New terminal at Howard Smith Wharves to boost River tourism

The Palaszczuk Government has committed $5.5 million to build three new pontoons at Howard Smith Wharves to boost the tourism and construction industries post-COVID-19. Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the funding announced today was part of the Palaszczuk Government's strategy to promote the city's links with Moreton Bay. "River to Bay tourism will be crucial for this region in coming years. That's why we're investing in infrastructure now to create more tourism jobs in the southeast into the future," Ms Jones said. "Howard Smith Wharves is a hugely popular precinct. This new river terminal will mean you can have a drink or something to eat at a restaurant, jump on a boat and be relaxing on an island within 40 minutes. It's an absolute game changer. "We're forging on with major projects like this because we know that new infrastructure is vital to Queensland's economic recovery." Education Minister and Member for McConnel Grace Grace said the River Terminal at Fortitude Valley would be funded through the Attracting Tourism Fund and would support up to 6000 passengers a day. "These new pontoons will be open to commercial tour operators as a pick-up and drop off point and will have the potential added benefit of through traffic for the Howard Smith Wharves and Eagle Street restaurant and entertainment precincts," she said. "Accessibility to Moreton Bay from the Brisbane River has always been a limiting factor for tourist operators.