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The NSW Government’s much anticipated Cruise Development Plan recognises the vital need for port facilities to support continued cruise industry growth and its increasing contribution to the national and state tourism economy, the peak industry body, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, said today.

CLIA Australasia Chair, Sture Myrmell, said the industry would work constructively with the NSW Government in relation to the feasibility studies required for the development of an additional cruise facility at Port Botany following the Federal Government ruling out shared use of Garden Island during the peak cruise season.

Under the plan, the much-needed facility would ease port congestion which currently constrains industry growth, and together with the existing terminals at Circular Quay and White Bay would mean that Sydney Harbour remains a major cruise hub.

“Our industry has been advocating for a solution to Sydney’s infrastructure constraints for some years and having a clear plan of action with the NSW Government is a step forward to achieve greater certainty and a platform for growth,” Mr Myrmell said.

“As well as being at the centre of Australia’s largest cruise market, Sydney is one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations and requires facilities that can support cruising growth and its contribution to the economy.

“Last year alone, the cruise industry contributed more than $5 billion to the national economy supporting the equivalent of 21,000 full time jobs with the majority of this contribution, at 60 per cent, centred on NSW.

“This contribution included the purchase of large amounts of local produce from primary producers and significant spending by passengers and crew.”

Mr Myrmell said it was a positive development to have a plan that sets out the NSW Government’s proposed actions including the development of a strategic business case for a cruise terminal at Port Botany.  As the first step, this includes technical assessments for the safe berthing of cruise ships.

The Government’s plan to support regional ports to improve as cruise destinations, and their commitment to work with the Federal Government to remove regulatory barriers affecting the cruise industry were also positive developments.