New Marine Conference and Exhibition Announced

20th Dec 11

In a joint statement on 19 December, the Boating Industries Alliance Australia (BIAA) and the Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) announced the first whole of boating industry conference and exhibition under the banner of Marine 13.

MIAA has a long history running a successful conference and exhibition every two years. This joint venture will deliver a broad industry conference under three parallel streams of marinas, recreational boating and boating safety. The BIAA and MIAA partnership is another sign of the wider marine sectors willingness to work cooperatively and more productively together.

Marine 13 will be held on the East Coast of Australia around April/May 2013. Final details on the location and exact time will be finalized early 2012.

BIAA Chairman Darren Vaux said the announcement was an important milestone for the recreational boating sector in Australia and neighbouring regions. “We now have the framework in place to bring all the stakeholders in the recreational boating sector together. Being held every two years these events will be a “must do” for industry and government committed to excellence in sustainable growth and improved safety outcomes for recreational boating. Through the provision of inspiration, information and education Marine 13 will address matters relating to on-water infrastructure, the needs of recreational boaters, promotion of the boating lifestyle and the delivery of safe boating”.

The Australian New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG) will play an active role in development of safety content for Marine 13. ANZSBEG Chair Neil Patchett said the partnership with industry was intrinsic to the successful promotion of safe and responsible boating across all jurisdictions.

MIAA President Andrew Chapman said this development was important for the marina sector as it will add value to the conference and exhibition for the marina sector. “We are committed to building on the strength of the marina content from previous years as well as embracing the additional benefits that come from the sharing of knowledge at a whole of industry conference”.

Enquiries to - colin@marinas.net.au or nikparker@biaa.com.au

Launch of Certified Marina Professional Program

14th Dec 11

Launch of Certified Marina Professional Program

A new professional development program has been launched by the Global Marina Institute (GMI), a partnership between the British Marine Federation and the Marina Industries Association of Australia.

The new Certified Marina Professional (CMP) program will sit alongside the well established Certified Marina Manager (CMM) program, continuing the GMI’s delivery of global marina training and certification with the aim of maintaining and increasing standards in marinas across the world.

The CMP is designed to recognise long standing and proven professionals within the marina industries that have not been directly managing a marina. The certification will give a long overdue opportunity for the wider sector professionals to gain recognition and become part of the worldwide GMI community.

Certification requirements include a minimum of 10 years senior management experience with the last five within the marina industries, completion of the Advanced Marina Management School and submission of a 5,000-word management report.

In reviewing its first year of operation, the GMI Board has concluded the GMI has had a successful year. Fifty-seven delegates attended Marina Management courses from around the world and 18 certificates were issued to Certified Marina Managers and Operators with another six in the pipeline for early 2012.
At its recent meeting the GMI Board also signed off its three year Business Plan with some stretching targets, including the delivery of courses in Asia and Europe. Marinas 101has already been delivered in Korea and is scheduled for delivery in Singapore in early 2012.

For further information please contact the MIAA Industry Education Officer on T: 02 8197 4753 or eduction@marinas.net.au

Australian and China Marina Industries Strengthen Ties

9th Dec 11

The Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) had a significant presence at the Xiamen International Boat Show (4-7 November 2011) and the 1- 3 December China (Haikou) Yacht Forum 2011. The presence cemented the China/Australian relationships reflected in the Memorandum of Understanding signed in November between the MIAA, Xiamen Yachting Industry Association (XIYA), the China Yacht Club Alliance (CYCA) and the Boating Sub-Branch of the Shipbuilding Industry Association.

MIAA President Andrew Chapman said the trip was extremely successful in strengthening relationships to underpin long term business opportunities for Australia and China. “MIAA is driven to assist the development of a sustainable marina sector in China so that MIAA and its membership can prosper though the cooperative initiatives that are developed. Furthermore, a sustainable marina sector in China will result in a stronger international industry providing additional business opportunities for the marina industries in both Australia and China”.

At the Xiamen International Boat Show and the China (Haikou) Yacht forum 2011, MIAA had extensive meetings with Mark Yang, the Vice Secretary of the Xiamen Yachting Association, and Mr. Weihang Zheng, the Chairman of the China Yacht Club Association. Topics of discussion focused on ways both countries can work together to support the development of the marina industries in China and to support MIAA and its members with business opportunities in the expanding Chinese market place.

There was extensive discussion about MIAA’s education programs aligned to standards set by the Global Marina Institute and how education of the Chinese marina sector could align with international standards. As a result of discussions, a marina industry course will be held in China in early 2012 and a Chinese delegation will participate in MIAA’s Sydney Marina Study Tour 1-2 August prior to attending the Sydney International Boat Show.

Given the Chinese government commitment to enhance environment practices, the MIAA’s Clean Marinas program was also the subject of discussion with objectives set for its roll out in China. Additionally the International Gold Anchor Rating Scheme for marinas was discussed as a way the Chinese marina sector can adopt the world’s best practice customer service program for marinas.

Pic: Andrew Chapman delivering a key note address at the China Yachting Forum .

Contact andrewchapman@tmhi.com.au or Colin Bransgrove at MIAA at 0434018018 or colin@marnas.net.au

Marina Survey Highlights - Marinas Commitment to the Environment

28th Nov 11

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: 28 November 2011

Marina Survey Highlights Marinas Commitment to the Environment

The preliminary findings from the annual Health of the Australian Marina Survey have been released. Despite tough trading conditions the survey highlights that more marinas are committed to increase spending on improvements to environmental related facilities and technologies. There is a 16% increase (to 39%) in the number of marinas across Australia that anticipate spending more this financial year than last on new or improved environmental protection/enhancement facilities and technologies.

The survey was administered by the Recreational Marine Research Centre for the Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA). 106 marinas or 31% of all Australian marinas participated in the survey. MIAA President Andrew Chapman said “the annual survey is a reflection of the sector’s growing maturity and its capacity to lead informed debate about the important economic, social and environmental roll marinas can play within waterside communities”.

Of the surveyed sites, 85% of the marinas anticipate employment to be at the same level this year as last, while 11% are expecting to increase employment. A previous study by RMRC for MIAA indicated Australian marinas employee on average 17 people. The survey result is positive news for the many coastal communities that have marinas.

Nearly half or 49% of marinas expect gross revenues to be up this financial year with just 4% anticipating a drop in revenues. 52% of marinas anticipate paying more taxes and lease payments this present financial year, while 41% project increased capital expenditure. This indicates a possible issue for some marinas given limited security of tenure of the sea bed area and the need for regular capital expenditure given the weather exposed nature of marina infrastructure. Andrew Chapman believes that some government authorities do not appreciate the wider benefits of marinas. “Excessive taxes and lease charges in some states are inhibiting the potential of marinas from flourishing as strong economic, employment and social hubs with their local communities” he said.

For a copy of the survey preliminary results see www.marinas.net.au . Further information contact Colin Bransgrove at MIAA colin@marnas.net.au

Important Changes to the OHS Act & Regulations 2000

16th Nov 11

The planned date for the commencement of the Work Health and Safety (WHS) changes is 1st January, 2012. From that date it is vital for all marinas, boating / yacht clubs, shipyards, service providers and associated industry bodies be familiar with, and able to comply with the legislated changes which have been harmonised to ensure a national approach and compliance to WHS issues. Please visit the various websites below to view information relevant to your state.

1) Boating Industry Association of NSW

2) Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

3) Work Safe Victoria

4) Safe Work SA

5) WorkSafe Western Australia

6) Workplace Standards Tasmania

7) Work Safe ACT

8) NT Work Safe

Marinas 2011 a High Quality Event

8th Aug 11

Delegates and exhibitors have rated Marinas 2011 very positively. The international marina conference and exhibition was held in Melbourne 20 – 22 June. Commenting after the final debrief the Chairman of the organizing committee Mike Harvey said “analysis of the feedback from both delegates and exhibitors show the event was as well received as the highly rated predecessor Marinas 2009”. He said “although delegate numbers were less than hoped for, the quality of presentations, the level of participation, and the sharing of ideas and information between those attending was notably better and more valuable to participants than at Marinas 2009”.

“The high Australian dollar impacted on our overseas delegate numbers but on the other-hand overseas exhibitor numbers were up as their products have become increasingly cost competitive in the Australian market” he said.

Highlights of the conference included the key note address delivered by Joe Ueberroth, the President of Bellwether Financial Group Inc. He indicated in this current financial climate investment should focus on quality over growth and he was cautiously bullish about the future of the marine sector. Dr Ed Mahoney launched the marinas report showing that marinas generate 6,400 jobs in Australia and create annual revenues of around $1.16B. He also launched a world first research project: the ‘2011 Australian Health of the Marina Industry Index’ and encouraged all marinas in Australia to register for participation. Sessions on social media rated highly by delegates who appreciated being guided through the complexity of the topic and getting clear direction on how social media it can work as part of the business marketing mix.

The Marina of the Year Awards dinner was a great success. The winner in the first category Marinas Under 140 Boats was Soldiers Point Marina Port Stephens NSW. In the 140 boats and over category the winner was Empire Marina Bobbin Head NSW. The winner of the Club Marina category was the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay NSW.

The field trip on the Wednesday took delegates by boat through the impressive Melbourne Docklands redevelopment with its four marinas and then included an inspection of d’Albora Marina Pier 35 marina. After passing marinas at Williamstown delegates travelled by bus to conclude the trip at Sandringham Yacht Club. Delegates were very impressed by the Club’s 340 floating berths, new multi-million dollar club house facilities and extensive boatyard.

MIAA President Andrew Chapman said Marinas 2011 was a major investment by MIAA on behalf of its members. “The objective of the event is to assist marina businesses learn and expand their business knowledge; to network and share information and to celebrate and enjoy the camaraderie of industry colleagues. To this end Marinas 2011 has been judged a great success by all those who invested their time and money in participating”. He said the organizing committee has already started planning for Marinas 2013 and the location will be announced early in 2012.

Photo: MIAA Board at Marinas 2011 Conference

Photo by Des Pitfield Photographs

Marinas Generate Over $1Billion Per Annum

8th Aug 11

The Marina Industry Association of Australia (MIAA) has released a report of research conducted by the Recreational Marine Research Centre (RMRC) at Michigan State University highlighting the significance of marinas as economic and employment hubs within their communities.
Based on 2008/09 data the estimated total direct economic value of Australian marinas as measured by total revenue generated was $1.16 billion or $3.6 million per marina. The estimated direct permanent and casual employment generated by marinas was estimated to be approximately 6,400 or 17 persons per marina.
MIAA President Andrew Chapman said, “The findings demonstrate that marinas are a vital asset providing major economic and employment benefits within their respective communities. Well planned and managed marinas provide an excellent platform for sustainable economic and employment growth within communities. The Report provides the evidence to back up the case for marinas being recognised by government as significant infrastructure that deliver measurable economic and employment benefits within local communities.”
The Report includes 40 data tables providing for example data on the significance of marinas as social and recreational hubs. The report provides sales and revenue figures from 22 specific sources. From the sample of marinas the median gross revenue from Restaurant/F&B was $1.26million. 37% provided facilities for meetings and functions such as weddings.
Lack of security of tenure for many marinas was highlighted by data indicating that for more than 50% of marinas their current lease will have expired on or before 2030. The 40 page Report can be purchased for $165 from the MIAA at info@marinas.net.au
Dr Edward Mahoney from RMRC is a world authority on recreational marine research. As a result of the Australian industries enthusiasm for developing meaning data his team in Michigan has, in association with MIAA and its partners, developed the Health of the Marina Index. As well as collecting economic data it will also track marina environmental and social performance data on an annual basis. Australian marinas can register now to participate in this ground breaking research project at www.austmarinagroups.com

Changes Loom for the Traditional Marina

24th May 11

The traditional marina is increasingly under pressure as consumers drive change according to
speakers at Marinas 2011. Joe Ueberroth is the keynote speaker at the international
conference and exhibition for the marina industries being held in Melbourne 20-22 June.
According to Joe Ueberroth, “consumers in all markets are demanding more – better service, higher quality, more personalized care, greater convenience and greater social responsibility; the marina industry is not immune. Marinas that can adapt to the changing needs of boaters and align themselves with current and future trends in the marketplace will succeed.”

Joe Ueberroth from the USA is highly qualified to speak on the future of marinas. He succeeded in
the marina business by applying the hospitality model of management to the marina industry. As a
result, his company Bellport grew quickly to manage yacht clubs and resort marinas worldwide.
From 2003, as CEO of public travel company Ambassadors International he guided a successful
expansion via acquisitions including cruise lines, Bellport and Bellingham Marine. After leaving
Ambassadors in 2009, Joe purchased the group’s marine assets. He now serves on the boards of one
public and seven private companies.

Change that is being driven by regulators is also an increasing issue for traditional marinas according
to Brian Toyota from ML Design Masterplanners. Brian will present as part of a plenary panel session
at Marinas 2011 entitled ‘Sustainable Marina Development’. Canadian-born Brian Toyota joined ML
Design in 1991. Since that time, he has played a key role in the planning, design and delivery of
major projects throughout Australia and South-East Asia. Prior to joining ML Design, Brian was the
Design Director responsible for the master planning and architectural design of the landmark
Sanctuary Cove integrated resort/residential community on the Gold Coast.

“The Context in which our marinas are located has, over a period of time, significantly changed. With a greater emphasis now placed on the quality of its environment and surrounds. Ongoing changes to legislation have seen the need to change our approach to the form and function of these facilities in order to ensure they meet the ever tightening expectations, without making them commercially redundant”.

The full program for Marinas 2011 International Conference and Exhibition with the theme of ‘new
horizons’ can be viewed on line at www.marinas.com

New Global Marina Organisation Formed

23rd May 11

British Marine Federation (BMF) and Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) have reached agreement to form GMI (Global Marina Institute). This is seen as a natural evolution of work they have both been doing on marina training and certification in their own geographic regions but are now taking the opportunity to go global.

The parties have agreed to form GMI to provide education, training and certification for marinas and marina staff to raise standards and professionalism within the marina industry in Europe, Australia, Asia and the rest of the world excluding the United States.

The new organisation will be chaired by Mick Bettesworth CMM, Chief Commercial Officer of MDL Marinas Group PLC and with a Board of Directors including Sarah Dhanda, Director of Business Development BMF; Debbie Burns CMM, Marina Manager Ocean Village Marina (UK) and Chair of UK/Europe CMM Group; Jeff d’Albora, Director of MIAA; Steve Sammes CMM, Director MIAA and General Manager of Gold Coast Marina and Chair of Australia/Asia CMM Group and Colin Bransgrove, Executive Director MIAA. This Board collectively represents more than 100 years of experience in marina management.

The partners have a long history of delivering marina management training across eight countries with delegates attending courses from over 30 countries. Going forward GMI will be working with local delivery partners in the non English speaking world to develop courses in native languages.

GMI will take responsibility for the Certified Marina Manager Programme (CMM), the Certified Marina Operators Programme (CMO) and the Certified Marina Service Programme (CSM) and marina managers courses outside of the USA. GMI will also be working to develop new training and broader certification programmes for other marina staff.

For further information please contact either Sarah Dhanda sdhanda@britishmarine.co.uk or Colin Bransgrove colin@marinas.net.au M 04340180

GMI: L-R. C Bransgrove (MIAA), S Dhanda (BMF), J d'Albora (MIAA), S Sammes CMM (MIAA), M Bettesworth, Chairman (UK), D Burns CMM (UK)

Photo by Des Pitfield Photography