Leaders unite at 55th Sydney International Boat Show to drive industry-wide conference opportunity

Sydney International Boat Show © Schofield Natalie

In another first for the Sydney International Boat Show, the 2024 event, which took place last weekend at Sydney's iconic Darling Harbour, also played the backdrop for a significant conference involving industry heavyweights to discuss and address key issues currently facing the marine and boating industry.

The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) hosted a national marine and maritime industry conference of more than 10 marine and boating forums over two days during the annual Show, with attendees including Local, State and Federal Government decision makers, members of the NSW Parliament, heads of national maritime regulatory agencies in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and major non-government organisations involved in the boating sector.

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen officially opened the Show and announced a $44 million maritime infrastructure program for the State to an industry audience of 300 people. Of that sum, $28 million will go to public boating facilities over four years and $16 million will go to dredging at key coastal locations.

Roy Butler MP, member for Barwon and Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friendship Group for Aquatic Recreation was also in attendance along with Minister David Harris MP, Matt Cross MP, Kellie Sloane MP, Clayton Barr MP and Mark Banasiak MLC. Kevin Anderson MP also showed his support throughout the Show.

Roy Butler MP congratulated the BIA on providing such a platform for so many members of parliament to attend and meet with industry.

BIA CEO, Andrew Scott said "we are often all working on similar issues, so these events are invaluable and provide an opportunity to be aligned in the approach and outcome, and thus strengthen the chance for success for all. It was also a valuable opportunity for industry to meet with local, State and Federal Government representatives firsthand to discuss issues that matter to boating."

The Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee (ARBSC) held a rare and effective joint session with the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG). The ARBSC is comprised of the heads of maritime regulators from every State and Territory, and its remit is national guidance on policy settings and standards, and funding national education initiatives. BIA was able to provide two significant demonstrations to ARBSC to help inform issues being considered by committee members related to innovative vessels and data.

ANZSBEG Chair, Peter Hopkins of Marine and Safety Tasmania conducted a two-day meeting with the group during the event, with their joint objective to enhance safety education and prevent recreational boating incidents, associated injuries and loss of life. The meetings comprised of all maritime regulators across Australia and New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, along with the Bureau of Meteorology, and key non-government organisations such as Australian Sailing, Royal Life Saving Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia, Paddle Australia, National Volunteer Marine SAR Committee and BIA. Further to this, the BIA presented a milestone proposal to ANZSBEG and ARBSC to support delivery of a national Responsible Boat Ownership behaviour change campaign with a focus on safe vessels.

ANZSBEG also held several sessions that included a workshop with Royal Life Saving to aid in the preparation of the updated Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030.

ARBSC Chair, Chris Mathers, Executive Director Maritime, Transport WA, led a Vessel Standards Forum, supported by Standards Australia and BIA. The forum was heavily attended by ARBSC, ANZSBEG, BIA and industry representatives. Topics included opportunities to expand and improve standardisation, and compliance for the construction of recreational vessels in Australia.

A Sustainability Forum was held to brief industry and stakeholders on efforts to tackle challenges related to decarbonisation and end of life vessels. BIA Sustainability Ambassador Lisa Blair kicked off the forum, providing an update on her scientific research and consulting on 'climate action now' initiatives. She was followed by International Council of Marine Industry Associations CEO, Joe Lynch who presented a keynote update on the 'Propelling Our Future' campaign that tackles the decarbonisation challenge.

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) General Manager, Kell Dillon presented to the Sustainability Forum on the War on Wrecks program in Queensland. Dillon said the program has now removed more than 1,425 derelict vessels across the State. He said recommendations of the program Task Force included issues such as the need to improve waterways management; and that is why MSQ is rolling out a new waterways management program of initiatives in Noosa which are designed to remove wrecks from the waterway, better organise anchoring and mooring areas, and improve safety and environmental outcomes.

BIA introduced a new Diversity and Inclusion Forum to the 2024 line-up, aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within the boating sector.

Diversity Council Australia CEO, Lisa Annese was the keynote speaker for the forum, which included themes such as encouraging females, culturally diverse and people of all abilities to take up every type of role across the marine industry and to get into boating across paddle, power and sail. Other guest speakers included Sonia Robinson of BIA Women in Boating, Gareth Hogan of Making Waves Foundation and BIA CEO Andrew Scott.

BIA also hosted several maritime advisory groups and forums that included:

• Recreational Vessels Advisory Group (NSW) which is comprised of recreational vessel member associations to inform NSW waterway regulation, legislation, policies and initiatives
• Commercial Vessels Advisory Group (NSW) comprised of domestic commercial vessel member-based peak bodies
• Maritime Property Advisory Group (NSW) comprised of key stakeholders spanning maritime property, marinas and boatyards
• Australian Ship Repairers Group which is Australia's oldest and most diverse maritime industry body

The Sydney International Boat Show is presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) with delivery partner Mulpha Events and proudly supported by Partner in Safety - Transport for NSW, along with official event partners Century Batteries, GMSV and Walcon Marine Australia and media partner Ocean Media.