southport yacht club development

Marina, superyacht berths, apartments part of $94 million Southport Spit development proposal

A $94 million luxury development proposed for the northern end of the Gold Coast is due to begin next year.

Key points:

• It is the first Southport Spit development proposal in decades
• The Queensland government says the project will adhere to the Gold Coast planning scheme
• Construction on the project is expected to begin next year and finish by late 2023

The Southport Spit development is the first for the site in decades and will include a 52-berth marina, 47 luxury apartments, three superyacht berths, public and retail spaces.

It's set to be built at an empty lot next to the Gold Coast WaterWays Authority for the area between the Southport Yacht Club to Mariners Cove.

It will include the shared pathway between Seaworld and Doug  Jennings Park, Doondarewa Spit foreshore, the Seaway Promenade, and the pontoon and jetty in Marina Stadium.

According to the state government, the development will adhere to the Gold Coast planning scheme and three-storey height limit — often a highly contentious factor of development plans among local residents.

"We will be working with the proponent and the City of Gold Coast to ensure that this proposal adheres to the planning scheme, is consistent with the master plan and the preservation of The Spit's natural values," Queensland  Development Minister Steven Miles said.

"Importantly, it will adhere to a maximum of three stories or 15 meters in height. This project will support economic recovery on the Gold Coast."

Mr Miles said expressions of interest were held for the Village Centre South Project as part of the Spit Master Plan, with the lease awarded to a local company.

He said the project would see 400 local jobs created.

"Gordon Corporation Pty Ltd, the successful proponent, estimates the project will support more than 300 jobs during its two-year construction phase and more than 100 jobs when fully operating," Mr Miles said.

"There is so much work underway, soon to begin or completed at the Spit."

Development will drive tourism

Local resident and member of the Main Beach Progress Association, Georgie Brown, said she was thrilled with the news.

"I think it looks fabulous. It's what we've been waiting for, to bring more people into the area," she said.

"It seems to tick the boxes that we discussed after lengthy consultation on the Spit master plan, and it must do something for the area.

"Anything is better than what we've got now."

She said the plans would help drive locals and tourists to the region.

"This can only help, so I think it's going to work really well. The pontoon that the Waterways Authority is putting in looks pretty good," Ms Brown said.

"The superyacht facility will be huge, which means we can get small cruising ships in here quite easily.

"Once we get all that in place, the state government will be committed to dredging on a regular basis, which will help enormously."

Proposal meets planning scheme

Ms Brown said the main concern for residents was the development's proposed height, which they were pleased to hear would meet the town's planning scheme.

"It always astounds me that people want to build high-rises on what effectively was a sand dune, so I think this is going to work really well," she said. 

"It ticks the boxes as far as height goes, that three-level limit."

Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon, said the project was one of the first new development sites to be released at the Spit in decades.

"As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, building infrastructure and partnering with the private sector is essential," she said.

"This project will provide a $94 million injection into the economy, create jobs in construction and ongoing hospitality and operational jobs."

Construction on the project is expected to begin next year and finish by late 2023.

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Queensland Prepares to Welcome World’s Largest Superyachts

By George Bains

Development of a 163-metre berth at the Southport Yacht Club (SYC) is soon to be underway, with plans being finalised on what will become Australia’s largest superyacht berth. The move is seen as an important part of the Queensland government’s Superyacht Strategy, aimed at establishing the Australian state as a world superyacht hub by 2023.

Located on Australia’s Gold Coast, one of the country’s most all-encompassing tourist hotspots, Southport Yacht Club is a famed pillar of the region’s sailing community, offering everything from watersports, regattas to even just a relaxing bite to eat overlooking the marina.

The construction of a 163m berth, located west of the vibrant SYC Clubhouse, will be a landmark step in Queensland’s bid to become the Asia-Pacific region’s key superyacht hub. The berth will allow the SYC to accommodate superyachts of up to 135m in length and with a maximum beam of 19m, though it is thought that it will initially welcome vessels of around the 85m mark.

The development is part of a wider project to enhance the tourism experience at The Spit, a sandy isthmus at the tip of the Gold Coast that also hosts Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace and Sea World. Alongside the building of this unprecedented berth, a plot of just under 11,000m2, known as Jack Gordon Park, will be professionally landscaped for the benefit of the wider community. The plot of land, which runs adjacent to the new berth, will be fitted with a pedestrian promenade as well as a new service lane to facilitate provisioning for visiting superyachts.

Mark Riddell, Waterfront Manager of SYC, told Superyachts.com of the profound impact that the development will have not only on his marina, but on the entire Gold Coast city.  " The new berth will complement the already existing superyacht berths we have at SYC and give Gold Coast contractors and suppliers significant benefits in supplying and provisioning these size vessels with ease.

"This berth will be a game changer not only for the Gold Coast but also the Australian superyacht industry. Within walking distance to our world class Gold Coast beaches, theme parks, motor sport events, Magic Millions horse racing and many other events that the Gold Coast showcases, this will change tourism on the Gold Coast."

The construction period is predicted to last six months and is seen as an easily deliverable part of the Spit Master Plan. The project will provide a massive boost to local industries, with the community expected to see a return of at least $12m in the form of jobs and revenue. Not only will the sight of a 100m+ superyacht against the Gold Coast’s magnificent coastline be postcard-worthy, but the new berth will also host public maritime events and opens to possibility to bringing novelty boats such as HMS Endeavour to the region.

For the Australian superyacht industry, it marks a significant milestone in progress to revamp infrastructure in order to welcome larger vessels. The region of South East Queensland alone has seen heavy investment into superyacht facilities over the last few years. The opening of a new $120m superyacht shipyard at The Boat Works, along with major projects planned for industry stalwarts Rivergate and GCCM, has seen the region become a refit capital for superyachts in the South Pacific.  

Not only is the East Coast of Australia an all-year-round destination with some of the world’s most breath-taking cruising grounds, but it has world class infrastructure and expertise in place to ensure that superyachts can also be serviced during their stay. As the wider world becomes more apparent of Australia’s holistic covering as a superyacht destination, there will no doubt be a rising trend in migration to the relatively unexplored region of the South Pacific.

"This berth will be a game changer not only for the Gold Coast but also the Australian superyacht industry." Mark Riddell, Waterfront Manager of Southport Yacht Club

"This berth will be a game changer not only for the Gold Coast but also the Australian superyacht industry."

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9 Best Marinas for Liveaboards on the Gold Coast

Move over #vanlife, ’cause given the rise of sailing channels like Sailing La Vagabonde over the years, #boatlife is here to stay. As a result, thousands of people are on YachtHub daily looking at the cost of a boat.

As an Australian, there is no greater place to become a liveaboard than the Gold Coast. Balmy summer days and mild waters make it the perfect spot, and it’s little wonder why I lived there for 4 years right across from the Southport Yacht Club.

I recently did some research to find some marinas on the Gold Coast that allow liveaboards, either short-term or long-term. And while you can stay on an anchorage for 7 days, sometimes you might want to stay longer to ride out an approaching storm front, restock your boat or do some necessary repairs. Or work directly from your boat!

Either way, I’ve got you covered. Here are 9 highly recommended liveaboard marinas on the Gold Coast:

1. Mariner’s Cove Marina (Main Beach)

My #1 best pick is always Mariner’s Cove Marina. Its location means you’ll have access to grocery stores, boutiques and public transport links. If you fancy catching some waves in the morning, then Main Beach and Narrowneck serves up an incredible 2-foot to 5-foot swell in the winter months.

2. Southport Yacht Club

Right next door to Mariner’s Cove is the Southport Yacht Club. Often it’s less likely that you’ll find an available berth here but alas, still worth a mention given the central location. There is nothing better than having lunch here on a weekday and catching up with the locals who all have one too many stories to tell.

3. Runaway Bay Marina (Hollywell)

The Runaway Bay Marina is still quite central and a place to spot some of the nicest waterfront homes around the Gold Coast. It can get a little crowded here so it’s worth calling up in advance to check if any of the 196 marine berths are available for temporary bookings. This is one popular spot for cruising catamarans and yachts coming in from Fiji and the rest of the South Pacific.

4. Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard

If you need some serious work done to your hull, engines or batteries, then you need to get it over to the Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard. This place is huge! Aesthetically-speaking, it isn’t the best given it’s a full-service boat-works area just like The Boat Works mentioned below, but well worth checking out regardless.

5. Calypso Bay Marina

The latest marina to open on the Gold Coast is Calypso Bay who allows liveaboards for short-term occupancy. The area is stunning and quite a distance away from the party boats and tourists of the Gold Coast. The area is still in development but you can see some real money here with the beautiful waterfront homes and upmarket dining options.

6. Tweed Marina

Fancy heading south? Across the border and into New South Wales, you’ll find Tweed Marina. They allow liveaboard cruisers for the short-term and this is the only marina you’ll find until you get down to Brunswick Heads. That said – you won’t want to leave with just how peaceful it is here at Tweed Heads with its numerous cafes and vibrant waterways worth exploring. No jet skis here and rarely do you find powerboats too!

7. Hope Island and Hope Harbour Marinas

There are two marinas here. You’ve got Hope Island Marina and Hope Harbour Marina which both allow liveaboard cruising couples needing a save haven for a little while. You can stay here year-round except for April and May where the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show comes to town.

8. The Boat Works

The Boat Works is a highly recommended place to find quality marine mechanics and upholstery experts, as well as staying in the marina. The place is quite busy and no doubt you’ll spot a few large superyachts as well. Based on Coomera, their claim is “Australia’s greatest boatyard” and I certainly would agree. Plenty of marine trades here and world-class facilities, though not always the best place to enjoy the serenity.

9. Bayview Harbour

A top spot to enjoy the quieter side of the Gold Coast is Bayview Harbour. This happens to be one of the oldest and most established marinas on the Gold Coast and you can certainly stay here as a liveaboard. Unfortunately, apart from some local cafes, there isn’t much shopping or much else to do here, so it’s really for the short-stay liveaboards.

Getting Started

And I’m done! That’s 9 great marinas worth checking into if you live aboard your boat. Of course, you’re unlikely to stay long term (several years) in these locations but you can certainly stay short-term. To get around some of the rules, you can always head off to one of the Gold Coast anchorages for a few days and then return, or head off to another one of these beautiful marinas!

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The Queensland Government committed $2.87 million, CoGC $2.4million and SYC $3.7million to help deliver a superyacht berth at the Southport Yacht Club creating more jobs in the rapidly growing superyacht industry. This crucial infrastructure was officially opened by Michael Healy, Member for Cairns, Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Government’s Superyacht Strategy Champion, on 16 February 2022.

This superyacht berth is a critical component of the Queensland Superyacht Strategy 2018-23 and is the first initiative supported by the $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure fund for shovel-ready projects as part of the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover economic recovery strategy.

The Southport Yacht Club estimates the $9 million superyacht berth, located adjacent to Jack Gordon Park, supported up to 30 jobs during the construction phase, with many more supported as a result of the project. The new berth will cater for more and larger boats opening up the Gold Coast to some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts, benefitting businesses across the region.

Last updated: 01 Apr 2022

The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory

Southport yacht club to host new superyacht berthing simulations.

Published Thursday, 20 May, 2021 at 08:30 AM

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

The next generation of superyachts of up to 130 metres will be one step closer to berthing at the Southport Yacht Club thanks to advanced simulation technology.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles opened Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show today and announced the superyacht simulation technology, an approximately $65,485 investment.  

“We have contributed $19,000 towards high-tech computer simulations to ensure the safety of large vessels on their way to the new superyacht facility at the Southport Yacht Club.

"These simulations will be a state-of-the-art run-through to show exactly how vessels of up to 130 metres will move through the Southport Spit.

“This follows our initial investment of $2.87 million to develop Australia’s largest superyacht berthing facility on the Gold Coast.

“As the world opens up after COVID-19, we want more superyachts enjoying the Queensland coastline but it is important to ensure the safety of crews and passengers as they pass through our waterways.

“Queensland has had a strong health response, so we’re getting on with our plan for the state’s economic recovery.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said Gold Coast City Council was investing $20,000 in the project.

“I’m delighted to see further investment in our emerging superyacht  industry.

“The entire east coast offers so much to these high-value visitors so it’s important we do everything we can to promote our port as a must-visit destination.”

Southport Yacht Club (SYC) General Manager Brett James said the club was pleased to partner with the Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council on securing access to this vital technology.

“Maritime Safety Queensland currently allows berthing of up to an 85-metre vessel, so these simulations will help to determine if the maximum length of vessel that could safely berth at the SYC could be increased to 130 metres,” Mr James said.

Mr Miles said the Queensland Government is also financially contributing to a series of nine videos being developed by Superyacht Australia.

“These videos will put Queensland’s premier sailing destinations and infrastructure hubs on the world stage,” he said.

“Queensland has some of the best coastlines in the world, so it makes sense to broadcast that.”

Mr Miles said it’s been an impressive week for the marine industry on the Gold Coast.

“I was fortunate to also open and attend the Australian Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine Industry (ASMEX) 2021 conference this week,” he said.

“It’s clear Queensland is leading the nation in tapping into the superyacht sector, which is predicted to expand to $1.1 billion and nearly 8000 jobs by the end of this year. 

“Our goal since we announced the five-year Queensland Superyacht Strategy in 2018 has been to position the state as the place to invest in this industry.

“Fast forward to 2021, Queensland’s low rates of COVID-19 has enhanced the state’s global reputation as a safe place to do business.”

Read more about how the Queensland Government is growing the superyacht industry in the Queensland Superyacht Industry Strategy .

Media contact:       Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484

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Welcome to Southport Yacht Club.

Yachting with the Community since 1946!

Southport Yacht Club, established in 1946, is the Gold Coast’s award-winning premier sports club , and a recent recipient of the ‘Hall of Fame Award’ from Keno & Clubs Queensland Awards for Excellence for 3 consecutive years of achieving the ‘Best Sports Club Award’ along with the Chef of the Year and Club of the Year (non-gaming) for 2021. The Club offers a wide range of restaurant, bars, function spaces, sailing programs, events and training at any of our four waterfront locations. Our Main Beach Clubhouse is home to the only open-air waterfront north-facing restaurant & bar. Overlooking our stunning 300-berth Marina on the Gold Coast’s waters, this location is a perfect venue for your next conference, function or waterfront wedding. Oxenford Watersports at Oxenford Lake in addition to being the location for our youth tackers and school sailing programs, also offers paddleboarding, an onsite cafe and an outdoor/indoor function areas for hire, the perfect space for a casual meeting or a Club’s presentation event.

The Hollywell Clubhouse is home to our SYC sailing squadron , along with a Bar & Bistro. It’s the ideal place to grab a cold drink and watch one of our many off-the-beach Sailing events.

Southport Yacht Club’s fourth location is the private Dux Anchorage located on the Gold Coast’s famous Sth Stradbroke Island. Our well cared for campgrounds are the ideal place for you to moor and relax with family and friends. Watch the sunset behind the beautiful Hinterland, while toasting marshmallows in the outdoor fire pit.

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