Australian Forum Updated on the Value of Club Marinas

9th May 12

A network of Australian Yacht and Boat Club managers have been meeting in Adelaide at the first ever forum to discuss Club specific issues and opportunities. The forum arose from a meeting of Club managers at the last marina industries conference in 2011 where it was agreed there are ongoing common issues and needs that can be addressed through a formalised network of Club managers.

Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) Board member and General Manager of the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay Karen Baldwin said the forum was an important development. “The extensive agenda covering topics such as bench-marking, governance, insurance and event management will enable Club managers to take back to their Clubs new ideas and practices to support Club growth”.

At the forum MIAA Executive Officer Colin Bransgrove provided an overview of 2011 research on the financial, social and environmental performance of Club marinas. “The data compiled by the Recreational Marine Research Centre (RMRC) indicates Club marinas account for 17% of all the 356 marinas in the country and generate around ¼ of all marina gross revenues and while employing on average 28 people. 70% provide structured social and recreational programs available to the general public and 96% have formal environmental management plans. In summary Club marinas have a very good triple bottom line although there are some areas where performance can be improved”.

The forum organiser and CEO of the Sandringham Yacht Club Richard Hewett said the sharing of information and ideas is aimed to improve Club productivity. “Clubs are operating in a challenging environment. The demands of members, communities and governments are ever increasing”.

Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) Board member and General Manager of the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania John Gard said the forum was an important development for the recreational boating industry. “Yacht and boating Clubs play a lead role in getting people into boating and staying active in safe boating. The more we can share information and ideas on how to build and maintain our active boating members the better off the boating industry will be”.

Copies of the 92 page RMRC report are available from the MIAA and a three page highlights report is available on the MIAA web site at www.marinas.net.au

Further info. contact colin@marinas.net.au p +61 2 9439 5806