Increased boating fees a major industry issue - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 13 Jun 2024 23:00 BST
Family boating © Boating Industry Association
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) is calling upon the NSW Minister for Transport to use her authority to halt Transport for NSW plans to substantially increase boating licence, registration and mooring fees from 1 July. BIA spokesperson Neil Patchett said the Minister was asked to hold increases above CPI, to enable consultation on the range of significant increases well above the norm.
"For more than 20 years the Policy team at Transport for NSW has adjusted boating fees to reflect CPI without causing much distress," Patchett said. "This year there was a major change somewhere in the system and method. This year they have applied extra-ordinary increases ranging up to 88 per cent, even though the current rate of inflation in the wider economy is 5.89 per cent."
Education plays an important part in attracting future industry employees. The Boating Careers Immersion Day aims to provide strategically targeted school students, who've shown an aptitude and interest, with hands-on experience in the marine industry, promoting career pathways and employment opportunities. The immersion program will be conducted across three locations; Dandenong - August 9th, Williamstown - August 16th, and Geelong - August 23rd. The program comprises of three major steps: initial exposure, work placement, and school-based apprenticeship opportunities.
A further example of attracting industry workers took place in Queensland recently. In collaboration with local industry and government departments the Australian International Marine Export Group hosted the second annual Cairns Maritime Jobs and Careers Expo on June 8th. This free event, held at the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, offered attendees the chance to explore various locations throughout the precinct, including Austal, Norship, Tropical Reef Shipyard and the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College.
Not to be ignored, the timber boat building industry is an integral part of our industry. Tasmania is the epicentre of Australian wooden boat building. As the home of what is considered the world's finest boat building timbers, Huon Pine, Tassie has a rich heritage of boat building. According to the state government, the wooden boat building industry is worth $50 million per year into the Tasmanian economy, in addition to the economic and cultural benefits given impetus by events such as the biannual Australian Wooden Boat Festival in February.
Electric propulsion continues evolvement. Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation, introduced the 8hp and 9.9hp EFI FourStroke and 9.9hp EFI ProKicker™ outboard engines. These new outboards feature an advanced Mercury electronic fuel injection (EFI) system designed to provide boaters, fishing enthusiasts and pro anglers with easy starts and efficient performance. Demand for EFI technology is growing due to the benefits it offers over carburetted engines including ease of starting, reliable performance in all weather conditions and better fuel efficiency.
Also, Carbon Yachts, the Australian distributor of Candela Boats, has announced the arrival of Australia's first Candela C-8, the world's premier electric hydrofoiling boat. Set to dock in Sydney this July, the Candela C-8 will make its much-anticipated Australian premiere at the Sydney International Boat Show from August 1st-4th. Equipped with the state-of-the-art Polestar battery, the C-8 offers a remarkable range of 57 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 22 knots and achieves a top speed of 30 knots. This impressive range and speed are made possible by Candelas' patented hydrofoiling design, which reduces water friction, ensuring an incredibly efficient and smooth ride.
Dockmate®, manufacturer of advanced wireless remote-control systems for yachts, announced today it has been selected by Maritimo Americas as a choice for remote control docking solutions for all Maritimo vessels. Easy to install, the Dockmate remote control system lets captains and crew operate engines, bow and stern thrusters, anchor winches and horns from anywhere on board with a small handheld device. The wireless remote control lets users confidently command the boat's movement while stepping away from the helm for the best vantage point.
Ensign's new award-winning Bavaria C46 has arrived in Sydney! Ensign have announced that the first C46 in Australia (2024 European Yacht of the Year) has landed and is currently being commissioned. They have an amazing demonstrator offer available on this new model, which can save thousands off the new sale price. A very rare opportunity being the only C46 in Aus!
Four Marine Rescue NSW volunteers with a combined 115 years of service dedicated to saving lives on the water have been recognised on the 2024 King's Birthday Honours List. Experienced Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking Coxswain and Search and Rescue Support Officer Ian Baker has been honoured with the Emergency Services Medal following almost 49 years of dedicated service. Marine Rescue Middle Harbour's Anthony Whybrow, Marine Rescue NSW Regional Director and former Forster Tuncurry Deputy Unit Commander Roman (Ray) Mazurek and Batemans Bay unit Life Member Colin Tritton have also been awarded the Emergency Services Medal.
Yacht owners take note. Hamilton Island Race Week is fast approaching and if you're quick, there are some prime race week viewing spots available where you can watch some of the world's best racing yachts sail by and be close to all the celebrations. From August 17th the island will come alive with racing on the water, a carnival atmosphere and plenty of events.
Stay Resolute,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media