The Brisbane 2032 Marine Project moves into AIMEX’s international events program as Stephen Joyce concludes his 12-month engagement as project manager, with the door open for governments to join.
The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) today announced that Stephen Joyce concluded his engagement as Brisbane 2032 Marine Project Manager on 9 November 2026. The project now moves from a dedicated establishment phase into the ongoing international events program run by AIMEX and its Superyacht Australia division.
Stephen was engaged as a contractor in November 2025 to implement the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project. The initiative aims to position Australia and the South Pacific as a leading global superyacht destination before, during and well beyond the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Why a dedicated resource was appointed
The project grew from an Economic Impact Assessment that Superyacht Australia commissioned from AEC Group in 2022. That independent modelling projects more than 200 foreign flagged superyachts visiting Australia in connection with the Games. The visits are forecast to generate $1.8 billion in national business output and support more than 7,500 direct and indirect full-time jobs.
Capturing that opportunity takes coordination that no single business or agency owns. Berthing and mooring capacity, regulatory settings, workforce readiness, biosecurity and customs support all need to align across governments, ports, marinas and councils in Australia and the Pacific. Superyacht owners and captains also plan itineraries years in advance, so international promotion had to begin early. AIMEX appointed a dedicated project manager to lead that work.
Twelve months of groundwork
In his 12 months in the role, Stephen took the project from an economic study to a recognised national initiative. Highlights include:
- Securing the backing of the Northern Territory Government, following meetings with Chief Minister the Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA
- Building funding partnerships with North Queensland local governments
- Presenting the opportunity to industry, government and Pacific partners at events in Australia and overseas
A responsible next step for members
For the past 12 months the project has been funded by AIMEX members. The $1.8 billion in benefits will flow largely to the wider economy, including tourism, hospitality and regional small businesses, and the largest returns are still six years away.
Without government funding support for the full program, AIMEX cannot continue to ask its members to fund a dedicated resource for a whole-of-economy initiative. The association has therefore refocused the project so it can continue within its means.
The project continues
AIMEX will keep promoting the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project, and the benefits it offers the Asia Pacific region, through its existing scheduled program of international events. That program will be delivered within a budget that provides a return on investment for AIMEX members and for the North Queensland local governments and the Northern Territory Government that have committed funding.
AIMEX CEO David Good said the change reflects prudent management, and that the opportunity itself has not changed.
“Brisbane 2032 remains the greatest opportunity to grow the superyacht industry in our region in our lifetime. Our members backed this project for a full year because they believe in it, and that investment has built the case, the partnerships and the international profile,” Mr Good said.
“The governments that have committed to the program will see a focused return for their regions. The invitation to every other government remains open. The framework is built, the economic case is independently modelled, and AIMEX is ready to scale the project back up as soon as funding for the full program becomes available.”
Mr Good also thanked Stephen for his contribution.
“Stephen has done exactly what we asked of him. He put this project on the national agenda and opened doors with governments across northern Australia and the Pacific. We thank him sincerely and wish him every success.”
Thanks from Stephen Joyce
Mr Joyce thanked AIMEX, its members and the project’s partners.
“I thank AIMEX and its members for the opportunity to lead the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project through its first year, and for backing it with their own funds. I also thank the Northern Territory Government, our Queensland local government partners and industry for seeing its potential early.
“Superyacht itineraries are planned years ahead, so the decisions that will shape 2032 are being made now. The economic case is clear and the partnerships are in place. I would encourage every council that wants its community to share in this opportunity to take up AIMEX’s invitation while there is still time to get ready.
“New South Wales has already taken a proactive approach to attracting superyachts for the Rugby World Cup. As host state for 2032, Queensland has an even bigger opportunity. I would urge councils and industry to get behind this project and call on the Queensland Government to take a leadership role, so that our state and our region capture the benefits of the Games.”
“Brisbane 2032 remains the greatest opportunity to grow the superyacht industry in our region in our lifetime.”
David Good, CEO, AIMEX
An open invitation to governments
Federal, state, territory and local governments can join the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project at any time. AIMEX welcomes discussions with any government that wants its region ready to share in the $1.8 billion in economic activity and 7,500 jobs forecast from superyacht visitation linked to the Games.
