MEDIA RELEASE
For release 16 October 2014
BIAA support for boating in WA
Marine House
300 Morphett Street
Adelaide SA 5000
PO Box 10083
Adelaide BC SA 5000
T: +61 8 8212 6207
E: info@biaa.com.au
W: www.biaa.com.au
ABN: 96 149 274 724
The Board of the Boating Industries Alliance Australia met recently to hold its Spring meeting in Mandurah
following the 2014 Club Marine Mandurah Boat Show. Topics being discussed included new approaches to
boating promotion, developing a skilled and trained workforce and ensuring both the industry and boaters
are represented in negotiations with government agencies. As the national industry peak body for the
recreational boating sector, BIAA recognises the importance of the boating sector to the local economy and
is keen to protect the lifestyle enjoyed by so many in WA.
Speaking after the meeting, BIAA Chairman Darren Vaux said “boating is such an iconic part of life in WA,
and particularly here in Mandurah, with excellent infrastructure and facilities, great access to the Indian
Ocean and of course fantastic weather. Being at the Mandurah Boat Show has given us a great opportunity
to meet our industry colleagues from WA and also see the passion of local boaties: the outlook for the
industry certainly looks encouraging, given the business being conducted here over the last few days”.
Interstate representatives at the meeting were impressed with the recent growth in membership numbers
at the BIAWA, with an increase of close to 50% over the last three years, reaffirming that the sector is
growing and developing as a key segment of the national boating industry. Across the country, more than
27,500 people are directly employed by the boating industry, a sector which delivers a turnover of in excess
of $8.5bn. BIAA General Manager, Nik Parker, said “industry data is vitally important in understanding the
impact of boating and we will shortly be starting our 2014 state of the industry survey, to include our
colleagues here in WA. We have also been working with BIAWA and WA Department of Transport to
develop a better picture of boaters activities, and would like to thank both teams for the support for the
Australian Boater Survey”.
The Boating Industries Alliance Australia is the national peak body for the recreational and light commercial
marine industry in Australia. BIAA provides a national voice for the alliance of state Boating Industry
Associations, including Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory
and Queensland, working on their behalf as members to advance, promote and protect the industry.
Contact:
Nik Parker – General Manager BIAA 08 8212 6207, www.biaa.com.au