March 2012 - Boating Industry Association of NSW

to the boating industry in Australia and while this is in itself a
significant number, understanding the wider and considerably
more substantial economic benefit of boating is a key reason
behind a new project BIAA is developing in partnership with
the Marina Industries Association of Australia.
The Australian Boater Survey, due to launch in the coming
months, will provide BIAA with access to an ongoing stream
of data from a panel of 25,000-plus active boaters, enabling
an accurate picture of the value of boating to be drawn. We
know there are over one million boat licence holders and that
around three million people enjoy boating each year, but what
do they actually spend on their boating?
Initial estimates of a five-fold increase on the industry
value seem realistic, but by having the evidence to support
this, the case BIAA can make to government to encourage
and facilitate boating and ensure the sustainability of the
industry is much stronger – a sector that generates over
$25bn in revenue is a major player and it’s concerns about
new legislation will be heard all the louder.
In another national project BIAA will be launching later
In the next edition of
Logbook, BIAA will report
on the seemingly remote
matter of the definition
of a commercial vessel
and the potential this has
to cause a considerable
negative impact on
boating participation
models such as share
boats, syndicated boats and even sailing schools.
BIAA is working with Yachting Australia to challenge
this threat to a sector that is all about introducing new
people to boating and providing a time- and cost-effective
means of ownership, just as we are working with other user
representatives to challenge the spread and impact of marine
parks and the potential for declaring fishing off-limits.
It may be considered a little extreme to suggest that, but
as the national body, BIAA has received commentary from
right around the country that this may in fact be the end result
this year, the promotion of boating as a lifestyle that can be
enjoyed by the majority of Australians is to be stepped up
with a new website and supporting material under the theme
of Discover Boating.
This is an entirely new approach to engaging boaters and
with the team at BIANSW driving and developing a program
that takes advantage of all facets of modern connective
communication technology, the BIAA will be looking to
generate and sustain interest and enthusiasm for the boating
lifestyle among boaters and potential boaters.
Growing the boating industry by increasing participation
and expanding our share of the leisure-time market is key
to longer-term success and with Discover Boating planned
as the first phase of a national promotional and experiential
program, the boating industry associations aim to provide
a boost to counter the current turbulent conditions and the
impact of change in the future.
In the coming months, BIAA will be working to influence
the impacts of legislation not yet finalised and to continuing
to press the case for government support for the industry.
if the matter is left to the government and environmentalists
to work out.
A BIAA delegation will be visiting Canberra in the next
few months to discuss these and other issues affecting and
concerning the boating industry and the outcome of our
representations will be reported in later editions of Logbook
as it becomes clear that the message has been heard and
understood.
The recent internal turmoil of political leadership wrangling
should be over by then and we plan for a receptive and
constructive hearing. Stranger things have happened at sea …
Your support for your boating industry association as a
member and for the BIAA additionally is invaluable in ensuring
the representation on key national issues can continue.
There are many positive tacks being taken to promote,
protect and enhance the boating industry, but a vigilant watch
is required to hold the course steady, right around the country.
BIAA helps to provide this hand on the tiller, and working
cooperatively with all state associations, we plan to see the
boating industry thrive. h
Boat
for
Life
Our Safety Ambassadors:
Andrew ET Ettingshausen & Pete Goss …
Visit www.boatforlife.com.au
Safety Partners
6 - March 2012 BIA of NSW LOGBOOK