From its origins as a farming paddock to becoming a company with expansive marine facilities, the Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) has officially marked 25 years of service to Australia’s marine sector. As a cornerstone of the Gold Coast’s Coomera marine precinct, GCCM has played a transformative role in shaping the refit and repair landscape locally and internationally.
Since opening its doors in 2000, GCCM has provided a single destination for vessel maintenance, a pioneering concept at the time.
Originally developed by the Gay and Leigh-Smith families, the shipyard quickly established itself as a major force in the Australian marine industry. It now operates under the leadership of the Gay family, who continue to steer its expansion and advocacy initiatives.
GCCM has become synonymous with innovation and excellence, offering services for vessels ranging from personal watercraft of 3-metre (10-feet) up to 61-metre (200-feet) vessels. The facility hosts over 90 businesses and more than 700 marine contractors, reflecting its significant economic and operational footprint.
GCCM’s recognition includes being the first shipyard in Australia to receive the 5 Gold Anchor international accreditation in 2017, with reaccreditation granted in 2024.
CEO Trenton Gay highlighted GCCM’s evolution into a destination for marine refit and repair, attracting vessels from the USA, Europe and Asia Pacific.
“Our family is immensely proud of GCCM and its role in revolutionising how boat owners across Australia – and the world – maintain their vessels and defy the sceptics who originally thought our development and concept was crazy.”
“GCCM and the wider Coomera marine precinct is home to Australia’s largest concentration of marine trades servicing all sizes of vessels from jet skis to superyachts and attracting boats from as far afield as the USA, Europe and all parts of the Asia Pacific region.”
GCCM Chair and patriarch Pat Gay AM reflected on the bold vision that led to the development of the shipyard. His belief that “if you build it, they will come” laid the foundation for what is now a hub of marine excellence and community collaboration.
“Our intention in developing GCCM on farming land – which at the time was considered a risky move – was to be the biggest and best marina and shipyard in Australia, which we achieved in GCCM’s first year of operation by providing one safe and convenient location for refit and repair.”
“GCCM isn’t just a shipyard. We have created a legacy and a vibrant community of businesses and families that has elevated the entire marine industry.”
In a statement, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate mentioned the economic impact of the Coomera marine precinct, which now contributes $1.2 billion AUD to the local economy and supports over 5,000 jobs.
"The motto for this incredible precinct could easily be: dream big and deliver the best," he said. "Over the past 25 years, these facilities have been integral to the expansion of our marine industry nationally and internationally. Let's set sail for the years ahead."
GCCM is preparing for the next chapter with the upcoming TITAN Yard, an adjacent 20-hectare site that will significantly boost capacity.
TITAN Yard will support vessels up to 75-metre on hardstand, with refit sheds up to 100-meter in length and a lifting capacity of up to 820 tonnes.
The first stage, featuring 20,000 square-metre of facilities, is expected to be completed by mid-April 2026. The facility will eventually increase its offer up to 1,800 tonnes of lifting capacity for the second stage.
Trent Gay stated, “Our goal is to take the sector to the next level, and we’re building on that vision with the planning and development of Titan Yard. This facility will be a game-changer for the marine industry, both on the Gold Coast and across Australia.”
With its location, robust infrastructure and commitment to industry growth, GCCM’s 25-year legacy continues to shape the future of marine services in Australia and beyond.
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