Queensland will lead the way in the return of Australia’s lucrative cruise industry.
After a two-year suspension to cruising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Commonwealth earlier this week announced cruise ships would be allowed back in Australian waters starting on 17 April.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today confirmed Queensland would soon finalise health protocols with the Commonwealth, NSW and Victorian Governments to ensure the return of the state’s $1 billion cruise industry.
“Cruising is coming back to Queensland,” the Premier said.
“Rebuilding Queensland’s tourism industry is central to our plan for economic recovery.
“That’s why we’re working closely with the Commonwealth to welcome back cruise ships as soon as possible.
“Before the pandemic, the cruise industry injected millions of dollars into local businesses right throughout Queensland.
“With a brand new cruise terminal here in Brisbane, more ports than any other state and the best climate, there’s no reason Queensland can’t become the cruise capital of Australia in the near future.”
The Palaszczuk Government has also completed a $127 million project to widen and deepen the shipping channel in Cairns and is now delivering a $232 million upgrade to the Port of Townsville – initiatives that will make Queensland an even more attractive destination for the cruise industry.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said health protocols were still being finalised by the Commonwealth and state governments, but were likely to include;
– Passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated.
– Enhanced communication between cruise lines and passengers about the health protocols, COVID-safe practices and the potential health risks associated with cruising.
– Covid testing and mask wearing before embarking and when disembarking.
“The industry is one we want to see resume as soon as practicable but not at the expense of proper health requirements and procedures,” said the Minister.
“This week’s announcement by the Australian Government to lift restrictions on international cruise ships from 17 April 2022 is another great boost for our Tourism sector.
“The Palaszczuk Government has continued discussions with the cruise lines regarding resumption of services and it’s reassuring that cruise ships have improved their ventilation systems and will follow enhanced cleaning practices onboard.
“Queensland’s state-of-the-art $180 million Brisbane International Cruise Terminal will soon be ready to welcome cruise ships back to Brisbane, and ports along the Queensland coast will be ready to receive cruise ships in the coming months
“And we’ve worked closely with cruise lines to lure visitors with the best onshore tourism attractions om Australia.
“And I can guarantee that come 17 April, our tourism operators will be ready to welcome back visitors.”
This week, Carnival Cruise Line announced that its October and November cruises across the South Pacific would be changed to domestic trips, with Queensland capturing the market.
“The restart of the Australian cruise ship industry is important. We’ll work with the Australian Government and industry to chart the safe course to resumption,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
