Australian officials plan to spend $11.22 Australian dollars million on a new cruise terminal at the Trinity Wharf, according to a local newspaper.

The Cairns Post quoted Premier Anna Bligh and Tourism Minister Desley Boyle saying the new terminal would be completed by late 2009.

Under the plan, the No. 3 shed will be turned into an air-conditioned terminal with new check-in areas and covered ground transportation drop-off areas linking to a new gangway ramp. The No. 2 shed, which is the current terminal, will be refurbished, the paper reported.

Boyle reportedly said the cruise shipping industry generated more than $132 million for the Queensland economy annually.

Upgrades will allow Cairns to accommodate two large cruise ships carrying up to 1,800 passengers each, the paper said.

Thirty-five ships are reportedly scheduled to visit Cairns in 2009.