Unlocking the Brisbane River: A Commercial Marina and Tourism Hub
Raptis Investments | Strategic Business Case and Social Cost-Benefit Analysis | Brisbane, QLD, Australia | 2023
Strategic Business Case and cost-benefit analysis completed
Benefit–cost ratio of 4.31 demonstrating strong economic return
Business case prepared to support Growing Future Tourism Fund application
$4 million in Queensland Government funding secured
The Challenge
Raptis Investments engaged Sparrowly Group to undertake a cost-benefit analysis and develop a Strategic Business Case for the Brisbane Commercial Marina and Tourism Hub.
Despite long-standing recognition of the Brisbane River’s potential, both existing and new commercial operators were constrained by the absence of a permanent marina facility. This limited vessel investment, suppressed tourism growth and restricted activation of the river as a key visitor asset.
The project required a robust economic case to justify public investment and unlock private capital for delivery.
Key challenges included
Demonstrating sufficient economic return to justify government investment
Quantifying tourism expenditure impacts on an underutilised river asset
Integrating feasibility, site planning and cost modelling
Aligning the proposal with State tourism funding priorities
Our Approach
Sparrowly Group delivered a rigorous, Treasury-aligned cost-benefit analysis and funding-ready business case to articulate the project’s economic value and strategic importance.
Our methodology included
Development of a detailed cost-benefit analysis model
Quantification of tourism expenditure uplift and broader economic impacts
Assessment of infrastructure costs against projected demand growth
Feasibility assessment and integration of site and cost plans
Preparation of supporting documentation for the Growing Future Tourism Fund
Strategic alignment with Queensland tourism and development priorities
The analysis clearly demonstrated that the benefits of increased tourism expenditure and river activation significantly outweighed infrastructure costs, resulting in a benefit–cost ratio of 4.31.
Outcomes and Impact
Key Outcomes
Strong economic justification for commercial marina development
Compelling investment case aligned with Queensland Government priorities
Funding-ready documentation supporting grant submission
Clear articulation of tourism activation potential for the Brisbane River
Economic and Social Impact
$4 million in Queensland Government funding secured
Construction underway to deliver key tourism infrastructure
Activation of the Brisbane River as a demand-driving visitor asset
Increased capacity for commercial tour operators and new market entry
Long-term uplift in tourism expenditure and regional economic contribution
The Brisbane Commercial Marina and Tourism Hub represents a catalyst project for unlocking sustainable water-based tourism experiences in Queensland’s capital city.
