The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has called on the government to finalise its plans for a Garden Island port, as the cruise industry prepares for an expected 30% spike in arrivals.
The call came as the newly-opened $57 million White Bay Cruise Terminal welcomed its second luxury liner, Pacific Jewel, since opening on Monday.
The terminal was christened on Monday with the arrival of P&O liner Pacific Pearl.
TTF acting chief executive Trent Zimmerman hailed the opening as a“crucial” to tourism growth, but said more work is needed to help the industry achieve its targets.
“We also need the federal government to get on with finalising long-term plans for cruise ship access to Garden Island,” he said.
“Within three years, a third of cruise ships visiting Sydney will be unable to fit under the Harbour Bridge. This will rise to 56% by 2020.
“We need the prime minister to fulfil her promise of regulised and increased access to Garden Island in addition to the three visits per year that the federal government is now allowing to the western side of the navy base.”
