The NSW Government has formed a panel of cruise and tourism industry experts to identify the best location for a proposed new cruise terminal in the state.
It's hoped this will help determine the best solution to ensure the future growth of the state's multibillion-dollar cruise industry.
Collaboration with industry experts is crucial to this initiative, as it ensures that the diverse needs and perspectives of stakeholders are considered.
The new cruise terminal is expected to significantly boost the local economy by attracting more international tourists, which will increase spending in the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors.
Additionally, the terminal could create numerous job opportunities, both during its construction phase and in its ongoing operations.
This development may also enhance the state's global reputation as a premier cruise destination, further contributing to long-term economic growth.
By leveraging the insights and expertise of those directly involved in the cruise and tourism sectors, the government can make informed decisions that support sustainable growth.
This collaborative approach will help create a terminal that meets operational demands while enhancing the overall visitor experience.
One of the main challenges in choosing a location is balancing accessibility with environmental impact.
The terminal needs to be easily accessible to both tourists and cruise ships while minimising disruption to local ecosystems and communities.
Additionally, considerations regarding infrastructure, traffic congestion, and potential economic benefits must be carefully weighed to ensure the best outcome for the region.
The new cruise terminal will provide greater capacity for the cruise industry, which contributed $4.4 billion and created 13,700 jobs in NSW in 2023-24.
Port Authority CEO Phil Holliday will chair the Cruising Industry Advisory Panel convened by NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen, with experts including:
- John McKenna, Port Authority Chief Customer and Commercial Officer
- Margy Osmond, CEO Tourism and Transport Forum
- Marika Calfas, NSW Ports
- Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director in Australia and New Zealand at Royal Caribbean International
- Peter Little, Interim Leader for P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia
- Jill Abel, CEO, Australian Cruise Association
- Sarina Bratton, Ponant
- Joel Katz, Managing Director Cruise Lines International Association Australasia
- Antony Ritch, CEO, TFE Hotels
- Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Vice President & Managing Director
The panel will identify options for a future berthing facility to support the long-term growth of the cruise industry in Sydney, despite the state's capital not being at capacity yet.
While plans are underway to investigate options for a third cruise terminal, the Panel will also look into the possibility of increasing capacity at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
The work is part of the Minns Government's plans to deliver Shore Power to the White Bay Cruise Terminal by the end of 2026, so cruise ships can plug in instead of running their engines.
Shore Power allows cruise ships to connect to local electricity grids, reducing the need to burn fossil fuels while docked.
This significantly decreases emissions of harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, which contribute to air pollution and environmental degradation.
By utilising Shore Power, the cruise industry can lower its carbon footprint and help protect local air quality, benefiting both the environment and the health of nearby communities.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said: “The cruise industry in NSW is making a massive contribution to our economy, but it needs certainty so we can all get the benefits from its long-term growth.
"NSW’s next permanent cruise terminal will be a massive new piece of infrastructure and we have to get it right. That’s why we’ve assembled the best people to find the best location, so we can grow our cruise industry long into the future."
Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: "It’s fantastic to see the State Government and industry coming together to identify a third cruise terminal, to attract more visitors and boost tourism across NSW. We look forward to working with the Port Authority to deliver a more certain future for the cruise industry and all Australians who love to cruise.
"Increasing capacity will be essential to cater for the growing interest in cruising and support a range of jobs linked to cruise tourism, spanning restaurants, hotels, retailers, travel agents and more."
Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday added: "Port Authority is delighted to be leading this cross-industry panel as the next step in determining the right location for a new state-of-the art third cruise terminal in NSW.
"Planning for a third terminal is about keeping NSW in pole position as the capital of cruise and retaining the lion’s share of economic benefits from cruise right here in NSW to support local hospitality and retail businesses, tourism and suppliers."