Whitsunday Marine Centre of Excellence

⁠⁠⁠500.2018 This Invitation for Expressions of Interest (EOI) signifies Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment to facilitating the delivery of infrastructure and training needs of one of Queensland’s most dynamic and fastest growing Local Government Areas.

This EOI marks the beginning of a competitive tender process for investment in the planning, development and operation of a ‘Marine Centre of Excellence’ at the Bowen Boat Harbour, creating a world-class marine servicing facility, dedicated tertiary marine training college and a vast array of supporting services. This transformational project aims to deliver sustainable jobs and economic growth, by providing on-the-ground, practical training in marine disciplines, servicing commercial and recreational vessels, as well as attracting new business from the growing domestic cruising yacht and international superyacht market.

The Whitsundays region is a fast growing, vibrant tourist destination that sees thousands of vessels stay in and pass through its waters each year. This tender process is an important part of Council’s vision to:

* expand and take advantages of increasing growth and demand within the region, including adding capacity to service larger vessels (e.g. superyachts and others) which there is currently no ability to do within the Whitsunday region or between Gold Coast and Cairns;

* create employment and training opportunities, through a new marine servicing and tertiary education facility; and

* attract more tourism and investment into the region.

Council seeks investment fro m one or more strategic partners who will be able to provide the finance and expertise to plan, develop and deliver the facility with Council.Council looks forward to working with the private sector and welcomes your interest in working together with us to develop this strategic project for the Whitsunday region.