Brisbane 2032 Marine Project Manager, Stephen Joyce, has returned from a successful visit to Darwin where he attended the presentation on 2026: The Year Ahead by Northern Territory Chief Minister, The Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA.
The Chief Minister outlined a clear and confident agenda for the year ahead, focused on delivering Growth, Security and Certainty for Territorians. The Government’s economic plan was revealed to centre on backing key sectors including defence, energy, agriculture, mining and tourism, along with a strong focus on community safety and unlocking major projects and investment to create jobs.
A major initiative announced in this agenda was the Northern Marine Complex, a strategic project designed to strengthen the Northern Territory’s capability as a leading marine, maritime and defence-support hub for Northern Australia.
The development is expected to deliver significant economic benefits through new investment, expanded industry capacity and local jobs, while enhancing the Territory’s ability to service superyachts, commercial, defence and visiting vessels, and support long-term growth across marine industries.
The Northern Marine Complex is a practical, forward-looking infrastructure project aligned with the Territory’s broader 2026 priorities, supporting industry development, boosting sovereign capability and reinforcing the Northern Territory’s role in Australia’s northern economic and defence outlook.
During the visit, Stephen met with Chief Minister Finocchiaro, who expressed support for the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project, recognising the significant opportunities it presents to attract superyachts not only to Darwin, but also to destinations such as Nhulunbuy and other tourism regions across the Northern Territory.
Stephen also met with the Territory Coordinator, Stuart Knowles, who will lead the development of the Northern Marine Complex and has encouraged Superyacht Australia to play an active role in the consultation process.
Further discussions were held with the Northern Territory Government regarding participation in the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project, including development of a potential submission for the 2026/27 Budget and opportunities to support attendance at the upcoming Palm Beach International Boat Show to help promote the region to international superyacht markets.
In addition, Stephen met with the Darwin Port CEO, Peter Dummett, and subsequently visited Darwin Port for discussions with Rhys Jones, General Manager Strategy and Growth, to explore the opportunities for superyachts to utilise port facilities and the support mechanisms that may be required into the future.
The meeting confirmed strong interest in building future collaborations, with Superyacht Australia and Darwin Port agreeing to continue discussions, including the potential for attendance at upcoming international superyacht events to further position the Northern Territory as a competitive and welcoming destination for visiting vessels.
These successful meetings reinforce that Superyacht Australia’s Brisbane 2032 Marine Project is a truly nationwide campaign, extending well beyond Brisbane and its surrounds to accelerate Australia-wide readiness for the anticipated influx of superyachts in the lead-up to and during the Games.
By fostering early engagement with state and territory governments, ports and key stakeholders, the Project is laying the groundwork for coordinated infrastructure planning, policy alignment and destination development, ensuring long-term benefits for regional marine industries and positioning Australia as a globally competitive superyacht destination well beyond 2032.
