Queensland marine industry remains buoyant

Like many sectors, Queensland’s marine industries have been rocked by the global financial crisis.

The good news is there are signs of improving manufacturing activity and comments from the marine sector suggest that there is cause for optimism.

Our Government identified the marine industries sector as a key industry long ago and it is flagged as a priority industry under our Smart Industry Policy.

Queensland leads Australia in recreational boat building and is strongly represented in marine equipment manufacture, design, engineering, maintenance and refit, charter services, training and retail, as well as marinas and marine infrastructure.

Around 9,000 Queenslanders are directly employed in marine industries which contribute some $2 billion annually to the State’s economy.

Like many other industries, marine has been challenged by some of the most difficult economic circumstances seen in decades. To counter this, the Queensland Government Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) is helping small and medium-size manufacturers to reduce costs, maintain their skills and labour base, and position them for the next growth phase.

DEEDI’s Office of Advanced Manufacturing works closely with industry partners and specialists such as QMI Solutions to deliver targeted business improvement and technology diffusion services across the State.

DEEDI’s Marine Industries team, along with its regional centres, assists marine businesses with their challenges and has a strong focus on bringing marine operators together in networks where they can learn from one another, explore new ideas, technologies and practices and tap into additional market opportunities.

During 2009, our Government ran a Marine Industry R&D Forum at the Brisbane Boat Show for marine businesses to consider innovations to improve manufacturing processes and reduce costs and waste. We also supported the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show by operating the Boat Show’s International Business Lounge in partnership with Austrade, the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), and the Gold Coast City Council.

Other forms of Government support last year included implementation of a number of key actions of our five-year Queensland Superyacht
Strategy, including:

• The development of the Queensland Superyacht Refit and Maintenance Directory initially distributed to superyacht captains and owners in the Mediterranean;

• Continuing support and promotion of Queensland’s four superyacht clusters located in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Mackay/Whitsundays and Cairns.

Last year I launched our $10 million Jobs Assist program to prevent further unemployment by helping businesses retain staff. These and other measures are available to our marine businesses as the industry looks forward to calmer waters.

More information on Queensland’s marine industry and Government activities to support it are online at www.industry.qld.gov.au/marine.