Marine Queensland's year in review

MARINE Queensland said 2011 has been an extremely busy year for the association.

The Queensland market was rocked by the devastating flood events and Cyclone Yasi in January. The impact of these disasters on the State economy, already under pressure from challenging economic conditions, still lingers today.  

“The damage caused by these disasters physically, economically and emotionally should not be underestimated,” said Marine Queensland CEO Don Jones.
 
“The impact on the recreational and light commercial marine industry has been significant and  resulted in a number of changes to the industry structure and size.”
 
Marine Queensland said much of the focus and activities were aimed at helping with the rebuilding effort directly and indirectly this year.

Advocacy was a key function of association again in 2011.  An overview of advocacy issues addressed on behalf of members includes:

* Commercial Marina Rents and Valuation Methodologies
* Marine Bioregional Planning and the Coral Sea Conservation Zone
* Import Standards
* Marine Infrastructure including the Broadwater Master Plan
* Australian Consumer Law, Personal Properties and Securities Register and Dealing in Second Hand Goods.
 
In an effort to ensure that the association’s activities were in line with industry needs, an emergency summit was held in July which was attended by a broad cross section of industry participants. Key priorities identified by the summit included:

* Increased Industry promotional activities;
* Representation of the industry nationally;
* Advocacy priorities – import standards, water access and red tape/regulation simplification
* Development of industry standards.
 
The Association commenced a year of change with the formation of a new Events Strategy. This strategy implemented a diversification strategy to increase the scope, type and location of events in the State.  Regional events were introduced in Mackay and the Sunshine Coast. Micro events were also introduced including Boaties Nights at dealers, participation in community events and more initiatives to be announced in 2012.

Industry promotional activities have been significantly ramped up in 2011. New initiatives include “The Boat Show” television program, significantly increased presence in the world of social media together with newly formed affiliations in the education and training area.

“2012 is once again shaping up to be a busy and challenging year for the industry,” said Jones.

“Front and centre to the activities of Marine Queensland will be building participation rates in recreational boating and marine based leisure. This is core to industry growth, development and prosperity.”