Tag: Gateway Bridge

42-Berth Marina Planned for Commercial and Tourist Boats in Murarrie

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.

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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.

Growing Future Tourism, QLD QLD Dept of Tourism & Sport
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.

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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.

Published 18-March-2024

Drones to Catch Hoons to be Deployed Following Gateway Bridge Incident in Murrarie

Traffic cops have long witnessed hooning on the Gateway Bridge. This dangerous escapade on the bridge linking Murrarie and Eagle Farm will soon be contained with the help of a fleet of hi-tech, airborne surveillance drones.

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In its bid to reinforce and strengthen its crackdown on hooning activities, the Queensland Police Services (QPS) has invested in covert drones to catch more offenders on the road. Officers are currently under training to learn how to become drone pilots as the agency increases its crime-fighting tools. 

In Gold Coast, drones have been a successful part of Operation Tango Vinyl, which has led to the arrest of 99 individuals who were charged for dangerous driving. More than 20 vehicles were also seized whilst 400 people were issued infringement notices. 

Highlights

  • Queensland Police Services is preparing to launch a fleet of drones to tackle hooning across the region.
  • Officers have been undergoing training to become drone pilots.
  • Drones have been effective in Gold Coast, where the QPS conducted Operation Tango Vinyl, which led to the arrest of 99 offenders.

Meanwhile, a QPS spokesperson said that video of the hooning incident in Gateway Bridge led to the arrest of motorists who were also charged for not wearing a seatbelt and for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The cops are also investigating a lead into another vehicle that dangerously drove on the bridge. Its hooning video has gone viral on social media.   

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“These changes will provide police with enhanced flexibility when dealing with gatherings of hoons,” Police Minister Mark Ryan following the announcement of the QPS’ investment in these drones. 

“For example, if dozens of cars were hooning in a particular location, police would be able to use these new hi-tech cameras to capture images of all the vehicles. The high-resolution images would allow police to identify each vehicle, and then proceed to take action against the registered owner unless the owner could demonstrate they weren’t driving at the time.

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“The expanded laws would apply to a greater range of traffic offences caught on camera. An offender would no longer be able to avoid prosecution by simply masking their identities and denying they had been behind the wheel.

“There’s no apology for targeting these reckless drivers.”