Billionaire Clive Palmer was allowed to park his superyacht in one of the city’s best Riverfire viewing positions because it was too big to fit in the area set aside for recreational boats, according to Maritime Safety Queensland.
The $40 million Italian-built “Australia” – which flies under the Maltese flag – features a jacuzzi, two sundecks, and multiple bars across 56 metres.
It was attached to a buoy between the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Bridge just after 10am, Monday in preparation for the weekend event.
Superyacht ‘Australia’, which flies the Maltese flag and is owned by mining magnate Clive Palmer, has docked in a prime location ahead of this weekend’s Riverfire display.Credit: William Davis
The spot is among the best areas in Brisbane to watch the fireworks and aircraft display, with both bridges in view.
Maps seen by this masthead show the area was previously set aside for recreational boat owners, but has been recategorised for commercial vessels.
Recreational boats will now be on the other side of the Kangaroo Point Bridge.
The move prompted fierce backlash from multiple recreational boat owners, who suspected underhanded dealings to benefit the billionaire.
Maritime Safety Queensland, however, said this was incorrect. Palmer’s boat is not registered as a commercial vessel and has only been allowed in the spot because of its size.
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