Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the funding was part of Government’s $60 million investment in The Spit master plan, which supports job-creating projects that will boost tourism opportunities and improve public amenity for the whole community.

“The Southport Yacht Club (SYC) estimates this $7.7 million superyacht berth project, to be located adjacent to Jack Gordon Park, could see up to 25 jobs created during the construction phase, with many more created as a result of the project.

“The new berth will allow the SYC to cater for more, and larger boats, which opens up the Gold Coast to some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts.

Mr Dick said as long as the project met all approval requirements, superyachts could be docking at the facility by October 2020.

“This would mean the Gold Coast would be able to capitalise on superyachts leaving Japan after the Tokyo Olympics before heading to New Zealand for the America’s Cup.