Superyacht Australia appoints Stephen Joyce to lead Brisbane 2032 Marine Project
by AIMEX 1 Dec 2025 22:23 PST
Superyacht Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Joyce as Project Manager for the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project. A multi-year initiative, the project is set to transform Queensland and the wider South Pacific as a premier global superyacht destination in the lead-up to, during and far beyond the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Instrumental to the potential success of the project, Joyce brings more than three decades of extensive leadership experience across government, private and not-for-profit sectors and an extensive background in strategic project delivery, financial management, business development and organisational leadership.
The foundation for the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project was established in 2022, when Superyacht Australia commissioned AEC Group to undertake an Economic Impact Assessment of the Australian Superyacht Sector, including a forward-looking analysis of opportunities associated with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The report projected that the Games has the potential to attract more than 200 foreign flagged superyachts to Australia, statistics built upon the established superyacht attendance records at past Olympic games and projected growth of the international 80 metre plus superyacht fleet, vessels which are capable of long-range travel to destinations such as Australia and the South Pacific.
This anticipated influx of vessels is projected to generate $1.8 billion in national business output, including more than $232 million in maintenance activity, $1.2 billion in induced tourism and $64 million in charter spend. It is also expected to support in excess of 7,500 direct and indirect full-time jobs, marking one of the most significant marine-tourism opportunities in the region's history.
To facilitate these outcomes, Joyce will lead coordinated efforts across government, industry and private-sector partners in Australia and the Pacific to ensure cities and regions are equipped with the infrastructure, services, logistics capability and regulatory settings required to safely and successfully host the largest ever international superyacht visitation to the region, whilst maximising local economic benefit.
His responsibilities include securing multi-year funding, guiding infrastructure and capability assessments, driving international promotion and coordinating operational readiness across Queensland's waterways and Pacific cruising routes. This work spans workforce development, environmental and planning considerations, marina and mooring capacity, logistics, biosecurity, customs support and integration of South Pacific destinations into long-range superyacht itineraries.
Stephen Joyce commented on his role; "I am excited to lead this project with Superyacht Australia, positioning Queensland and the Pacific as a global superyacht destination. This initiative will drive opportunities across multiple industries, and I look forward to working with governments, businesses and communities to realise its economic potential."
To support delivery, Superyacht Australia will work closely with State and Local Governments across Southeast Queensland to prepare the region as the primary host for international vessels, an area expected to receive nearly 70% of all superyacht-related expenditure during the Games period. Extensive consultation with marina operators, port authorities, councils, private developers and global yacht managers will guide the development of appropriate berthing capacity, temporary infrastructure, high-end service capability and long-term legacy planning.
Running parallel to the Australian program, the Brisbane 2032 Pacific Marine Project extends this work to Pacific nations, supporting infrastructure audits, skills training, business development initiatives and global destination marketing delivered in partnership with Pacific governments.
Through attendance at more than a dozen major global marine and tourism events each year, Joyce will lead engagement with captains, owners, agents and global fleet managers to facilitate merging Brisbane 2032 into long-range superyacht itineraries. Simultaneously elevating the South Pacific, including countries such as the Solomon Islands and Tahiti as world-class cruising regions.
Superyacht Australia CEO David Good commented on the appointment of Stephen Joyce; "The 2032 Olympics presents the greatest opportunity to grow the Superyacht industry in the South Pacific during our lifetime. Stephen's expertise in strategic planning, industry development and engagement makes him an exceptional choice to lead this transformative initiative that will have long last benefits for the entire region."
The Brisbane 2032 Marine Project aims to embed long-term superyacht visitation into the region, strengthen local industry capability, and ensure Australia and the South Pacific is showcased on the world stage as a leading global destination for luxury vessels.