2022 Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2022

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The year 2022 was a landmark period for a number of significant reasons. It was a year of tangible recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and included key actions such as: the Board appointing a new CEO in Andrew Scott; we streamlined the experienced Executive team of Nik Parker and Neil Patchett to focus sharply on their respective priority areas; we appointed a dedicated Manager Member Programs in Shane Wilson; we staged the first Sydney International Boat Show since 2019; and we developed a new BIA Strategic Business Plan to 2027.

It was a year to make strategic decisions to address our challenges and opportunities namely: government policy and regulation which can restrict or inhibit access and activities of boating whether it be marine parks, lack of boat ramps and storage options, safety regulations, environmental restrictions or seabed leases, or business investment certainty.

We took decisions to strengthen our efforts in workforce development, availability of training, attraction and retention of skilled workers. We set about a program to enhance our Safe Marine Business programs such as Marine Card and Access Management System, and prepared for a dedicated Boating Industry Academy to be launched on the Gold Coast.

We also strengthened our commitment to Grow Participation in Boating through a reshaped Discover Boating campaign. The marketing unit consisting of Marketing & Communications Manager Kim Fox and Coordinator Megan Robson have led the charge to strengthen the BIA brand through a series of initiatives including refreshed program collateral, eNews templates and a new website is on the horizon.

Retaining existing boaters and attracting new boaters is an ongoing challenge due to competition for the leisure dollar. COVID-19 has helped drive interest and participation in boating due to limitations on overseas travel; our mission must be to maintain and grow that interest through the post COVID era.

Our strategic purpose is supporting members to build thriving marine businesses and we have to set our sights on a vibrant industry supporting boating as a standout choice in leisure activity for everyone.

I am proud of what we were able to achieve on behalf of our members through 2022.

Andrew Fielding President, Boating Industry Association Ltd

GOVERNANCE AND PEOPLE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Darren Vaux served as Chair of the Board and BIA President until the AGM in May 2022; Andrew Fielding was elected to Chair of the Board and BIA President at the AGM, with Adam Smith standing as Vice-President. Simon Cook was returned as Treasurer. The Board for 2022 constituted 11 directors, with three each from NSW, Queensland and SA, plus two Board-appointed directors making up the complement. The BIA Board met on seven occasions during the year, four via Zoom and three in-person meetings.

The 2022 AGM was also held online, with members participating in an online ballot, directed by the AGM Notice of Meeting agenda, in the week preceding the meeting date. There was no change to state council nominated directors, or to Board-appointed directors. The AGM endorsed a nomination from the Board to confer Life Membership on Simon Cook.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022

Andrew Fielding Anchorline Yacht Brokers

Adam Smith Australian Boating College

Simon Cook Cook Family Enterprises Pty Ltd

Miriam Griffen Griffens Marina Director

Andrew Hayes Hallett Australia Pty Ltd

Richard Hopkins EJ Milde & Co Pty Ltd

Jon Hunt Hunts Marine Pty Ltd Director

Michael Jarvin Advanced Marina Management Pty Ltd Director

Nicholas Kitchen Yamaha Motor Australia Director

Nathan Nichols Cruise Craft Boats Pty Ltd Director

Darren Vaux Empire Marina Bobbin Head Pty Ltd Director

BOATING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION LTD STAFF 2022

Andrew Scott CEO

Nik Parker General Manager, Member Services

Neil Patchett General Manager, Government & Public Relations

Shane Wilson Member Programs Manager

George Bolton Manager Business Support (SA & NT)

Michael Date Manager Business Support (Qld)

David James Membership Officer NSW

Kim Fox Marketing & Communications Manager

Megan Robson Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Glenn Baumann Accounts Assistant

GOVERNANCE AND PEOPLE

STATE COUNCILS

The BIA State Councils continued to meet throughout the year to progress a number of local advocacy issues, projects and to consider the approach to future strategic direction of the Association, member support and boating promotion. Each Council was constituted of 11 Councillors, with a number of new member-elected representatives being returned at the relevant State Council AGMs in April. Each State Council met four times during the year, in a mix of online and in-person meetings.

NEW SOUTH WALES STATE COUNCIL CHAIR’S REPORT

In NSW, we continued to represent members’ interests across a number of issues, focused on access to waterways; security of leases for marine facilities; and skills and training needs. The successful presentation of the 2022 Sydney International Boat Show was a welcome return, with the event once again the primary showcase for the boating lifestyle.

The ability to offer opportunities for members to engage with the team and, almost more importantly, with other members, was very satisfying to see again after so many virtual meetings over the past two years. The end of year member forums in Sydney and Pittwater were well attended and provided a great deal of insight to BIA and industry member activities.

Adam Smith

Chair, BIA New South Wales State Council

NEW SOUTH WALES STATE COUNCIL 2022

COUNCILLOR

Adam Smith

Simon Cook

Brian Gatt

Jon Hunt

Michael Jarvin

Matthew Lloyd (appointed March 2022)

Ned O’Neil

Tracy Souris

Shannon Stocks

Steve Williams

Lorraine Yates

MEMBER COMPANY POSITION

Australian Boating College

Cook Family Enterprises Pty Ltd

Logix Enterprises Pty Ltd

Hunts Marine Pty Ltd

Advanced Marina Management Pty Ltd

Book My Boat

Rose Bay Marina

Sydney Boathouse

Shannon Outboard Service

Chair

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Standen Marine Councillor

White Bay 6 Marine Park

Councillor

GOVERNANCE AND PEOPLE

QUEENSLAND STATE COUNCIL CHAIR’S REPORT

The sustained growth of the marine industry in Queensland kept the BIA team extremely busy, assisting a wide diversity of business types and their requirements for access to the many BIA programs and services.

The future success of the marine industry remained a top priority for the BIA, with the importance of introducing new young people to careers opportunities, via the Marine Jobs platform, extended in 2022 in preparation for the launch of the Boating Industry Academy. A partnership with the Australian Industry Trade College, the Academy was established to provide students with a fantastic opportunity to experience and start their careers in our diverse, exciting, and rewarding industry.

Alongside the workforce development needs, BIA maintained a focus on major maritime initiatives and projects underway in Queensland, including the 2032 Olympic Games, with BIA closely involved to provide guidance on legacy facilities for the boating sector. We also retained representation on almost all marine industry focus groups, taskforces, government boards and programs in Queensland, with a contribution made to all on behalf of members, ensuring that changes to rules and regulations were carefully assessed as to impacts on boating and the industry, and with decisions made that will have the best possible outcomes for stakeholders.

Andrew Fielding

Chair, BIA Queensland State Council

QUEENSLAND STATE COUNCIL 2022

COUNCILLOR

Andrew Fielding

Ben Anderson

Brett Bolton

Andrew Cowley (appointed April 2022)

Johan Hasser

Nicholas Kitchen

Sharon McNally (resigned Sept 2022)

Nathan Nichols (resigned April 2022)

Derrick Nowak (appointed April 2022)

Mike Orsmond

MEMBER COMPANY POSITION

Anchorline Yacht Brokers

Chair

Mackay Marina / Peter Hansen Yacht Brokers Mackay Councillor

Coriolis Marine Councillor

Merlin Marine Councillor

Mulpha Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Pty Ltd Councillor

Seatech Marine Services Councillor

Cumberland Charter Yachts Councillor

Cruise Craft Boats Pty Ltd Councillor

Maritimo Offshore Councillor

Rib Force Inflatables Councillor

Peter Ruhle (resigned April 2022) Boating & RV Councillor

Fabien Vignes All Marine Spares Councillor

Sonya Wilmen Coverforce Councillor

GOVERNANCE AND PEOPLE

SOUTH AUSTRALIA STATE COUNCIL CHAIR’S REPORT

2022 started well for all sectors in SA, albeit with some supply issues still for retailers. Eased COVID restrictions meant in-person meetings and member engagement was fully returned, including in to regional areas to see the many SA members outside the metro area.

Following several years of advocacy work, training programs for shipwrights were finally recommenced, delivering a much-needed boost to apprentice numbers in manufacturing members. Connections were made with the new State Government ministers and departments, with BIA enjoying some of the best access to decision makers in some time.

However, record rain events interstate led to flows into the Murray River continuing to increase until it became unsafe for recreational and commercial activities. The houseboat hire sector ceased operation in spring, with all summer bookings either cancelled or postponed as business was closed down.

Continuing rains culminated in the second biggest flood ever recorded in SA, with over 4000 properties and many businesses inundated. Our renewed relationships with many government agencies helped deliver much needed support to the River Murray area and BIA member businesses: the value of being a member of a strong and resourceful industry association such as BIA was clearly exemplified.

Miriam Griffen Chair, BIA South Australia State Council

SOUTH AUSTRALIA STATE COUNCIL 2022

COUNCILLOR

MEMBER COMPANY

Miriam Griffen Griffens Marina

POSITION

Chair

David Binks Binks Marine Councillor

Allen Buckley

Riverdance Houseboat Councillor

Tim Cook Club Marine Limited

Rob Cuming

Councillor

Christies Beach Marine Councillor

Jason Day Dockyard Councillor

Jason Deckers

Trish Flaherty

Andrew Hayes

Richard Hopkins

Steve Ottaway (resigned Nov 2022)

Seatrail SA

NM Insurance Pty Ltd

Hallett Australia

EJ Milde & Co Pty Ltd

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Marineex Australia Councillor

OUR MEMBERS

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE END 2022

Membership numbers as at end December 2022 were 647, consisting of a make-up of 626 full financial members and 21 life members.

The annual membership renewal for 2022 saw a good retention rate despite the ongoing disruptions to business during 2022, with around 5 per cent of memberships not continuing. During 2022 46 new members joined the Association, with 4 returning membership making up the final membership for end 2022.

MEMBERSHIP BY STATE

The state-by-state breakdown of members shows 323 located in NSW, 205 in Queensland, 79 in SA, 2 in NT and 17 reporting a head office based in another state.

YEAR IN REVIEW

For the BIA, the year was about rebuilding and refocusing on support for our membership which was more than 600 strong. The key priorities for the year were:

• Grow Participation in Boating

• Deliver Government Advocacy

• Deliver Industry-Focused Programs, Products and Services

• Promote Education, Skills and Jobs

GROW PARTICIPATION IN BOATING

BIA delivered the Discover Boating advertising campaign which ran for three months ending 30 January. It was designed to reach an audience of 70 per cent new entry boaters, 20 per cent lapsed and 10 per cent existing. This campaign reached more than 29 million television viewers, 11 million digital views, more than 82,000 people engaged in the website and 32,000 people through digital newsletters. In what was a recovery year from COVID-19, the only BIA event staged was the 2022 Sydney International Boat Show which attracted more than 45,000 attendees, 190 exhibitors, 173 boats on the water and 418 boats in the halls.

YEAR IN REVIEW

DELIVER GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY

BIA represented its membership on 12 International committees, 34 State or National committees on topics ranging from Decarbonisation to Coxswain 3.

On the national stage, BIA represented industry on the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group, advocated to the Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee and engaged with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The latter included fulfilling a role as member of the AMSA National Safety Committee.

BIA also continued its key role in a number of significant Standards Australia committees which range from small craft standards to safety equipment.

At a State level there was activity across most jurisdictions in Australia with a focus on issues including access, infrastructure and safety. Under the topic of infrastructure a significant focus was on working with NSW Crown Lands to finalise and launch the Crown Lands Commercial Marina Lease Policy Reform, and to support Transport for NSW in a new streamlined approach to leasing. In Queensland BIA worked to encourage Transport and Main Roads/ Maritime Safety Queensland to formalise a review of commercial marina rent policy which a view to achieving outcomes such as sustainable rents, security of tenure and incentives for private investment.

DELIVER INDUSTRY-FOCUSED PROGRAMS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

With Shane Wilson appointed as Manager Member Programs there was a major effort to look for opportunities to enhance Marine Card and to boost its reach across the industry. By year’s end, this marine industry workplace health and safety had more than 4000 active card holders along with a network of 43 Access Management System-enabled marine sites. The latter being the online venue portal that supports businesses by validating all those working on their site have completed the appropriate inductions and hold appropriate accreditations including insurance.

BIA is committed to continual improvement and growth of Marine Card and the Access Management System and this was reinforced during the year with a major investment to rebuild the software platform and a complete refresh and reboot of supporting marketing and promotional resources, backed up with development of a new, improved website layout.

Supporting the key sector of boat sales, both new and second-hand, BIA published a suite of new and updated standard form agreements for: the sale of new boats; consignment sale and brokerage; warranty and liability disclaimers concerning fit-for-purpose. Drafted with industry focus group and legal support, these documents expand the portfolio of documentation available to BIA Members to ensure they are using contemporary legal documentation to support business transactions.

PROMOTE EDUCATION, SKILLS AND JOBS

BIA maintained a key role throughout the year in the marketing of the Marine Jobs online jobs board. This product was launched in 2021 and continued to grow through the combined efforts of its founding partners Marina Industries Association, Superyacht Australia and the BIA. By year end, the site had recorded more than 165,000 job views, 600 job posts and 50,000 website visits.

Considerable efforts continued across the member States and Territory to support career pathways into the marine industry. As part of this, there was a focus on liaison with key stakeholders ranging from High Schools to training provides such as TAFE. During the year BIA developed a collaboration with an independent training provider in the Australian Industry Trade College based on the Gold Coast. By year’s end, BIA was in advanced discussions with the College to set up and deliver the first ever Boating Industry Academy to support young people in choosing trade apprenticeships.

The Boating Industry Academy is part of BIA strategy to develop a pipeline of well-prepared young people who are mentored and supported in choosing a trade for a school-based apprenticeship. The evidence suggests that this structure has the potential to improve vast gains in retention and completion of much valued apprentice to support the long-term benefits of the industry.

To highlight the demand for and value of trade apprenticeships, the BIA again ran its Apprentice of the Year program which attracted a field of worthy candidates. Eventual overall winner, and Qld Apprentice of the Year, was Stefanie Mannering (Cruise Craft Boats), closely followed by Joel Hercus (Callaghans Marine Services) the NSW Apprentice of the Year.

FINANCIAL REPORT AND SUMMARY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

The audited Financial Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 identifies a loss from operational activities of ($675,342) and a capital profit on the sale of the Hume St, Crows Nest, Sydney building of $3,259,180. A Net Profit result, of $2,583,838 before any tax adjustments for prior year losses. The comparative loss in 2021 was ($488,900).

The net present value of ‘available-for-sale financial assets’ (equity investments managed by BT through St George Bank) continues to increase in capital value on previous years’ for the BIA, now valued at $2,417,952 and provided investment income of $132,270 in 2022. The Hume Street funds were invested with the Commonwealth Bank, at 4.5%. Average Members funds are $7,296,803 as at December 2021, up on previous years of $5,211,906, reflecting the profit for 2022. The BIA has faced a significant drop in revenues due to the full suite of boat shows still not possible due to COVID-19 implications and is making strategic financial decisions to maximise revenue opportunities, and minimise costs, ensuring a sound financial position for 2023.

Our overall Sales income for 2022 was $5,732,867 as against $1,684,579 in 2021. Our Show contribution towards income was $4,480,324, the Sydney International Boat Show was the only BIA show held during the year and traded as a break even for the BIA in 2022. Membership and other general business income streams showed increases on 2022, with Commissions and Marine Card showing best increases on previous years. Total outflow of funds for the year, including overheads, was $6,408,209.

Additional to our Trading loss, was our Profit on Hume Street. The Building sold for $5,600,000, with costs of $2,340,820, resulting in a Capital Profit of $3,259,180. The Balance Sheet has an appropriate CGT tax accrual for this profit on sale.

In 2022, the BIA has retained key personnel, remains in a strong strategic and financial position to support its key priorities which are to: grow participation in boating; deliver government advocacy, deliver industry-focused programs, products and services; and promote education, skills and jobs.

The BIA however, continued to invest funds in promoting, developing and growing the industry for our future well-being, and continued working with our Federal, State and Local Government partners for improved outcomes for the boating industry and boating participation. Through 2022, 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.

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 is presented in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Act 2001. BIA are required to report related party transactions between Directors and the businesses they are related to. This disclosure is reported as note number 14 in Notes to the Financial Report (page 22). These transactions with Director related companies were appropriate and 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. BIA Directors offer their time and support to improve and develop the industry, and no remuneration was received.

The financial decisions that the BIA made during 2022 were again, not easy. They were decisions to ensure our longevity, for 2023 and beyond. Our mission is to support members to build thriving marine businesses and we are delivering to that end with support from our dedicated Staff, support from our State Councils and direction from our Board.

INCOME EXPENDITURE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Boating Industry Association

Boating Industry Association Ltd

ABN 61 000 618 468

PO Box 1204 Crows Nest NSW 1585 Australia

Offices – New South Wales | South Australia | Queensland

Phone 1300 726 287 | Int’l Phone +61 2 9438 2077

Email info@bia.org.au

bia.org.au