Marina Industry a major contributor to the economy - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 11 Oct 2024 09:00 AEDT
Coomera Marine Precinct QLD © Marina Industries Association
The Marina Industry Association conducts a comprehensive economic survey of the Health of the Australian marina industry every two years. The latest report was presented to around 400 delegates in Brisbane in May at the Marinas24 International Conference & Trade Exhibition.
The data revealed that the 291 marina facilities nationally contribute $2.24B to the economy, provide premises for over 2,600 small businesses and support close to 22,000 jobs. The industry is performing well with average occupancies exceeding 86%. Queensland is home to the largest marinas in the country, housing around 320 boats at each facility and reporting the highest average turnover at $3.4 million.
Over 80% of the marinas lease space to marine-related tenancies, most of which are small business operators who provide service to boaters. Underscoring the employment contributions of marinas, each marina will employ about 14 Queenslanders and will further engage over 50 contractors.
The Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors Conference (AIMS) was held 27 September in Brisbane at the Stamford Plaza Hotel. The Boating Industry Association's (BIA) Andrew Fielding was invited to attend as a guest speaker on the topic of Marine Brokers. This was an opportunity to highlight the importance of a collaborative relationship between AIMS and BIA. Other guest speakers included Kell Dillon (General Manager, Maritime Safety Queensland), Kim Gerbers (COO, Gladstone Ports Corporation) and Chris Barber (National Operations Manager Central, AMSA).
Safety is a prime consideration when on the water. Marine Rescue NSW volunteers responded to hundreds of boaters in need of assistance on the state's waterways in September, with crews completing 291 search and rescue missions, including 90 emergency responses. Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said 546 people were safely returned to shore following a variety of incidents: "Our crews responded to a variety of calls for assistance, including offshore medical evacuations, capsizes, groundings, and vessels that succumbed to mechanical failure or ran out of fuel."
Expansions: The Boat Works and Marine Trade Supplies Superstore has announced yet another major expansion once again for the Trade Supplies Superstore. It's about to become a Megastore. Expanding to enhance the services and offer even more marine products to all boaties, captains and marine trade customers. The chandlery, trade supplies and paint megastore is now creating a dedicated new marine and protective coating facility onsite.
Pegasus Yachts is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Wallis to head the new Pegasus Yachts Australia & New Zealand dealership based in Sydney. Marko Pas, Managing Director of Pegasus, said, "We are really excited to have Kevin represent us 'down under.' He has a passion for customer service and quality sailing yachts, which is exactly what Pegasus stands for. The Pegasus 50 has had a lot of interest for Australia & New Zealand, as it offers a unique layout of a superior cockpit, offering protection and safety on a large yacht that can easily be sailed shorthanded."
Rayglass Boats has announced the grand opening of its new, Heb Place, purpose-built production facility in New Zealand. The new 7,000sqm factory will handle all production of Rayglass and Protector Boats, allowing Brunswick's Boat Group to significantly increase production and shorten wait times, following huge growth in international demand for the brands.
For sailors, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) has formed a working group to determine the feasibility of establishing an 'Offshore Sailing Academy' at the CYCA. As part of its studies, the working group is pleased to invite Expressions of Interest for boat builders and distributors to submit their proposals to showcase their yachts at the club's prospective academy.
New Products: As epoxy formulators with more than 40 years of experience and in-house technical expertise, ATL Composites has the flexibility to tailor products for specific markets. They are excited to introduce a new high-performance adhesive into their range: Techniglue R28. This is a thixotropic, toughened system specifically formulated for applications requiring high-strength adhesion. With excellent gap-filling properties, R28 provides hold-up on vertical surfaces up to 10mm at 250C.
Overseas, Club Marina Cove announced that the Hong Kong International Boat Show 2024 will be held in Sai Kung from 28 November. The four-day event, which has the support of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association, will have on display a wide range of products from leading international boating brands. Riding on the success of the previous shows, makers and dealers are expected to turn out in full force with displays of new designs and models.
Following the brand's growing success in Asia, PRESTIGE nominated a new dealer in the Republic of Korea. This appointment confirms the brand's investments and confidence in the Korean market. As PRESTIGE is expanding its footprint in Asia-Pacific, the brand has now appointed a dealer in South Korea: Hyundai Yachts. Established in 2008 and having opened their own marina in 2013, Hyundai Yachts is a forerunner in the South Korean marine industry.
Stay alert,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media