June 2010 - Boating Industry Association of NSW

General Manager’s Catch-Up
The Federal Budget may have been boring and a nonevent
but you can bet the 43rd Sydney International
Boat Show will deliver the goods with an expanded
exhibition in the exhibition halls and marina over our 2009
presentation. Due to demand for space BIA will be opening up
Hall 6 and marina applications already exceed last year. With an
improving industry outlook and building consumer confidence
we anticipate a better level of enquiry and sales.
BIA marketing team have prepared a comprehensive
marketing and media buying programme. A terrific promotional
programme produced in-house will include the Better Boating
Lounge with special guest Jessica Watson, Fashion Parades,
Boat Building Competition, Fishing Clinic, Discover Sydney
Harbour free tours, Photography Competition and the return
of the Historic Vessels display.
A Marine Precinct will again become the hub of information
for visitors who want to be educated and get information on
recreational boating. It will present a village style atmosphere
and visitors able to collect information from government
authorities, associations and volunteer groups.
BIA will be managing four areas in the Marine Precinct
for Show Information, 50 Point Safety Check kiosk, Boats
on Sale website kiosk and a Kids Education and Water Wise
Centre.
It is now twelve months since BIANSW resigned from
the Australian Marine Industries Federation. In this period
numerous discussions have been held to map out a future
direction. What has emerged is that whilst the State BIAs
share a common name and similar objectives they are quite
different businesses and questions of autonomy and member’s
assets arise.
BIANSW has maintained a position that it will not rejoin
AMIF and a staged approach must be pursued to align various
operations before you can even consider integration of part
or all of the state associations. A first critical stage is being
addressed to develop a suitable model for the development
and advocacy of national policy.
In this edition we highlight our AGM and new Board of
Directors, comprehensive BIA Division Reports and the
continuing battle with NSW Maritime over Commercial Marina
Rents Procedure for Sydney Harbour (CMRP).
Sydney Harbour Marinas have rejected the CMRP as flawed
and unstainable. Marina Operators have indicated they face a
$34m investment barrier to modernisation and redevelopment
plans. Once again, the industry and boat owner facilities are
being placed on hold. Sydney Harbour deserves an equitable,
transparent, and consistent framework for lease arrangements
with NSW Maritime.
In advocating an industry position the BIA is currently
preparing a response to the Coroner’s findings and
recommendations following tragic deaths resulting from a
&
Life’s better
easier
with BIA Marine Insurance
collision between the ferry Pam
Burridge and the motor cruiser
Merinda. The recommendations
in relation to recreational boating
appear to have no real nexus to the
actual accident.
BIA has joined with the
Australian Fishing Tackle Trades
Association in a joint submission to
a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into
Recreational Fishing which contained 82 recommendations
for improvement. Both Associations will be appearing before
the Inquiry in August. Work also continues with engaging
the Federal Government via the Boating Fishing Council of
Australia on Marine Parks, Sanctuary Zones and bio-regional
planning at the forefront.
Another important issue is a proposal for a funding levy
on recreational boating to secure financial support for Marine
Rescue NSW. At the time of preparing this Logbook, BIA
had not determined a final position in relation to the levy as
insufficient information was available. BIA has been a major
proponent of the amalgamation of the volunteer rescue services
and their contribution to boating safety.
However, this proposal has been poorly handled by the
Government with no prior consultation with industry and
boat owners. It raises concern that safety on the water is a
government responsibility and not another user pay scheme,
boat owners and industry already pay taxes and fees, sets a
dangerous precedent for future tax and fees grab, increasing
costs will make it more expensive for boating, proposed levy
appears to be a double dip on registered boat owners and
licence holder, boaters outside coastal areas with no marine
rescue services are funding coastal operations and their
needs to be absolute assurance that any levy imposed must
be directed to a specific trust fund.
NSW Maritime should not apply administration charges
or use of funds for regulatory or administrative purposes.
Governments have a bad history with funds collected for
specific purposes and promising full accountability whilst
delivering a different end result. To bring some balance into
the debate we publish an article on page 7 “Why does Marine
Rescue NSW need a funding levy by boaties” by Ken McManus.
A discussion paper is on the NSW Maritime website and we
encourage members and boating enthusiasts to comment.
On behalf of our President Doug Olding, BIA Directors and
BIA staff, we hope members and exhibitors have a successful
Sydney International Boat Show. Remember we will be located
in Hall 5 and invite you to visit and discuss any issues with
our staff during the Show or just have a coffee and chat.
Roy Privett,
General Manager.
For further details concerning BIA Marine Insurance please call 02 8853 9100 www.icfrith.com.au
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BIA of NSW LOGBOOK June 2010 - 3