2020 Annual Report

Boating Industry Association Ltd

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

For the year ended 31 December 2020

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

It is my pleasure to present to you the BIA Annual Report for 2020. It was certainly a year unlike any other in the history of the BIA beginning with fires raging across Australia, followed by flooding on the east coast and then COVID-19 with implications worldwide.

The lockdowns, restrictions and uncertainty that arose when the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic on 12 March 2020 presented significant challenges to our community, and industry and our Association. The scale and duration of the economic and social disruption was unprecedented in our experience and I am very proud of the way the BIA rose to the challenge on behalf of its members.

Our immediate efforts were focused on keeping Australians boating. Our long-term commitment to forming strong working relationships with governments, at a State and Federal level, enabled us to engage in strategic discussions regarding restrictions. Consequently, boating and fishing were recognised very early in the pandemic as activities that could be undertaken safely and with social distancing while other outdoor activities remained constrained.

Combined with restrictions on interstate and international travel, boating rightly became a leading recreational activity and the demand for our members products and services grew. Unfortunately, not all boating sectors were able to benefit from these opportunities with our boat share and light commercial members initially affected. Consequently, we worked hard to support financial relief for these members during these difficult times.

These challenges were met by your BIA in the face of significant financial pressure. The requirement to cancel the 2020 boat shows and the limitations on travel, saw your Association’s revenue fall by 85 per cent and our national team, boards and committees were forced to work from home and to meet through Zoom. To protect members funds, staff had to be put on reduced hours with welcome but limited support of the Federal Government’s JobKeeper program and, ultimately, with the prolonged nature of the pandemic, difficult decisions had to be made, culminating in a significant reduction to BIA staff positions I would like to thank my fellow board members and staff for the enormous efforts they have made on behalf of the BIA in the face of these challenges during 2020.

As we look towards a post COVID future and whilst the pandemic has helped drive interest, and participation in boating due to limitations on interstate and overseas travel, our mission must be to maintain and grow that interest.

We must continue to take affirmative action to engage with our target audience. All of our members’ interests are served by having a strong, resilient and growing recreational boating industry and we continue to focus on our three pillars:

• Grow participation in recreational boating;

• Strengthen government advocacy and support for our members; and

• Expand our professional development and career pathways.

The BIA worked long and hard for its members to seek early release from COVID-19 restrictions, to secure financial support and relief for its members to keep business going and people in jobs; to press for new and improved infrastructure; to improve standards in safety gear and vessels; to deliver member services such as Marine Card; to promote career pathways and women in boating; to advocate for improved outcomes for boating at all levels of government and to grow participation. We need to be resilient and innovative, and whilst we have postponed the Adelaide and Brisbane Boat Shows for 2021, we are pressing ahead with a new format Sydney Festival of Boating in 2021 to ensure boating remains front of mind for our target audience as we lay the foundations for success in 2022 and beyond.

Darren Vaux

In June 2020 we lost our great friend and colleague Ian McAndrew. Ian served as President of the BIA NSW for 14 years and was a life member of the BIA. He was fully committed to the industry and also served on the MIA, AIMEX and ICOMIA as well as countless industry and advisory committees. Ian’s passion and dedication to the industry was remarkable and we continue to miss him dearly. Vale Ian Mc Andrew.

I would like to acknowledge the BIA team, State Councillors and Board members who have given so much over the past, extraordinary year. A year which has seen the industry record significant growth in interest and sales across new and used vessels, service and repair, with growth in jobs.

I would also like to thank our members for your ongoing support and encouragement. Together we will continue to bring the joy of boating to as many people as possible.

Darren Vaux President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020

Darren Vaux Empire Marina Bobbin Head Pty Ltd

Nathan Nichols Cruise Craft Boats Pty Ltd

Simon Cook Cook Family Enterprises Pty Ltd

Andrew Craddock (resigned during 2020) Marina Adelaide Director SA

Andrew Fielding Anchorline Yacht Brokers Director QLD

Miriam Griffen Griffens Marina Director SA

Matthew Hodson (resigned during 2020) John Crawford Marine Director QLD

Richard Hopkins (appointed 12 May 2020) EJ Milde & Co Pty Ltd Director SA

Jon Hunt Hunts Marine Pty Ltd Director NSW

Michael Jarvin Advanced Marina Management Pty Ltd Director NSW

Nicholas Kitchen Yamaha Motor Australia Director QLD

Stuart Myles Elite Ski Boats Director SA

Adam Smith (appointed 12 May 2020) Australian Boating College Director Board appointed

GOVERNANCE AND PEOPLE

BIA LTD CONSTITUTION 2020

The BIA Ltd AGM in May 2020 included the adoption of a new Constitution. The previous Constitution had originally been drafted as a transitional document for a growing organisation. It also used concepts for governance inherited from earlier state-based constitution documents. Starting with the merger of BIA NSW and BIA SA in 2014, the previous Constitution brought together several state and industry associations. In the intervening period, it became clear that an update of the Constitution was required to improve provisions and language supporting various levels of governance

Additionally, a need to clarify that a BIA member is a corporate entity or sole trader as opposed to a private individual was also considered necessary to support the basis of the member association. The opportunity to add in a clause to define Honorary Life Member was also taken, along with clarification of the period a member may serve in the role of President. Previously there had been no limit to this – only the period for which a member could serve as a director (nine years): the President is now elected annually by the Board of Directors following the BIA Ltd AGM or as otherwise required

To provide clarity to the governance structure and the roles and responsibilities of state councils and divisions, new clauses were added to the Constitution to confirm: maximum number of councillors on a state council; the (limitations of) authority of a state council or division to enter into any contractual obligation; the provision for a division to levy members for special projects; and the process by which a division may be wound-up, including to provide for a right of appeal regarding a winding-up action by a Board of Directors

In all, the changes to the Constitution were designed to modernise the document and take account of learnings of the first six years of use of the previous edition. The new Constitution was drafted with the assistance and legal guidance of the Associations Forum to ensure it was consistent with contemporary association constitutions and to ensure all changes and the process of approval met legal requirements. The endorsement by members at the BIA Ltd AGM was the final approval and the new Constitution 2020 edition now provides the BIA with a governance document fit for the next 10 years

STATE COUNCILS

The impact of COVID-19 restrictions delivered some considerable changes in the way BIA governance committees met in 2020. The first round of State Council meetings was held in February as in-person meetings but following this, all meetings of State Councils, and the BIA Board took place as online Zoom video conference meetings. Initially, this took a little bit of working out as a new technology and concept for all involved, however by the end of the year it had become a commonplace activity and was well received as an efficient and productive way for all volunteer councillors and directors to participate in the management of BIA and its activities

Regular state council meetings are one of the key elements of BIA governance, where member-elected representatives gather to provide oversight of state-specific issues and projects and provide local guidance and input to the national board and executive. The state councils met every six to eight weeks, just ahead of the Board of Directors convening. A Chair of each state council was supported by up to 10 councillors, drawn from the varied cross-section of BIA membership: from this number, three councillors are then nominated to serve on the BIA Board. As purely volunteer positions, state councillors put in a great deal of effort to represent their peers and thanks are due to them for their dedication in looking after local affairs

NEW SOUTH WALES STATE COUNCIL 2020

Councillor

Member Company Position

Adam Smith Australian Boating College Chair

Adam Brown (resigned during 2020)

Paul Burgess (resigned during 2020)

NM Insurance Pty Ltd

Councillor

Bluewater Marine Surveyors Councillor

Simon Cook Cook Family Enterprises Pty Ltd

Ian Ford (resigned during 2020)

Brian Gatt (appointed 19 June 2020)

Councillor

Bass & Flinders Councillor

Logix Enterprises Pty Ltd

Jon Hunt Hunts Marine Pty Ltd

Councillor

Councillor

Michael Jarvin Advanced Marina Management Pty Ltd Councillor

Ned O’Neil Rose Bay Marina Councillor

Tracy Souris (appointed 10 July 2020)

Sydney Boathouse Councillor

Shannon Stocks Shannon Outboard Service Councillor

Steve Williams Standen Marine

Councillor

Lorraine Yates White Bay 6 Marine Park Councillor

QUEENSLAND STATE COUNCIL 2020

Councillor Member Company Position

Andrew Fielding

Ben Anderson

Anchorline Yacht Brokers Chair

Mackay Marina / Peter Hansen Yacht Brokers Mackay Councillor

Brett Bolton Coriolis Marine Councillor

Greg Haines The Haines Group Councillor

Johan Hasser

Matthew Hodson (resigned during 2020)

Mulpha Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Pty Ltd Councillor

John Crawford Marine Councillor

Nicholas Kitchen Yamaha Motor Australia Councillor

Nathan Nichols Cruise Craft Boats Pty Ltd

Councillor

Mike Orsmond Rib Force Inflatables Councillor

Peter Ruhle Boating & RV Councillor

Sonya Wilmen Coverforce 3LP

Councillor

Councillor Member Company Position

Stuart Myles Elite Ski Boats Chair

Ken Bampton (resigned during 2020)

Orlando Houseboat Councillor

David Binks Binks Marine Councillor

Allen Buckley Riverdance Houseboat Councillor

Tim Cook Club Marine Limited Councillor

Andrew Craddock (resigned during 2020)

Marina Adelaide Councillor

Rob Cuming Christies Beach Marine Councillor

Jason Day (appointed 25 March 2020)

Dockyard Councillor

Trish Flaherty NM Insurance Pty Ltd Councillor

Miriam Griffen Griffens Marina Councillor

Richard Hopkins EJ Milde & Co Pty Ltd Councillor

Steve Ottaway Cape Jaffa Anchorage Councillor

BOATING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION LTD

STAFF 2020

Nik Parker

General Manager

Membership & Programs

Domenic Genua

General Manager

Marketing, Events & Communication

(position made redundant October 2020)

Neil Patchett

General Manager

Advocacy & Policy

Simon Hazelbrook

General Manager

Finance & Administration

Company Secretary from April 2018

George Bolton

Member Services, South Australia & Northern Territory

Michael Date

Member Services, Queensland

Shane Wilson

Member Services, New South Wales

Jenny Bellaver

Membership Services, National

(position made redundant April 2020)

Phil McDermott

Marketing, Events & Special Projects

Megan Robson

Marketing & Communications Planner / Coordinator

James Thompson Operations Manager

(position made redundant October 2020)

Alicia Blackett

Operations Planner & Coordinator

(position made redundant October 2020)

Linda Edge

Office Administration and Reception

(position made redundant October 2020)

Kim Fox (contractor)

Foxy Business

Government Special Projects

OUR MEMBERS

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE 2020

Membership numbers as at end December 2020 were 644, consisting of 621 full financial members and 23 life members. While the annual membership renewal for 2020 saw a good retention rate in light of the events of 2020, overall membership numbers dropped by around 80 which included many businesses closing down during the year and a final tranche of Commercial Vessel Division members leaving to join the now independent Commercial Vessel Association of NSW

During 2020, 23 new members joined the Association, with four returning memberships making up the final membership for end 2020

MEMBERSHIP BY STATE

The state-by-state breakdown of members shows 322 located in NSW, 188 in Queensland, 89 in SA, three in NT and 19 reporting a head office based in another state

THE BOATING INDUSTRY BIG PICTURE NUMBERS

The BIA annual State of the Industry survey was conducted for the tenth successive year, with useful data collected from approximately 30 per cent of members. The 2020 survey was also completed by members of BIAs in Victoria and WA, plus members of MIA and AIMEX, to give coverage of the full scope of the marine industry in Australia.

The survey recorded a slight drop in industry turnover at $7.95bn, with just over 25,000 people directly employed by boating industry businesses. Industry sentiment feedback, while supposed to be related to business done in the 12 months to end 2019, was obviously impacted business conditions at the time of the survey being conducted (May 2020). The 2021 survey will present a better overview of how the industry fared throughout all of the year

The report is available on the BIA website and in this Annual Report.

The marine industry in Australia by the numbers

2020 Industry data

Turnover in 2019

7.95 bn $

25,320

People are employed directly by the industry, with more than 10,000 contractors also engaged

Industry profile by sector

The marine industry covers a broad range of sectors, with boat sales, storage, yard services and charter operators leading the way

Operating in the recreational, superyacht and commercial marine sectors in Australia

Industry profile by employment

Companies in the marine industry are predominantly smaller businesses, typically employing less than 5 people

But with a number of larger companies in the boatbuilding and professional sectors

85% 75% of fleet more than 10yrs old

62%

Fleet by size and material Fibreglass Boats

13% 10% 6% 2% 4% Aluminium Boats

A nation of boaters

2 million 80,000

35%

33% Aluminium

Boating is one of the leading pastimes in Australia – over 2 million Aussies have a boat licence

915,000 More than registered boats Recreational fleet key data L: 940 B: 264 L: 519 B: 236 L: 420 B: 198

+ Fibreglass 24%

countless non-powered watercraft

plus as many again paddle craft, SUPs, sailing dinghies Licences (‘000s) L: 293 L: 70 B: 31

L: 262 B: 101 Perpetual licences in Qld, SA and WA

Registered Boats (‘000s) B: 59

new registrations each year The fleet is growing with now registered © Boating Industry Association Ltd PO Box 1204 Crows Nest NSW 1585 • T. (02) 9438 2077 • info@bia.org.au Offices in: Sydney • Gold Coast • Adelaide

YEAR IN REVIEW

The year 2020 will be remembered for the impact a global pandemic had on our society and our economy across Australia. It was a year for the BIA to restructure and focus firmly on is core objectives under the BIA Business Plan.

‘Strengthen government advocacy and support for our members’

COVID-19

One of the three core objectives of the BIA Business Plan is to strengthen government advocacy and support for our members. The COVID-19 pandemic which took hold in the autumn of 2020 led to a surge in advocacy activity at all levels of government on behalf of members across Australia

The BIA responsibly supported government public health safety messaging at the outset but also pressed hard in the early stages of the pandemic for governments to recognise the social, health and economic b enefits of getting out on the water. It was not long before governments, both State and Federal, began to recognise boating as an activity for the household, for the family, that could be done in a COVID-Safe way. Getting out on the water was recognised for its social benefits such as exercise and gathering food which then expanded to general boating in local areas for families and eventually to a general return to boating across jurisdictions.

The advocacy effort also spread early across a range of related subjects where industry was under pressure. This included rent relief from government managed leases; boating as an activity that supports mental and physical wellbeing; financial support including JobKeeper; easing travel restrictions, easing border restrictions; investment in domestic leisure and travel; and investment in new and improved infrastructure to help respond to the increasing number of people choosing boating as a standout leisure activity

The BIA adopted a communications strategy to guide actions and help ensure clear lines of communication for staff, members and stakeholders. With a barrage of information in circulation, the focus was on single sources of truth such as Federal and State Governments, and the World Health Organisation. The aim was to ensure a coordinated, team effort in support of the industry, its members and the boating lifestyle

BIA established a Boating Industry Stakeholders Group with key external organisations that included representatives of Marina Industries Association, Australian International Marine Export Group, BIAVIC, BIAWA and Australian Sailing. The aim was to share information and coordinate efforts wherever possible at a time of rapid change. This, importantly, included collaboration in advocacy work with submissions to governments and encouraging the sharing of digital BIA resources to support and promote boating participation.

In addition to advocacy work, the BIA team – which went onto reduced hours to help manage financial implications from COVID

worked to provide as much direct support to members as possible. The team started initially with identifying and then interpreting different state-based restrictions on business and community activity, as well as assessing and identifying the merits of programs to support business during restrictions and lockdowns, providing detailed advice to members, as required, on specific directions, such as hygiene measures, gathering numbers, developing and implementing COVID-Safe plans.

BIA established a dedicated COVID-19 webpage to host the wide range of state and federal business support programs that were made available. This was kept up to date as closely as possible, to ensure members had access to relevant information and programs to support their business decisions and business needs. The member services team also participated in numerous online discussions and webinars to learn about programs to support members and their business throughout the year.

BOATING BOOM

Boating proved to be a standout choice in leisure activity through the pandemic. The combination of no international travel, the staycation phenomenon, flexible work practices and the need to be COVID-Safe saw interest in getting out on the water ramp up significantly. This included a significant number of first-time boat buyers, many of them on the younger side.

BIA members were reporting that sales of boats and related marine gear began to increase in the second quarter and ended the year on a high. Some figures provided by members comparing 2020 with the previous year were as follows:

Boats and gear:

• 4 stroke outboard sales in 2020 were up around 20 per cent

• new boat sales up 20 per cent

• used boat sales up 50 per cent

• parts and accessories up 20 per cent

• Some boat orders are out to June 2022 and beyond.

Houseboat hire on the Murray River:

• close to double with unprecedented interest from staycationers and many first-time house boaters

Bareboat charters in the Whitsundays:

• Bareboat in the Whitsundays suffered for much of 2020 due to the limitations on travel however by year’s end, there were signs of recovery

REPRESENTATION ON SIGNIFICANT MEETINGS

BIA’s work to strengthen government advocacy and support for our members involves maintaining networks and representation on numerous committees. This ensures the BIA remains at the forefront of issues management and promotes information gathering and sharing, promotes industry relevance and reputation whilst advocating for improved outcomes for industry and participation in recreational boating. This ranges from representation on the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) to more than 15 National and State committees

BIA’s representation on ICOMIA, for example, helps our industry connect with the global marine industry on wide ranging subjects concerning recreational boats. This supports management of issues, regulations and standards that relate to boating products, services and programs through information sharing from different jurisdictions around the world

In 2020, the BIA secured two of its newest committee representations by joining the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s new National Safety Committee and the NSW Crown Lands Task Force.

RESPONSIBLE BOAT OWNERSHIP

BIA’s representation on the Queensland War on Wrecks Task Force and supporting advocacy has seen Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) adopt a program title of Responsible Boat Ownership. This represents a subtle but significant shift by MSQ to a broader effort to promote owner responsibility and that includes responsible purchase, ownership, use, sale, and disposal of vessels

BIA has worked with MSQ and Transport for NSW to take the theme Responsible Boat Ownership to a national level through the Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee (ARBSC), this includes advocating for government, with support from industry, to address the issue of end-of-life vessels as the bulk of the GRP vessels built in the 60s, 70s and 80s are at or nearing the end of their lifespan

AUSTRALIAN BUILDERS PLATE

The Australian Builders Plate standard was reviewed during 2020 and a new edition was drafted earlier in the year. BIA worked with ARBSC to develop and implement this new standard and a consistent application across all state maritime agencies for 2021

BIA supports the new ABP but has concerns regarding supporting education, audit and compliance programs by regulators across Australia. A number of issues have been raised with the ARBSC where boats reaching the market (and are being registered) are not compliant with the ABP standard and all parties are working to find a solution to better manage and enforce this. Without an inspection program for vessels entering the market, there will always be vessels of concern regarding compliance. It is the role of the maritime agencies to then respond to this to ensure the ABP achieves its objective

The new edition of the ABP Standard is available at: anzsbeg.com.au/abpindustry Compliance with the ABP standard is met via conformance with one of the referenced standards (ISO, ABYC or AS1799). Edition 5 is expected to be entered into state legislation in mid-2021.

SMART HIN

The BIA has developed a solution called SmartHIN to manage the Manufacturers Identity Code (MIC) and Hull Identification Number (HIN) with the aim of reducing red tape and inefficiencies, and improving new-vessel data collection for industry. The same benefits can apply to regulators along with improvements in system integrity, and enhanced support for data interrogation, audit and ABP compliance.

In early 2020, BIA secured support from the ARBSC to conduct a trial of SmartHIN as a potential cost-saving solution for a national MIC and HIN register and a national benefit to industry, regulators and the public

The SmartHIN trial remains pending due to related administrative issues which the ARBSC is looking to resolve

AS1799 SMALL CRAFT

BIA Chaired a review of AS1799 Small Craft by Standards Australia, with a new draft standard with significant improvements on the 2009 edition was readied to be issued for public comment early in 2021. This document is one of the key referenced documents for compliance with the ABP standard and it is important that the boating industry’s needs and requirements are appropriately addressed

A number of elements of the standard have been significantly updated, to take account of current best practise. Specific topics addressed included: clarifying the make-up of the maximum persons capacity in terms of actual persons or actual mass; improving the definition of the static float plane and subsequent assessment of internal volume; updating engine and associated equipment masses in line with current engine characteristics; and clarifying the need for turn-testing of higher performance boats

It is envisaged that the final standard will be published by June of 2021, to support the implementation of the new ABP standard edition 5

Lifejackets are the second most important item of safety in boating, after the boat itself and whilst modern lifejackets are remarkably improved over the old ‘block of cheese’ block foam models, there remains a need to seek continual improvement. That is why BIA has representation on the Standards Australian committee CS060 which deals with lifejackets and deckharnesses.

Australian Standards used 2020 as an opportunity to review AS4758 in a bid to improve product safety particularly on issues relating to inflatable lifejackets which included consistency of approach to service periods, in-water testing with the person wearing appropriate apparel

COXSWAIN 3

AMSA is currently working to design a Coxswain 3 qualification, which will become the lowest grade of ticket available for a skipper of a DCV, aimed at operations such as marina tenders, small workboats and operations where the vessel is used incidentally to the principal business operation. The most recent review of this qualification indicates that the Coxswain 3 ticket will be based upon the applicant holding a recreational or general boat licence, along with a declaration of his or her competency to undertake basic boat handling activities

While this declaration is proposed to be signed off by a certificated commercial vessel operator, such as a Coxswain 2 or higher, BIA has negotiated an option for the marina or similar business operator to be able to make the declaration, with a consequent limitation on scope of activities permitted to be undertaken by the holder of the Coxswain 3.

Definitive details are still being worked out with AMSA and it is not expected that this new qualification will be in place before mid-2021

‘Grow participation in recreational boating’

BUSH FIRES

The bush fires impacting so many areas of Australia in early 2020, led to new BIA member Neil Driscoll of Above and Beyond Boating establishing The Firefighter Family Day on theWater initiative. Above and Beyond Boating created the event to provide a way for the boating community to give back to the volunteer men and women who had given up their 2019-20 summer and precious time with family to battle blazes across our country, often in very traumatic circumstances

The BIA supported this worthwhile initiative to give back to firefighters and their families. Boating can make a real difference to people’s lives and it was a great way for our boating community to show our thanks and support to these amazing people and help firefighters and their families have some respite. Neil Driscoll reported that hundreds of volunteer firefighters and their families from brigades around Australia turned out for a day on the water on 15 March with members of the boating community

BOAT SHOW SEASON

Government disease control measures arising from the pandemic forced the Board to postpone the circuit of BIA Boat Shows for the year in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide

The spread of the virus in March was dramatic with significant changes to the public health forecasts. Consequently, the Board, in the interests of certainty for all, resolved to offer members a refund of any deposits

The BIA show circuit is valued by our members and our public, because they are a wonderful opportunity to showcase first-hand all that boating has to offer. The Board’s decision was difficult but appropriate considering the social challenge confronting Australia.

The majority of members, however, join the BIA for benefits other than boat shows, such as advocacy, industry-focused growth initiatives and promotion of the boating lifestyle. Nevertheless, there is a significant cohort of members who are still looking to the BIA to deliver events that support sales into the future.

By year’s end, the BIA was preparing and planning for shows to return where appropriate in 2021

NATIONAL BOATING WEEK

Government agencies around Australia and in New Zealand declared 25 September to 2 October as the inaugural National Safe Boating Week. The period preceded the long weekend and unofficial start of the boating season. On the same dates the BIA supported the Week to showcase the boating lifestyle. Activities included the launch of a new Boating Lifestyle Campaign and Discover Boating initiatives which were aimed at retaining existing boaters, encouraging lapsed boaters to return and to excite new-entry people to get into boating

National Boating Week proved a success for all key stakeholders and it is set become a fixture on the calendar for future years. The BIA also took advantage of the week-long focus on boating across Australia with the launch of a new recreational boating portal DiscoverBoating.com.au

DISCOVER BOATING

The Discover Boating website was designed for all boaters –from children and newcomers, right through to old salts – and contains a wealth of information about recreational boating, developed with contributions from some of Australia’s leading boating journalists and other individuals who are simply passionate about the water

The Discover Boating vision is for the program to continually evolve with new elements to be added over time.

One of the key additions is the development of the Discover Boating Marketplace, an online shopfront for consumers to browse products and services listed by BIA members. The aim is to provide the public with a trusted source to find reputable suppliers who they know have pledged to abide by the industry Code of Practice. This portal will assist BIA members to promote their products and services

Social media provides an increasingly significant and effective opportunity and channel through which to reach and influence the public

As part of our ongoing commitment to promote members, the industry and boating lifestyle, we are always looking for content to share across our BIA and ‘Discover Boating’ social media platforms

To support the launch of the Discover Boating website, BIA launched the campaign in social media channels:

•Discover Boating on Facebook facebook.com/DiscoverBoatingAustralia/

•Discover Boating on Instagram instagram.com/discoverboatingaustralia/

These channels compliment BIA channels:

• BIA on Facebook facebook.com/BoatingIndustryAssociation

• BIA on LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/the-boating-industry-association-ltd

• BIA on Twitter twitter.com/BoatAustralia

WATERWAYS WE RIDE

Before COVID-19, PWC were the fastest growing vessel type in Australia by registrations. Just 12 months ago, PWC had reached a total of more than 76,000 registered across Australia.

The influx of people new to the boating lifestyle through PWC however does introduce a scenario where participants may not come from traditional boating backgrounds and may not have the level of boating knowledge and experience that some other boating activities generally provide such as sailing

Via the ‘Waterways we Ride’ campaign, BIA aims to ensure PWC and the people who ride them are treated fairly when local, state and federal government officials consider boating controls and or regulations.

To promote safe, responsible and enjoyable use of PWC and this includes supporting the following:

• encouraging PWC operators to better manage risks that can lead to serious incidents on the waterways;

• reducing risky or non-compliant behaviour by PWC operators on shared waterways;

• reducing fatal and serious injuries relating to the use of PWC; and

• addressing complaints related to the use of PWC.

‘Expand our professional development and career pathways’

MARINE CARD AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

In 2020, the Marine Card and Access Management System proved a success in enabling sites to track compliance with COVID Safe practices, along with providing the regular roles of gatekeeper system to control access to marine facilities and sites. This was enhanced with new features during the year, which included the flexibility to message all contactors logged in to a site with a bespoke SMS and the ability to download the email address for contractors who have visited a site. Both these improvements are of assistance should a site be required to identify or rapidly communicate to visiting contractors following an incident, COVID-related or otherwise, or to advise

of changes to site access

The Marine Card system continues to grow year on year and there are now over 5000 card holders. Improvements to this part of the program are also underway, along with ongoing discussions with partner associations to increase promotion of the program in Qld, Vic and SA particularly. New for 2021, Marine Card holders will be provided with access to a marine industry-dedicated contractors insurance program, which will provide further assurance to sites accepting Marine Card holders.

STANDARD DOCUMENTS

BIA members have access to a range of standard documents to provide support in various business sectors, including; new boat sales, brokerage boat sales, marina berthing, and provision of goods and services. These documents, which are reviewed by BIA legal partner, are regularly updated and new documents to address consignment sales and hire and drive contracts are now in development. Standard documents may be found at the myBIA member portal at bia.org.au/member-centre/forms-contracts

INSURANCE PROGRAMS FROM STEADFAST

BIA members for many years have had support for their business insurance needs via the BIA Marine Insurance program, operated by Network Steadfast Insurance Group. This program provides members with access to specialist marine insurance brokers, armed with a portfolio of bespoke insurance products that ensure members’ businesses and employees are most appropriately covered for all activities within the boating industry. These insurance programs are regularly reviewed by the broker to ensure they reflect current industry needs, and stakeholder and community expectations of insurance.

BIA Marine Insurance also now offers a complimentary health check service whereby the team will be able to review and provide feedback on a member’s complete insurance portfolio. The Health Check will give members confidence that their business is properly covered and will provide a professional opinion on the issue of competitive insurance premiums.

The BIA has been able to re-introduce in 2021 the domestic business travel insurance program, which extends to include all directors and employees of all member businesses. Additionally, members considering travel overseas in 2021 will have access to a discounted per trip, per person charged insurance program, available from BIA Marine Insurance on request.

INDUSTRY DATA

BIA continues to explore improvements to the provision of industry data. In 2020, BIA was concerned about the availability of accurate and validated source data, noting that the provision of such is not universal across state jurisdictions. To address this, a new registration trend data report has been prepared, based on the best information available. The new report provides the high-level advice industry requires but does not give definitive unit numbers; BIA continues to work with the state registration agencies on access to data and future improvements

WORKPLACE ADVICE LINE

BIA members have access to the Workplace Advice Line, provided by Business Australia, an important service providing members with access to a specialist legal team of HR and workplace legislation advisors. During the extraordinarily unusual time that was 2020, the Workplace Advice Line was an invaluable supp ort for members, particularly with the need to negotiate stand down provisions, award changes and other specific changes to employment rules introduced by the Fair Work Commission during the year

Business Australia supports BIA members with a range of other business support programs available to access either on a complimentary or paid-for basis. More information is available at businessaustralia.com The Workplace Advice Line may be accessed at 13 29 59; members are requested to quote their BIA member number to access the service.

CAREER PATHWAYS

With the demand for boats and boating gear increasing throughout the year, it was no surprise that supply chains were stretched. As the industry approached year end, there was an increase in recruitment and new roles being established across the membership to meet demand It is expected that work carried out in 2020 will deliver a range of initiatives and benefits to members in support of career pathways and support for skills and trades in 2021

The year 2020 will be long remembered for many reasons and one of those will be the passing of Past President and Life Member Ian McAndrew (83). Ian was elected to the BIA Board of Directors in December 1988. He was elected Vice President in December 1991 and served as President from April 1992 until May 2006. It was a record 14 consecutive years and post Presidency he remained on the Board serving as Immediate Past President. Ian also represented Australia on the International Council of Marine Industries Association (ICOMIA) as well as The International Marinas Committee.

Ian McAndrew was a gentleman, passionate advocate and left a lasting legacy for the boating industry.

NSW STATE COUNCIL CHAIR’S REPORT

In NSW, we looked after members’ interests across a number of issues, whether these concerned access to waterways; security of leases for marine facilities; skills and training needs; second-hand dealer licensing; advice concerning consumer complaints – very few I’m pleased to report; government proposals on marine parks, new infrastructure and waterways access planning

The impact of events of 2020 meant, of course, that we were unable to host the industry’s premier and long-running event, the Sydney International Boat Show. This meant our usual opportunity to not only showcase the boating lifestyle, but also promote and celebrate career opportunities was unfortunately lost. This was also the case with a number of other events planned during the year, including member networking and events to introduce school kids to the industry. However, despite this, efforts continued throughout the year to strengthen our connection with, particularly, NSW TAFE and we are very pleased that a number of new initiatives, including placements of apprentices, have been able to be supported in 2020

Over the past 12 months the BIA team has continued work with various NSW agencies in fostering these relationships. We engaged with a wide range of agencies, including NSW Maritime, the Centre for Maritime Safety and their various supporting stakeholder groups in which BIA has a role, such the RVAG, CVAG and MPAG. The support of these agencies for the industry and BIA generally is well regarded, for which we thank them.

I would also like to recognise the members of the BIA NSW State Council and our NSW nominated board members and thank them for their great efforts in representing the membership in NSW. All Councillors and Directors volunteer their time and provide their expertise to support and represent the divisions of the marine industry in which they work, whether this be boat manufacturers, marinas, shipwrights, marine repairers, brokers, sailing industry or trailer boat dealers. In the year that was 2020, all played an extremely important role in supporting their fellow members in what turned into a year of the most extreme lows and highs.

Adam Smith Chair BIA NSW State Council

Adam Smith

QLD STATE COUNCIL CHAIR’S REPORT

The past 12 months has certainly been the most dramatic and challenging of times for the BIA team in Queensland. The impact of COVID-19 was felt early on with the cancellation or postponement of several events, including last year's AGM and of course the Brisbane Boat Show. This set the scene for a new way of working which our members in Queensland, and other states, quickly embraced

As we all adapted to a new way of interacting with each other and conducting business, the BIA team’s involvement with the development of state maritime and business support policies and programs continued. This work included an extensive careers and training support effort which was undertaken whilst overcoming hurdles such as remote meetings and the demands on many of our partner agencies as they managed COVID-19 related issues along the extensive coastline of Queensland. Despite the challenges we have continued to build and strengthen relationships and improve communications with government and stakeholders. This work has resulted in a number of positive outcomes, particularly in way of support for business, rent relief and skills and training.

I am always appreciative of and would like to thank the staff of the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Maritime Safety Queensland, the Gold Coast Waterway Authority, Department for State Development and TAFE for their open communication and positive involvement with the BIA.

As the marine industry has experienced an unexpected but very welcome boom in recent times, there has never been a greater need for a skilled workforce. A lot of hard work and determination behind the scenes to promote the marine industry as a career option for school leavers, I am delighted to say, has paid off during 2020. Several new apprentices have signed on and later in 2021 industry open day events will recommence. This is a great opportunity for would-be apprentices to hear of the opportunities available to them and to get more of an understanding of the diverse careers that are within the marine industry. Along with new entrants into the marine industry, the upskilling of existing staff has also continued to receive great support from the State Government and particularly TAFE Gold Coast. We are also encouraged by the decision to include other TAFE College’s further north in the state later in the year resulting in greater opportunities and choices for students in regional areas

On a sad note, the necessary cancellation of our events and the uncertainty of timing for future boat shows has had a significant impact on BIA resources. The need to reduce overheads and make tough decisions to give the BIA the best possible path out of the pandemic resulted in the very difficult decision to not continue Jenny Bellaver’s contract in the Member Services team. Jenny had been with BIA and previously Marine Queensland for over 25 years and has a great rapport with our members and industry. Many of you know Jenny well and like me, recognise her significant value to our association. We are working to turn things around in the year ahead and will once again call on Jenny’s enthusiasm and in-depth member relations skills as part of the BIA team

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Queensland State Council members and those councillors that also represent the state on the BIA Board of Directors. Your knowledge and support are always greatly appreciated, even more so when you have been asked to step up and contribute more than usual during the challenges of 2020.

Andrew Fielding Chair BIA Qld State Council

Andrew Fielding

SA STATE COUNCIL CHAIR’S REPORT

2020 was due to be a busy year for the BIA in SA with a number of important advocacy matters on the list of actions at the start of the year. These concerned access to waterways; improvements to boating infrastructure and facilities via SABFAC; the Whole of Murray proposal to manage derelict vessels; apprentices and training with GOTAFE; and of course with many issues related to commercial vessels supporting our Houseboat Hirers Division, an important part of the BIA in SA. Plus, of course, delivery of the Adelaide Boat Show as the principal boating promotion event in SA

Stuart Myles

As everywhere, it did not turn out as planned. While boating itself was apparently not off the cards in SA in the initial COVID lockdown, the impact on business was certainly felt with a marked lack of customers coming into dealers premises and workshops.

The role of the BIA team in helping understand and explain what industry members were able to do, and importantly what their customers as boaters could continue to do, was important in getting the industry back to work as soon as possible. Since then, of course, we have seen a boom in boat sales and boat usage, particularly on the River Murray with the houseboat industry having its most successful year, bar none

This was aided not only by the advocacy work of the Association but also by an initiative of the SA team to produce a boating lifestyle promotional campaign, that featured on TV screens across the state in the run up to the very successful National Boating Week. The absence of the boat show meant that we had to look to other ways of putting members in front of their audience, and the very well-produced and well received TV ad campaign was just what the industry needed. This campaign was an idea of the SA State Council and was made possible not only by the great work of the local team, but also the support of boat dealer members, and others, to fund the programme. As an exercise in collaborative marketing, it was great to see the industry coming together in this way. I'm pleased to say that we also managed to export the work to our friends in Queensland who were similarly keen to embrace the concept with their own version

In our more usual engagement with stakeholders to represent our members’ issues, I’m very pleased by the efforts of the BIA staff team in maintaining a very good working relationship with the different government departments that oversee the legislation under which we operate, specifically DPTI, EPA, DEW and their various supporting stakeholder groups in which BIA has a role, particularly SABFAC.

I would also like to recognise all the members of the BIA SA State Council. All represent our industry with an unbiased point of view and are here for the greater good of the industry into the future

Stuart Myles Chair BIA SA State Council

BIA’S DIVISIONS

MARINE BROKERS DIVISION

Throughout 2020, the Marine Broker division dealt with an unfortunate increase in the number of complaints, or concerns, raised by boat buyers, where they felt they have not had a good experience in the purchase of their vessel, or the vessel itself was not what they expected. The huge upsurge in demand for boats during the second half of the year led to many older vessels, perhaps not really suitable to be sold, coming to the market; this was combined with many boat buyers being new entrants to boating and maybe not aware of the potential pitfalls of buying an older boat

There were also a disappointing number of customers making representations to BIA where they had not engaged a professional surveyor, or indeed had relied only on word-of-mouth and purchased the vessel sight-unseen. This is not a good practice and BIA has continued to promote to would-be-boat buyers the need to engage and work with a BIA member broker and also marine surveyors. In this regard, conversations have been held throughout 2020 with the two principal marine surveyor groups in Australia to seek to develop a

partnership arrangements for referral by brokers

The need for a marine broker accreditation program has been re-affirmed in light of complaints about businesses in this sector in Qld and NSW and work is now underway to review and update previous education materials used as part of such programs in these states. Combined with requirements covering second-hand dealer licence, trust-style accounts and the use of standardised documentation, the accreditation program will provide an additional level of professionalism for the broker sector and confidence in the boat-buyer community that they are dealing with a reputable business.

The first phase of the program will be a self-audit by brokers, confirming to BIA that they have in place – or are working to have in place – relevant systems, processes and protocols. Planning is in place to start this in early 2021 with a full program, to include education and training to be delivered by end 2021.

BOAT MANUFACTURERS DIVISION

The start of 2020 saw the long-awaited review of the Australian Builders Plate standard come to fruition, with a government and industry working group meeting at the end of February to review several hundred comments that had been received as part of the public consultation on the standard. A new edition of the ABP standard, edition 5, was published in June and state agencies committed to enact this in legislation by June 2021

The new standard has made significant improvements to readability of the document and the way information is to be portrayed on the builders plate itself. Importantly, industry concerns about how to represent the total load and/or maximum number of persons were addressed, with a clear focus on maximum load being the key determiner in terms of capacity of the boat. An agreement was reached that the typical average person, usually considered as 85 kilos, could now be a combination of lesser mass persons to make up the maximum load capacity

Following the finalisation of the ABP standard, work turned to the review of AS1799, the Australian standard for small craft under 15 metres. The Standards Australia committee CS114 was convened for the first time in a number of years, with BIA taking the chair and providing three industry expert representatives to the committee. During the period June to September, the CS114 and technical working groups met over 10 times, often for four to five hour long zoom calls, to review, debate and ultimately draft an improved technical standard for industry. AS1799 is currently out for public comment to the end of April and a new edition of this document is expected by mid-2021

To support this work, opportunities for additional standards and industry compliance have been considered, along with the scope for an accreditation program. This will be developed in 2021 following implementation of the new ABP and AS 1799 standards and is likely to include the possible adoption of standards from the ISO portfolio of small craft standards to address areas of boat design and manufacture not currently addressed by legislation or other regulatory requirements in Australia.

MARINA DIVISION – STATE BASED

The marina divisions in NSW, Queensland and SA met once each during the year, in a mix of in-person and online Zoom meetings. The key topics of discussion focused on ongoing state-based matters, plus some of common interest related to vessel salvage and association insurance for the marina, abandoned vessels, and marina lease and tenure policies. However, the key matter for discussion during 2020 was management of, and access to, marina facilities by both industry and berth holders during periods of lockdown restrictions, and then the associated government support for marina tenants where businesses were severely impacted in their ability to trade. A range of support programs based around rent relief were provided by state governments, and members successfully receiving such passed on commensurate rent relief to their subtenants operating workshops, brokerages and similar businesses within the marina precinct

The start of 2020 was impacted by significant fire and then flood events in a number of regions which impacted marinas even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit; BIA and the marina division chairs responded with strong advocacy work to ensure industry had a clear understanding of restrictions and most importantly state governments, and their health and police agencies, understood the benefits of and importance of the marina sector, which ultimately led to all being able to continue operations throughout the year

HOUSEBOAT HIRERS DIVISION

The Houseboat Hirers Division, principally representing members on the River Murray in SA, experienced, as with all tourism businesses, some considerable ups and downs during the year. The lockdown restrictions that came in place just before the Easter break meant that houseboat holidays were cancelled en masse, with many bookings deferred and all others refunded. However, after a period during which the industry was able to undertake long-term maintenance and deep cleaning, tourism rebooted in midJuly and since then the industry in South Australia has experienced business levels never seen before. This continued throughout the summer period and the outlook for 2021 continues to be extremely positive. The 2020 year overall was 100% up on 2019 in terms of business booked through the BIA houseboat booking website, which is funded and managed by the Houseboat Hirers Division

The Division dealt with a number of ongoing issues throughout the year, including matters related to Coxswain 3 and qualifications for operating the houseboat when not on hire; the use of non-flued gas appliances in sleeping accommodation areas; and the ongoing need to ensure compliance with grey and black water management. The Division's online marketing programme has continued throughout the year, but in light of the unprecedented levels of business, a new TV campaign was put on hold to mid-2021

FINANCIAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 December 2020

The audited Financial Report for the year ended 31 December 2020 identifies a loss from operational activities of ($668,824), from a 2019 surplus of $449,442, an unfortunate and dramatic result due to the COVID-19 pandemic and necessary Federal and State Government, pandemic control measures for the community.

The net present value of ‘available-for-sale financial assets’ (equity investments managed by BT through St George Bank) remains consistent on previous years for the BIA at $2,559,512 and provided investment income of $160,067 in 2020. Members funds are $5,343,426 as at December 2020, down on previous years of $6,085,667, reflecting the loss for 2020. The BIA is making necessary financial decisions to maximise revenue opportunities and minimise costs, looking to ensure an improved financial position for 2021.

Due to COVID-19, all the BIA Boat Shows were postponed for 2020 until 2021, reducing our income down to $1,520,175 for the year. Positively, membership income showed a small increase on 2019 and Other Income remained constant on previous years. Additionally, the BIA registered for the ATO JobKeeper program for staff and received cashflow boost credits; together these assisted in covering some staff costs throughout 2020.

Total outflow of funds for the year, including overheads, was $2,189,001, less than our overall spend on overheads alone, in 2019. Due to the unprecedented and sustained nature of COVID-19, the BIA Board took the hard decision to reduce four staff positions during 2020 in order to manage the impacts of the pandemic and to focus on support for members

The BIA has retained key personnel, and remains in a strong position to support its core objectives which are to: grow participation in recreational boating; strengthen government advocacy and support for our members; and expand our professional development and career pathways.

The BIA however, continued to invest funds in promoting, developing and growing the industry for our future wellbeing, and continued working with our Federal and State Government partners for improved outcomes for the boating industry and boating lifestyle. Through 2020, the BIA stepped up its engagement with Federal and State Governments to support industry, advocated for improved government strategies, policies and legislation; and kept State membership representatives on the road, liaising with members regularly. Some continued initiatives were;

• Launching Discover Boating website and campaign

• Advocating for Government financial support to keep businesses open and people in jobs

• Advocating for Government investment in domestic tourism and new and improved infrastructure

• Working directly with Australian Standards on new and improved standards in safety gear and vessels

• Promoting boating lifestyle

• Promoting the benefits of BIA membership

• Continuing development of education and training platforms

• Continuance of the travel insurance package for all corporate members, BIA staff and directors.

Full Financial Reports of the BIA Ltd are available at bia.org.au and a link has been emailed to all members. The Financial Report has been prepared and presented in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporation Act 2001. BIA is required to report related party transactions between directors and the businesses they are related to. This disclosure is reported as note number 15 in Notes to the Financial Report (page 20). These transactions with director related companies were on an arm’s length basis, as are all business to business transactions. Income and expenses derived from the related parties would have been the same had they not been related. The related party transactions relate to membership subscription fees. Your directors’ offer their time and support to improve and develop the industry, and no remuneration is received.

The financial decisions that the BIA made during 2020 were not easy, they were decisions to ensure our longevity. In 2021, our aims and objectives of the BIA for members and the boating community will continue to be achieved, through the effort of our dedicated staff, direction from our Board and the support of our membership.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

BOATING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION LTD

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW - 2020

INCOME

Membership subscriptions, $535,481 , 35%

Rent and office services, $85,567 , 6%

Marketing Campaigns, $56,477 , 4%

Shows & Events, $0 , 0%

Other income, $71,706 , 5%

Education and training, $105,135 , 7%

ATO - COVID Relief, $396,400 , 26%

EXPENSES

Interest & Fund Distributions, $160,070 , 10% Commissions, $109,337 , 7%

Subscriptions, $38,656 , 2%

Other expenditure, $153,940 , 7%

Advertising & promotion, $152,009 , 7%

Consultants & projects, $130,031 , 6%

Staff costs, $1,355,244 , 62%

Shows & Events, $142,431 , 7%

Education & training, $42,828 , 2% Properties, $97,266 , 4%

Depreciation, $76,595 , 3%

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

Boating Industry Association Ltd.

ABN 61 000 618 468

53 Hume Street Crows Nest NSW 2065 Australia

PO Box 1204 Crows Nest NSW 1585 Australia

Offices - NSW | South Australia | Queensland

Phone (02) 9438 2077 | Fax (02) 9439 3983

Int’l phone +61 2 9438 2077 | Int’l Fax +61 2 9439 3983

Email info@bia.org.au

bia.org.au