With the buzz of another blockbuster NRL Magic Round still in the air, Luke shares his insights on the event’s impact, Brisbane’s rise as a major events city, and what’s on the horizon for Howard Smith Wharves. He also shares how sustainability, business confidence, and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are shaping the next chapter for the dynamic riverside precinct.

Business

The recent NRL Magic Round was another huge weekend for Brisbane and Howard Smith Wharves is a go-to destination for fans. How did it play out at Howard Smith Wharves?

• We love celebrating the best that Brisbane has to offer, and the city really puts on a show when it comes to major events including Magic Round, Brisbane Festival, and of course, leading up to the big show in 2032.
• We’re delighted that the locals and visitors want to spend their time by the river with us at Howard Smith Wharves before venturing to an event nearby.
• For us, we usually see increased foot traffic throughout the precinct and more recently an increase of people travelling via the CityCat.
• The connectivity and access the river provides is truly amazing and it’s great to see people really embrace the unique superhighway to celebrate how they spend their time in our city.

How do you see Brisbane evolving over the next decade and where does Howard Smith Wharves fit into that vision?

• We have such a unique and exciting opportunity to contribute to our global legacy in the next decade in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics Games.
• Practically, there is infrastructure that needs to be built which will help Brisbane evolve, not only for the Olympics but beyond 2032
• After watching the Paris Games and seeing the city come to life during the opening ceremony, it really sparked the idea that the Story Bridge and Brisbane River could be the epicentre of Brisbane 2032.
• Of course, we know, that visitors are choosing to stay even longer in Brisbane, but we also see Brisbane as the gateway and doorstep to exploring the rest that our beautiful state has to offer. So, ensuring their first stop in our city is a success is critical for visitors going on to explore our beaches, islands, country towns and Queensland charm.

How would you describe the current business outlook for Brisbane, and specifically for precinct-based hospitality and tourism operators? What trends or shifts in hospitality and tourism are influencing your strategy at Howard Smith Wharves?

• The spotlight seems to well and truly be on Brisbane. There’s such exciting hospitality and tourism projects expanding across our city.
• While there’s no denying some of the challenges we’ve experienced over the past few years following COVID, storms and cost of living pressures, Brisbane is such an innovative and resilient community.
• It’s been inspiring to see small businesses embrace creativity and innovation, finding new ways to connect with customers and deliver experiences that align with their evolving expectations.
• Additionally, accessibility is really front and centre for us. We want as many people to enjoy what our city has to offer as possible, and ensuring there are tourism offerings for people with accessibility and mobility requirements is essential in ensuring an inclusive and positive experience.
• That’s why in April we were proud to launch a world-first accessible bridge climb on the Story Bridge.

Sustainability is central to Howard Smith Wharves’ identity. What initiatives or innovations are you most proud?  How do you balance growth and activation with minimising your environmental footprint?

• We have set ourselves the goal of becoming the most sustainable precinct on the planet.
• Sustainability has been in our DNA from the beginning of our journey and I’m proud that we’re thinking outside the box and setting new standards on sustainability in hospitality.
• I love our partnership with Ozfish that sees us recycle Oyster Shells that are then used to regenerate the reef in Moreton Bay. One oyster shell becomes the home to 10 new baby oysters and it’s great to play a role in this circular economy.
• Hopefully our example at Howard Smith Wharves shows that sustainability can be achieved while balancing growth, in fact, it shows that a business can thrive through sustainability.

Howard Smith Wharves has helped shape a distinct identity for the inner-city riverfront. What’s next? Are there any developments or ideas in the pipeline you’re excited about?

• Last year we submitted a development application for the next chapter of Howard Smith Wharves and the further possibilities for us here on the riverfront.
• The largest and arguably most beautiful sand islands in the world are right here on our doorstep and providing connectivity to these islands is something we’ve been working on as it’s a ‘must do’ experience in Brisbane.
• We’re excited to create more open spaces for people to soak up the sun and enjoy being by the river and will certainly keep you updated as our plans progress.

What’s been one of your biggest leadership learnings in steering such a high-profile precinct through rapid growth and a changing city?

• There are some incredible leaders and visionaries here in Brisbane that I’m lucky to call friends and often reflect on their insights and advice.
• For me, my leadership style is guided by pursuing passion, backing yourself, but being humble and kind along the way.
• Ten years ago, people couldn’t imagine what would have been possible in this abandoned space by the river under the story bridge. So, my advice to other leaders is to back yourself and surround yourself with people who will catch you when you fall and who believe in you and trust in the Brisbane business community who we have found incredibly collaborative and supportive.

How do you stay connected to the needs of the local community while continuing to attract national and international attention?

• Our community are the heart and soul of our precinct and we’re lucky to be neighbours to such diverse and exciting offerings across the city.
• Because we have so much open and green space, the community are always front of mind of how they can enjoy these spaces and the riverfront.
• Whether it’s partnering with our local RSL on ANZAC Day, supporting local artists with our Great Artist Market or hosting Brisbane’s biggest easter egg hunt, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy a day out in the sun, by the river and enjoy spending time together.

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at BEDA – what partnerships or collaborations have been particularly powerful in building the precinct’s reputation and success?

• Brisbane is such a collaborative and inspiring city where we genuinely feel there is a real exchange of ideas and support to bring this vision to life.
• We’re very grateful for the support of organisations like BEDA and more broadly with the Brisbane City Council and Queensland State Government for supporting independent owners and operators.
• The connections and introductions into broader industry groups like Tourism and Events Queensland and Tourism Australia, and the Australian Hotels Associations has played a significant part in our growth and development.

On a personal note

What’s the best business/professional advice you were ever given?

• Never tell anyone what to do… just ask them to help.

Best business book or podcast?

• I’ve recently been listening to Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey, which is a collection of stories from McConaughey’s life. I’ve been really enjoying the book for its positive messages.

Favourite Brisbane bar or restaurant?

• Howard Smith Wharves’ very own Stanley would have to be my favourite Brisbane restaurant. It’s in the most beautiful setting overlooking the river. The Moreton Bay Bug spring rolls are hands down my favourite dish!

Describe your ideal Sunday morning.

• I generally wake up at 4:20am every day, so a Sunday sleep in sounds nice!