MEDIA RELEASE
Embargo: 20 May, 2011
Boating Industry Alliance outlines ambitious
program to grow the boating industry
Marine House 300 Morphett Street Adelaide SA 5000 PO Box 10083 Adelaide BC SA 5000 T: +61 8 8212 6207 E: [email protected] www.biaa.com.au ACN: 149 274 724 -­‐ ABN: 96 149 274 724 At the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the Chairman of the Boating
Industries Alliance Australia, Darren Vaux, today outlined a range of initiatives
aimed at growing the participation in recreational boating. The Alliance which
was formed in February, 2011 is the peak body for the Boating Industry in
Australia and represents all the state Boating Industry Associations and Marine
Queensland on national issues.
Mr Vaux highlighted a number of challenges being experienced by the boating
industry including:
1. Restrictive state and federal government policy making access to
waterways more difficult and overregulation of boating activities
2. Economic Uncertainty and the high Australian dollar making difficult
conditions for local manufacturers and sales.
3. Tighter competition for the leisure dollar from competing industries
including tourism
A significant example of these challenges is the dramatic rise in “grey” import
boats driven by the strong Australian dollar. These new and second hand boats
that are being privately imported are subject to minimal restrictions and are
likely to create significant problems for consumers and industry alike in the
years to come due to non-compliance with Australian standards. The Alliance
has mobilised a consumer awareness campaign to assist boaters in
understanding the issues.
Mr Vaux highlighted the fact that industry and government alike are served by a
vibrant and growing recreational boating industry. “To achieve significant and
sustained growth in the boating industry we need to develop an interest in
boating in children from a young age, nurture and enhance the experience of
boating for existing boaters and provide easy pathways for non-boaters to
experience the boating lifestyle” said Vaux. “To achieve this we have developed
a multi-tier schools strategy for both junior and high Schools aimed at
introducing kids to boating, developing their interest in boating and providing
career pathways into the industry. Our National Boat Club strategy will create a
centralised communication channel for the industry and boaters which will
deliver benefits to both parties. Our experience programs like Try Sailing, Try
Crewing and Try Boating will get non-boaters out on the water and our boat
shows will continue to deliver the world class display of the best of the industry
that they are renowned for” he said
The industry is also focussed on ensuring the interests of the industry and
boaters are recognised by government. The Alliance outlined it’s advocacy
strategy to government including:
1. Promotion and protection of the access to waterways and associated
infrastructure
2. Promotion of commercially viable relationships with Government landlords
3. Promote safe boating and a safe industry through education not regulation
4. Promote environmentally sustainable practices in boating and the boating
industry.
The Alliances Strategy has been developed with the support of all state boating
associations. Don Jones, CEO of Marine Queensland said ”The BIAA represents
the cooperative efforts of each existing State Association. Our core objective
with the creation of the BIAA is to build a powerful national representative
organisation. Our priorities are to not only address many of the challenges
facing this industry but to map a pathway for the ongoing growth and
development of the industry across the nation.“
The Alliance will be rolling out a series of programs over the next twelve months.
Contacts:
Darren Vaux – Chairman BIAA 02 9457 9011
Nik Parker – General Manager BIAA 08 8212 6207
Don Jones – CEO Marine Queensland 07 3390 4657
Darren Vaux Chairman BIAA