Marinas 2007 | Marina Industries Association of Australia

With some 30 international and national presenters, and 34 exhibitors, a large gathering of marina professionals from around the world attended the Marina Industries Association of Australia’s Conference “Marinas 2007 – Marinas Into the Future” held at Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort from 28 – 30 May 200

Over 340 delegates and partners, who enjoyed three busy days of high quality conferencing, field visits and sightseeing at Surfers Paradise on Australia’s famous Gold Coast, heralded the event as one of the best marina conferences ever held in the South Pacific. The Conference coincided with the 2007 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and the 2007 Australian Marine Awards events.

Delegates and their partners came from all continents with the exception of Africa. Europe was represented by delegates from Belgium, Holland, Spain and the United Kingdom. From North America delegates came from Canada and the United States of America with Asia represented by delegates from Hong Kong, Korea and United Arab Emirates. Apart from a large contingent from all States in Australia, the Pacific was also strongly represented by delegates and their partners from the New Zealand Marina Operators Association.

The range of exhibits was truly international. Together with major sponsors, Bellingham Marine and Superior Marinas, 32 other exhibitors presented a very comprehensive display of the latest in technology for a wide range of products and computer software. International exhibitors of renown included Marine Travelift, Wiggins Marina Bull, Waubaushene Pumpout Systems and Marina World magazine who were joined by many other Australian and New Zealand exhibitors. The Conference was strongly supported by the Queensland State Government and the Local Government host, Gold Coast City Council.

The quality of the Marinas 2007 Conference presentations has been described by most delegates as “absolutely first-class”. Martin Leung, Marina Division Manager of Hong Kong’s Clearwater Bay Country Club perhaps best describes the Conference as “a huge success, well organised and the best Conference, including club managers’ conference, that I have ever been to before. I am sure the marina industry will benefit greatly from the ideas generated”.

The three days were programmed into two days of conferencing divided by an on-water field visit/study tour of the marina facilities in the Gold Coast region.

The official opening of Marinas 2007 was conducted by Mr Gary Fenlon MP (Queensland State Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for State Development), and supported by Mr Graeme Avers, Australian based President of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) the world marine industry body.

In their addresses, both strongly emphasised the importance of marinas and boat storage facilities for the future viability of the boat manufacturing sector.

The following is a summary of the Conference presentations and activities:-

Day 1 – Conferencing:

“What Our Future Holds” was the opening keynote presentation by Larry Halgren of Aqua Marine Partners USA. In line with the Conference theme of “Marinas into the Future” Larry, with 34 years experience in the customer service side of the marine/marina industry, clearly highlighted that tomorrow’s boat-owner customer is more affluent and he/she is seriously going to demand better, modern, cleaner marina facilities and certainly more customer-focused services. In many marinas this will very likely require serious consideration about major refurbishment and renewed investment in amenities in order to survive.

A powerful second keynote presentation was made by Dr Ed Mahoney, Professor of Michigan State University entitled “Economic Impact of Marinas”. In his presentation Ed highlighted the real need for marina investors and managers to be able to demonstrate the worth of their marinas within the local community. He presented in detail the format of a General Marina/Boating Economic Impact Model developed after many years of research. This highly valuable tool will now enable marinas to access the economic model template “on-line”, enter data in response to minimal input criteria, and within 15 or so minutes, to generate a report on that particular marina’s economic impact within its local community.

Ed also outlined his progress in the development of another important model entitled “BASIS”. This is a model for a “boating access surveillance and indexing system” and will be a valuable tool for industry in addressing issues about (and maintaining) access for recreational boating. Keep a watch on international industry news for Ed’s progress in the further development of this model.

Author’s Note: The Economic Impact Model has been seen as such an important development that the NSW Government (Department of Lands) and the Queensland Government (Department of State Development and Trade) have offered to joint-venture with the Marina Industries Association of Australia in engaging Ed and his University team to develop an economic model for Australian marinas. Pilot studies to build up the Australian Model will be undertaken in New South Wales at Sydney Harbour and Port Stephens and in Queensland in the Gold Coast and Whitsunday areas.

A third key-note session “Sustainable Marina Development and Growth – How to Get Government to Agree With What You Want to Do” saw an panel of leading Government and Industry personalities present their respective views. Marina developers John Ferguson of Prudentia (Wyndham Cove Marina – Victoria) and Jeff Smith of Port Binnli (Mackay Marina Village – North Queensland) both clearly agreed that a thorough economic, environmental and social evaluation, together with a clearly defined and feasible business plan, were absolutely critical to gaining Government support for project approvals.

Warwick Watkins, Director-General of NSW Department of Lands (and the major “landlord” in that State) supported this view and presented an outline of the NSW Government’s new lease policies and its positive plans to encourage maritime and marina development and modern refurbishments throughout New South Wales. Joshua Kennedy-Smith, Manager Marine Industries of the Queensland Department of State Development highlighted his Government’s recognition of the growth in demand for recreational vessel use and berthing. He outlined that his Department was developing policies to handle the growth in demand, to facilitate the approvals processes and to overcome bottlenecks causing delays.

“Challenges in Marina Design & Construction” saw a session dedicated to case studies in developing marginal sites presented by engineers James Burbury, Senior Engineer Marine Services of GHD and Geoff Atkins, Maritime Sector Manager, Sinclair Knoght Merz (SKM). Issues highlighted included alternative options for wave protection and breakwaters, the viability of cleaning up a previously polluted site, understanding local resident objections and expanding development in harmony with existing operations.

A panel presentation “Case Studies in Marina Management” saw four of Australia’s prominent marina managers from diverse types of operations discuss various facets of marina management. Lachlan Maclean, CEO of d’Albora Marinas Group emphasised the importance of concentrating on a marina’s primary revenue streams such as berth income, tenancies and fuel and other retail services. With seven full service operations in two States Lachlan gave examples of some differing dynamics in each property and hinted that the tyranny of distance in multi-site operations presented added management costs and challenges. Darrell Barnett CMM gave an excellent presentation on the need to have a dedicated customer service focus backed up with staff trained in delivering customer oriented services. Manager of Soldiers Point Marina (NSW), Darrell presented an overview of the many customer services and amenities at Soldiers Point Marina the winner of the Australian Marina of the Year Award 2007. Stuart Walton, General Manager of Royal Perth Yacht Club (Western Australia) stated that to meet today’s environmental and other standards and OH&S regulations, all yacht clubs with marinas needed to be part of the marina industry. He highlighted that the top 40 yacht clubs in Australia had some 6,000 berths with a further 3,000 or more berths at smaller clubs. Many of these clubs are currently inexperienced in modern marina management. Matt Bate CMM, General Manager of Brisbane’s Rivergate Marina & Shipyard (Queensland) discussed management issues in connection with the servicing of superyachts as well as with the operation of a hardstand (12,000 sq.m), refit complex and sheds (to 55m vessels length), and 300tonne Travelift as well as 104 berths for vessels up to 70m.

Lachlan Maclean and Stuart Walton are also Directors of the Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA).

Lavinia Schivella (formerly Executive Manager – Marinas for Boating Industry Association of NSW and Clean Marinas Programme Manager for MIAA) gave a comprehensive presentation entitled “Clean Marinas – Australia & New Zealand” in which she outlined the background and strucure of the Clean Marinas programme and its recognition by Governments. Lavinia stressed that the protection of the environment was a priority for Governments of all persuasions and highlighted the importance of, and the value to, marinas voluntarily participating in the Clean Marinas – Australia & New Zealand programmes. Lavinia is now Senior Policy Advisor - Marine to Mr Joe Tripodi MP, Minister for Ports in the NSW Government.

“Profiting Into The Future – A Forum of Best Profit Ideas” was a working session led by Tim Timpson, Principal of Marina Resources LLC (USA) and former Executive Director of the International Marina Institute (IMI). Tim’s panel consisted of some of Australia’s Certified Marina Managers (CMMs) and with additional audience participation Tim and his panel drew up a list of ideas and initiatives to improve marina profitability. The list will be included in the Conference proceedings CD.

Charles Dickson, President of the locally based Gold Coast Marine Industry Association gave a presentation entitled “How the Gold Coast City Council Assists the Marine Industry” in which he outlined Council’s strategy for Industry participants, including marinas, to “cluster” together in order to network and derive benefits. The “clustering” encouraged the formation of the local Marine Industry Association which is now working with the superyacht industry sector, the marine export sector and the Australian Government’s Industry Action Agenda programme.

The Mayor of Gold Coast City, Councillor Ron Clark (formerly Australia’s world record holding mile and 1000m athlete) was introduced to close the day’s proceedings. In doing so he confirmed his Council’s strong commitment to further supporting the maritime and marine industry sector in the Gold Coast. Mayor Clarke invited all delegates and their partners to join him as guests of the Gold Coast City Council at a cocktail function with the Conference exhibitors in the adjoining exhibition area.

Day 2 – Study Tour/Field Visit:

The Day 2 Study Tour commenced with a visit to Riviera Marine where, with the guidance of Riviera’s Mike Jarvin, delegates inspected the production plant and undercover marina of Australia’s largest boat manufacturer. Guided by Jeff Leigh-Smith and sons Dean and Ryan this was followed by an inspection of the marina, dry-stack storage facility, hard stand and marine service units of the adjacent Gold Coast City Marina, the hub of the Gold Coast Marine Precinct.

From there the tour continued by charter vessel taking in Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove, Hope Harbour, Runaway Bay, Versace, Oceanus, Mariners Cove and Southport Yacht Club Marinas at which the various, and varied, features and facilities were outlined.

Day 2 – Gala Conference Dinner:

Over 300 delegates and partners attended an excellent and most enjoyable Gala Conference Dinner at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort.

At the dinner, Dr Maurizio Grassini, founding President of the Eastern Mediterranean Marina Industry Association (EMMIA) was introduced to deliver his after-dinner keynote address on “Global Perspectives on the Future of Marinas”. Not known to the dinner guests, and particularly to those from Europe, Dr Grassini was however none other than Homer Papantonio, the professional speechmaking comedian from Corporate Imposters.

Consequently “Dr Grassini’s” power-point presentation on the “future of marinas” had the dinner guests rolling with laughter throughout. At the conclusion of the dinner “The Four Waiters” further entertained the audience with a very professional rendition of well known songs.

Day 3 – Conferencing:

“The Sky is the Limit – The Future in Dry Storage – Innovations in Techniques and Systems for Dry-Stack” was the day’s keynote presentation involving a panel of experts in the storage and handling of boats. Tim Timpson (Marina Resources USA) highlighted the global boat storage demand problems and the need to use water space more effectively considering the scarcity and cost of waterfront property today. He set out the argument that dry-stack storage was one of the answers to storage particularly with new and innovative equipment and storage systems and the capacity to architecturally design stores to be aesthetically pleasing to the community and capable of meeting customer expectations of a high standard of facility and service. Larry Halgren (Aqua Marine Partners USA) gave a presentation in which he showed developments in automated stacking with laser controls for less labour intensive and faster boat cycling times – all in air conditioned, architecturally designed and attractive storage buildings. Mike Wiggins, President of Wiggins Lift Co Inc of USA covered the many improvements in technology resulting in the growth in fork-lift capacity and capabilities to suit higher racking and larger vessel storage systems. Steve Ryder, Project Development Manager of Bellingham USA presented some industry trends for dry storage facilities including the “rackominium” facility in which spaces were sold to boat owners and, in weather prone zones, facilities built to meet “hurricane rating” standards. Erich Pfeifer, Sales Manager Marine Travelift (USA) introduced delegates to innovations in hard-stand transportation of vessels including Travelift’s self-propelled transporter. He demonstrated that, with the growing need to optimize boat-yard space, a self propelled vessel transporter working in co-operation with a lift-out unit will permit more vessels to be fitted into a given space.

Andrew Chapman CMM, CEO of The Marina Hindmarsh Island (South Australia) and Director of Marina Industries Association of Australia presented an outline of the “Marina Industry Australia Education Programmes” and emphasised the benefits to Industry in developing education courses for staff training and career advancement as well as to retain skills within the Industry. Following their successful results from the Advanced Marina Management course in association with their qualification through meeting other criteria Andrew presented designation awards of Certified Marina Manager (CMM) to:- Irene Hoe (Westernport Marina, Victoria), Stephan Borzecki (Yaringa Marina, Victoria), Clemens Overdijk (d’Albora Marinas NSW), Douglas Chapman (The Marina Project Co., SA) and Phil Wardale (Bayswater Marina, Auckland NZ and President of Marina Operators Association of NZ).

An international “report” was given by a panel under the title of “What’s Happening Around the World?”. Joe Goddard, General Manager of Dubai Marina & Yacht Club (UAE) outlined the marina and yacht club developments taking place in the UAE and the Gulf Region generally. Whilst he indicated that there were many opportunities in his Region there is a real need to train personnel in operational and environmental management practices. Oscar Siches, Director & Manager of Pantalan del Mediterraneo Marina in Majorca (Spain) gave an enlightening presentation on the opportunities for some Mediterranean marinas to benefit from mega-yachts and super-yachts. He emphasised however that some of the benefits need to be measured against the cost particularly considering space requirements of land and water to cater for such larger vessels as well as the energy required to satisfy their demands. Visual impacts can also be an impediment in reconfiguring a marina to accommodate such large vessels. Steve Ryder, Bellingham’s USA Development Manager confirmed an increasing trend towards dry-stack storage in the USA and the reconfiguration of berth spaces in some older marinas to accommodate the increasing size of vessels. Steve Desloovere CMM, General Manager of the 1,000 berth Belgian facility VVW Nieuwpoort Marina, and Chairman of the ICOMIA International Marina Conference “IMC 2008 Ostend” Organising Committee, discussed the widespread shortage of berths throughout western Europe where many marinas are owned and operated by clubs and/or government instrumentalities. Opportunities for growth of marinas in Europe he indicated are largely in eastern Europe such as Croatia. Steve also discussed the implications for northern European marinas due to the limited short boating season and the need for “winterisation”.

An important panel presentation on “Marina Valuation” discussed the wide ranging problems facing valuers in their appraisal and valuation of marinas and properties in which marinas are a part. Gerard McDonaugh (Managing Director of Integra Realty Resources USA), Garry Love (Senior Director of CB Richard Ellis Gold Coast QLD) and Oscar Siches (in his role as development planner and marina operator Spain and UAE) discussed various issues for consideration in valuing marinas such as freehold property versus leasehold or a combination of both. Some marinas are highly specialised businesses in which the owners’ skills and successes are not directly linked to the perceived value of the marina site making it difficult to assess “going concern” value. The panel concluded that the valuation of marinas is a highly complex question with many variables for consideration. Essentially the question of marina valuations needs to be addressed by the marina industry in consultation with valuation experts many of whom will need a sound introduction to, and understanding of, the marina industry itself.

The final Conference panel session “Dealing With Super Yachts” was presented by Joe Akacich (General Manager of Viking Industries Marine Division (QLD) and former super yacht captain) and Andy Stephens CMM (now with Bellingham NZ but formerly working with super yachts in Asia, the Caribbean and Mediterranean). Oscar Siches, a former super yacht captain and previous speaker, was invited to supplement the panel which discussed the extensive range of new demands on marinas, marina services and marina staff brought about by berthing super yachts. It was concluded that design considerations for super yacht marinas were paramount and that the marina needed to be a welcome destination and not just a berthing facility. Equally important was the need for management and staff training to be able to meet the owners’ and crews’ expectations of quality services and adequacy of provisions.

In line with the Industry’s current policy of exchanging conference venues every two years with New Zealand, Phil Wardale CMM, President of the Marina Operators Association of NZ, made a video presentation as part of his Association’s invitation to delegates to participate in Marinas 10 in New Zealand in 2009 at a date and place to be advised.

Prior to the conclusion of Marinas 2007, Steve Desloovere CMM, Chairman of the Organising Committee for the triennial ICOMIA International Marinas Conference IMC 2008 made a presentation on the wide range of tasks and responsibilities undertaken by marina managers world wide. Steven highlighted the importance to marina managers of continuing professional development and invited all delegates to attend IMC 2008 to be held in Ostend, Belgium from 25 – 28 May 2008.

Following the summation of the Conference by Ian McAndrew (Conference Master of Ceremonies), Jeff d’Albora, President of the Marina Industries Association of Australia again thanked all the sponsors and exhibitors for their strong support and all delegates and partners for their attendance.

He then paid particular tribute to Marinas 2007 Conference Organising Committee Chairman (and MIAA Director) Mike Harvey and the professional and Conference organising team of Roz Harvey, Kerrie Rose and Danielle Millington for their excellent work and dedication to producing such a successful conference as Marinas 2007 was.

The Conference was concluded by Master of Ceremonies Ian McAndrew, on behalf of the Board of the Marina Industries Association of Australia, in recognition of more than 20 years of continuous service to the Marina Industry in Australia, awarding Life Membership of the Association to President Jeff d’Albora.

Ian McAndrew

Conference Master of Ceremonies – Marinas 2007

15th June 2007