A Hemmant industrial site is set to transform into a high-tech riverside village under a new proposal that combines boat storage with community lifestyle spaces.
Frank Developments, led by developer Frank Licastro, recently lodged plans for the project known as Brisbane Marina. The proposal targets a three-hectare area zoned for general industry that sits along a 430-metre stretch of the Brisbane River.
The project aims to shift the focus of the eastern riverfront from strictly industrial work to a mix of business, technology, and leisure. The site is located about 15 minutes from both the Brisbane CBD and the Port of Brisbane.
The development plans introduce advanced marine technology to the area. If approved, the marina would be the first in the city to feature autonomous berthing, which allows vessels to dock without manual steering. The scheme also includes a dedicated landing bay for drones and a marine hub equipped for electric vehicles.
Boating facilities are a central part of the design. The precinct is set to offer more than 70 private berths designed for boats ranging from 15 to 20 metres in length. These wet berths will be supported by a ship lift, onsite fuel, and access to shipmaster services 24 hours a day. The site also includes parking for 288 cars to support visitors and workers.
The vision for the site moves away from the look of a standard shipping yard. The design firm BYculprit created a plan that borrows from the style of classic boatsheds. The buildings will feature sawtooth rooflines, bronze-coloured panels, and natural timber to create what the developers call a luxury industrial look.
Frank Licastro noted that the project is designed to be a working village where people can work and relax in the same place. He explained that the city’s waterfronts are evolving into active precincts rather than just industrial edges. To support this lifestyle approach, the plans include 67 workstores of various sizes. The precinct will also feature wellness zones with gyms and saunas, event spaces, and public boardwalks along the river to connect the work areas with the water.
The sale of the Kookaburra Queen I for $550,000 at a Murarrie auction presents a unique opportunity for businesses looking to invest in Brisbane’s tourism and event sectors.
The Kookaburra Queen I, a historic paddleboat once known for its Brisbane River cruises, has found a new owner. It sold for $550,000 at an auction in Murarrie, Queensland, on September 30, 2025.
The vessel, built for the 1988 World Expo, had been a staple of Brisbane’s river cruises, offering dining and event services for decades. After years of inactivity, it was listed for sale by Grays Auctioneers, attracting significant interest from potential buyers.
A Glimpse into Brisbane’s Maritime History
Built in 1987 by Millkraft Thompson Boatyard, the Kookaburra Queen I stretches 30.5 metres along the water. Its timber hull and fibreglass decks reflect solid local workmanship. Licensed to carry 378 passengers, the vessel includes two lively dance floors, a full commercial kitchen with cold storage, and an open observation deck for 30 guests.
The vessel operated as a popular venue for weddings, dinners, and sightseeing cruises until its last commercial operator ceased operations in 2022.
Decline and Auction Details
The Kookaburra Queen I had been moored at Colmslie Beach Reserve in Murarrie, Brisbane, for several years. The vessel experienced some water damage during the 2022 Brisbane floods and required relocation due to impending construction works in the area.
With its rich heritage and potential for restoration, the vessel could once again become a prominent feature on the Brisbane River, offering unique experiences to locals and visitors alike.
Raw, untreated sewage has been discharged into the Brisbane River at Morningside, contaminating flood waters in the area, as part of a temporary relief overflow structure in the area. Urban Utilities is also undertaking critical pipe replacements on a 70-year-old, 600-metre underground siphon connecting Bulimba to Hamilton.
Major Wastewater Pipe Repairs Lead to Emergency Overflow
Urban Utilities has confirmed that untreated sewage has been discharged into the Brisbane River at Morningside. This is due to ongoing work on the ageing Bulimba-Hamilton Siphon. The siphon is a 600-metre underground wastewater tunnel connecting Bulimba to Hamilton. It has transported sewage for nearly 70 years and is currently undergoing critical pipe replacements.=
With one of the two pipes offline for maintenance, excess wastewater from recent heavy rainfall has been managed through an emergency relief point. As a result, residents have been advised to avoid contact with floodwaters, particularly near Vic Lucas Park at Bulimba and Colmslie Beach Reserve at Murarrie.
Public Health Concerns as Residents Ignore Warnings
Despite public health warnings, some residents have been spotted swimming and fishing in contaminated floodwaters. Social media users expressed alarm, with one person noting sewage and toilet paper debris in local parks.
Urban Utilities has reassured residents that Brisbane’s drinking water remains safe and continues to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. However, authorities have advised people to boil or filter their drinking water as a precaution.
Flooding and Power Outages Continue Across Brisbane
The crisis in Morningside is part of a larger emergency unfolding across South East Queensland. Heavy rainfall from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has caused severe flooding, with multiple creeks overflowing and major roads inundated.
Energex crews have restored power to 31,000 homes, but more than 211,000 properties remain without electricity. Emergency teams are working in hazardous conditions, with helicopters on standby to assess damage once the weather improves.
As floodwaters begin to recede, authorities will assess the full extent of the damage, particularly the health risks posed by contaminated water. Urban Utilities will continue repairs on the Bulimba-Hamilton Siphon, with efforts underway to complete the project as soon as possible.
Brisbane residents are urged to stay updated on the latest developments, report any sewage overflows, and follow health guidelines when cleaning up flood-affected properties.
Latest Updates on Brisbane Services & Recovery Efforts
Brisbane Council Service Updates Following Cyclone Alfred (Updated: 10 March 2025, 11:20 a.m.)
BCC has announced several service closures and changes due to ongoing flood recovery efforts:
Closures Until Further Notice:
City Hall, community halls, libraries, pools,
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
North & South Regional Business Centres, Carindale, Indooroopilly, Brisbane Square Customer Service Centres
Golf courses, off-street parking (King George Square & Wickham Terrace)
Mountain bike tracks (Gap Creek & Mt Coot-tha Reserve)
Council-run playground water play areas
CityCat, KittyCat
Most bus services
Story Bridge footpaths
Open Facilities & Services:
Chandler and Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centres (offering free green waste drop-off)
Sandbag stations
All sandbag stations have closed.
Transport Disruptions & Road Closures
Ferry services are suspended and unable to operate due to debris found in the water.
Bus and train services are operating on limited schedules.
Roma Street Station remains closed due to flooding.
Personalised Public Transport services and Council Cabs are still suspended.
For public transport updates, visit TransLink or contact 13 12 30.
Waste Collection & Bin Repairs
Regular collection of general waste, recycling, and waste bins (green) has resumed.
Bin repair and maintenance services are still suspended until further notice.
For more information, visit BCC website or contact 07 3403 8888.
Evacuation Centres Remain Open for Flood-Affected Residents
Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions as flooding conditions persist. Those needing emergency shelter can still access the following evacuation centres:
Sleeman Sports Complex (Chandler Arena) at 757 Tilley Road, Chandler
Kedron Wavell Services Club at 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside
Riverlife Community Centre (Community-Led Evacuation Hub) at 47 Jennifer Street, Seventeen Mile Rocks
Residents are urged to leave early, avoid driving through floodwaters, and prepare emergency kits with essential items.
A 42-berth marina will be built near the Gateway Bridge, on the Brisbane River, at Raptis Seafoods in Murarrie. This marina will support maritime tourism by offering overnight anchoring for business and tourist boats as part of the Growing Future Tourism strategy.
Once built, the marina will provide a much-needed docking option for Brisbane’s maritime tourism operators, especially after recent obstacles like the 2022 floods and waterfront developments. However, it is not meant to be a pick-up and drop-off location for tourists.
With construction clearances pending, the marina is anticipated to open in April 2025.
Tourism Initiatives
According to projections, the marina will bring in $66.6 million in private investment from the $15 million the Queensland government has allocated to five tourism initiatives. This financing will maintain 669 ongoing operational functions and about 313 jobs during planning and construction. The combined effect of these developments is anticipated to bring in over 216,000 extra tourists per year, translating into an extra $63 million in spending. The projects are expected to be finished by June 2026.
This effort includes a 50-meter jetty at Lindeman Island Resort, eco-cabins at Australia Zoo’s Crocodile Hunter Lodge, and a marine tourist hub at Townsville’s Flinders Street Wharves.
Photo Credit: QLD Dept of Tourism & Sport
Michael Healy, the Minister of Tourism, highlighted the marina’s role in giving river tourist companies a secure foundation and commended Raptis and the Queensland Government for their cooperation. He also emphasised the Growing Future Tourism program’s contribution to developing fresh travel alternatives in the area.
The CEO and spokesperson for Raptis Investments, Tim Beirne, highlighted the importance of the marina’s project in boosting local tourism and stated the company’s excitement about obtaining money for it. In line with the rising demand for coastal and aquatic experiences, he highlighted that repurposing Raptis Seafoods wharves would provide security for home porting, encourage investment, and generate new job possibilities in the tourism sector.
About Raptis
In the 1930s, Arthur Raptis Sr., a migrant labourer, discovered his calling in fishing. In the 1950s, after relocating to Adelaide, his wife Anna started a fish and chip store. Their desire to succeed as entrepreneurs drove them to fillet their catch for nearby stores. Their daughter and four sons joined in, growing the company into retail and wholesale seafood.
A. Raptis and Sons Pty Ltd (Raptis) is one of the biggest privately held fishing firms in Australia today. Raptis is a local and international supplier of high-quality seafood products, emphasising responsible fishing practices. Australia’s fish populations will flourish for future generations thanks to their dedication to sustainable techniques. From the ocean to the plate, Raptis maintains premium seafood by utilising technology.
