Caption: Tony Longhurst (Right) With Mayor Tom Tait Break Ground On The New Extensions.

Work has begun on stage 1 of a $100 million major expansion at The Boat Works – doubling its current 20 acres. 

The Mayor of the City of Gold Coast, Tom Tate, has thrown his support behind the next phase of the evolution of The Boat Works, declaring its plans for expansion a “Major Project” of particular significance to the region for the size of investment and the impact on the community in terms of jobs and increased business.

Superior Jetties won the contract to build the new 50-berth marina, which it’s anticipated will welcome its first vessels in early December. Stage 1 is due for completion in April 2019.

The Longhurst family arrived in Coomera in 1974. As the visionary behind Dreamworld, John Longhurst was a pioneer ahead of his time. John and his sons, Tony and Rodney built Australia’s first theme park and over the subsequent four decades, created many thousands of jobs and positioned the Gold Coast as Australia’s premier tourism destination.

Today, Rodney Longhurst is at the helm of Riviera Yachts and Tony Longhurst is at the helm of The Boat Works, helping to drive the next phase of evolution of the Coomera marine precinct with a focus squarely on jobs and input to the economy.

Investing $100 million into The Boat Works, Tony Longhurst will oversee an ambitious expansion program, effectively doubling the yard’s current footprint to a massive 43 acres.

The new precinct will create Australia’s first DRY MARINA, devoted to dry storage for up to 200 boats from 25 to 100ft, as well as expanded refit facilities, the new 50-berth marina and waterfront village comprising boutiques and restaurants.

The Boat Works currently lifts 50 boats per week with its Travel lifts and Sealift equipment and employs 1,000 personnel, figures which are forecast to double in the next three to five years.

Tony explained “The entire Coomera Marine Precinct will benefit from the Gold Coast Waterways Authority’s commitment to dredge the Coomera River in early 2019, granting year-round access for vessels that previously may have been reluctant to call in to the Gold Coast for repairs, refits and storage because of shallow waters at low tide.

www.theboatworks.com.au