project, fetching record prices.

Rivergate is taking shape on the Brisbane River adjacent to the Gateway Bridge, with its 104 deep-water access marina berths opening later this month.

The performance reflects the skyrocketing demand for marina berths Australia-wide, where a real and concerning scarcity now exists.

The situation can only worsen with the latest BIAQ figures showing Queensland set to overtake NSW this year in total boat registrations despite a population deficit of almost three million people.

The demand is also reflected in the prices paid, with Rivergate berths reaching OVER $18,000 per lineal metre – a record for Queensland.

40 of Rivergate’s 104 deep waters berths have been sold to private individuals and commercial entities, many of which have taken up Refit Complex, land or tenancy opportunities at Rivergate.

A further 12 berths are being held in reserve to be sold in conjunction with further sales in the Refit Complex and other properties at Rivergate.

The remaining 54 marina berths will be offered for rental to a variety of commercial and private users including super yacht owners and boat dealers such as Vicsail, Clipper Cruisers and Ocean Alexander, Euroyachts, Riviera, Mustang Marine and Sunrunner to name a few.

Approximately 25% of the rentals will be available to the general cruising public.

A further visitors’ berth, an elongated mooring that can cater up to 10 yachts at a time, will also be made available.

New marina berth owner, Mr Greg Dagge of Brisbane-based Euro Yachts said that Rivergate was an excellent marina project to be involved with for numerous reasons.

“Firstly, is its proximity to the port of Brisbane where most of our Princess Yachts come into.

“ Rivergate’s deep water access is also a big drawcard for larger boat owners passing through Brisbane on the way north to the Whitsundays or returning to Sydney.

“ Having known the developers and their commitment for some time, we are very confident that Rivergate will be an excellent facility when complete.

“ We will certainly be purchasing more berths should they become available,” he said.

Rivergate Director Mr Stephen Gosling said that the speed at which the marina berths sold demonstrated the rapid growth of the boating industry in Brisbane.

“There’s a dire lack of facilities and that’s reflected in the enormous price growth of both marina berths for sale and rent.

“The good news at Rivergate is that we’ve been able to neatly balance the number of berths offered for sale and rent; and those made available to marine industries and the public.

“We wanted to ensure a fair distribution of berths”.

“Furthermore, we have the prospect of some berths coming back onto the market in the event that not all purchased in the purchase with the other facilities at Rivergate.

“There’s also another 300 berths obtainable in the dry storage facility to be constructed later this year.

Overall the 104 berths at Rivergate range in size from 10m to 60m.

They’re part of the master plan designed to enable Brisbane to finally take its place on the international super yacht stage as the gateway to the “marine wonders” of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef.

Rivergate is set to generate millions in local economic activity annually; drive the growth of ancillary marine industries in Brisbane; and provide a fresh and exciting new local destination for “boaties”.

The marina berths are now ready for use along with the 75 tonne travel lift and hardstand. The Refit Complex will open for business in April.

The project has further announced the inclusion of the “river city’s” newest experience - a cosmopolitan boardwalk destination on the riverfront at Rivergate.

The 200 metre plus “James Holt Ferry Walk” is set to become a mecca for local and visiting “boaties” with plans for riverside restaurants, cafés, and a hotel and tavern all part of Rivergate’s unique master plan.

Rivergate will ultimately comprise:

• deep water marina berths for 12 metre yachts through to 60 metre international super yachts;
• hardstand and strata-titled Refit Complex;
• service berths for yachts up to 70 metres;
• high speed refuelling and pump out facilities;
• Queensland’s largest dry boat storage;
• yacht sales showrooms and repairers and much more.

Rivergate is being developed on a 15.24-hectare site purchased from the State Government in June 2004.

The riverfront site was a former abattoir, ferry-serving depot and vehicle ferry terminal.

Civil works began in September 2004 with marina approval secured in December 2004 with a 50 year, 4.16 hectare seabed lease being granted.

Rivergate is located adjacent to the Gateway Bridge at the Rivergate Marine and Industry Park, 15 minutes from the CBD, 10 minutes from Brisbane Airport and six nautical miles from Moreton Bay.

Murarrie Developments Pty Ltd, a company associated with Adco Constructions Directors Mr Bob Hill and Ms Judy Brinsmead and Central Properties Corporations’ Mr Stephen Gosling, is undertaking Rivergate.