2023 Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2023

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

It is very pleasing to have the opportunity to write a report that reflects 12 months of change and hard work resulting in a positive outcome for our members and the marine industry as a whole. The BIA team, led by CEO Andrew Scott has adapted to the significant changes of the past few years and are well and truly on a path that delivers great outcomes for recreational boating.

2023 was a year of promoting, collaborating and advocating for our industry. With the support of our members the Sydney International Boat Show was a great success, with 233 exhibitors, 644 boats and 47,000 people taking the opportunity to experience the latest and greatest vessels and marine products. In a first for SIBS, the Discover Sailing and Paddling Hub was held on the International Convention Centre forecourt, proving to be very popular not only for the visitors to the boat show but for those that were spending time wandering around the Darling Harbour precinct. It was also tremendous to see some 300 young people attending the BIA Careers Event on the opening day, a great opportunity to hear about the marine industry and the jobs that are available. Following this year’s event, BIA commissioned the first economic and social impact study of SIBS. The findings revealed the event had an AUD$345M impact on the economy and created 980 jobs, proving that the event holds significant benefits for the economy, not just in Sydney but also statewide and nationally.

BIA’s Discover Boating Campaign continues to see considerable increases in traffic across all utilised media platforms. The summer theme ‘See You Out There’ proved to be very popular and thanks must go out to our supporting partners, Century Batteries and Quintrex. The campaigns focused on showcasing the diverse range of boating activities available across various budget levels. In a very competitive leisure market where consumers are choosing between travelling or creating experiences close to home, the BIA team are working constantly to shine a spotlight on benefits of going boating.

One of the greatest issues facing the marine sector is the growing skills shortage and the lack of available people to fill existing job vacancies in almost all areas of our industry. In recognition of this problem, the BIA is working with schools, training providers and employers to promote marine careers. Partnerships with TAFE QLD, TAFE NSW, Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) and Australian Institute of Engineering have been developed to see greater learning opportunities for people seeking a trade in courses such as Marine Craft Construction and Marine Mechanical. BIA attends multiple careers events in our member states, highlighting the diverse range of job options and the best way to start on a chosen career path. Our collaboration with the AITC has been very successful, with 32 students now enrolled in the Boating Academy Gold Coast Campus and a second campus in Brisbane (Redlands) accepting students for a July 2024 commencement. The work undertaken by the BIA is to help not only our existing members but to secure the future of our industry well into the future.

The BIA continues to strengthen our relationship with government and represents industry on almost 50 committees across local, state, national and international levels. The unrivalled level of experience within our association sees the BIA invited to participate in all matters that impact the marine industry. From safety, standards, skills and training, end of life vessels, marine infrastructure and investment, right through to policy and legislative changes. As an association we are very fortunate to have people with decades of knowledge, invaluable contacts, and the ability to speak across a number of topics. All interactions are viewed as an opportunity to see the future success of the marine industry and recreational boating in Australia.

As always, the BIA staff are supported by the Board of Directors and State Councillors. Finding the time to volunteer for the association and for your industry colleagues is greatly appreciated. I sincerely thank each of the existing and past members that have generously given not only their time but their knowledge. It has been my pleasure to sit alongside the current Board Members, each of whom have contributed greatly to the positive outcome for 2023.

Lastly, the success of the past 12 months would not have been possible with out the daily efforts of the BIA management team and staff. For a relatively small team you have delivered a great result for our 650 members and the greater marine industry in Australia. Well done to you all.

Adam Smith President, Boating Industry Association Ltd

GOVERNANCE AND PEOPLE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andrew Fielding was returned as Chair of the Board and BIA President at the BIA Ltd AGM in May 2023, with Adam Smith standing as vice-President, and Richard Hopkins elected as Treasurer. Simon Cook retired from the Board at the AGM after many years of service; Michael Jarvin resigned from the Board later in the year following a similar length of service to the Association. Andrew Fielding then resigned from the Board in October, following a change in direction at his family business, with Adam Smith stepping up as President and Nic Kitchen as Vice-President when the Board convened in November.

While allowing for these changes, the Board for 2023 was constituted of up to 11 directors, with three each from NSW, Queensland and SA, plus two Board-appointed directors making up the complement. The BIA Board met on five occasions during the year, two via Zoom and three in-person meetings.

The 2023 AGM was held online, with members participating in an online ballot, directed by the AGM Notice of Meeting agenda, in the week preceding the meeting date. With the retirement of Simon Cook, there was one change to state council nominated directors, and one to Board-appointed directors. The AGM endorsed a nomination from the Board to confer Life Membership on Darren Vaux.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023

DIRECTOR

Andrew Fielding (resigned October 2023)

Adam Smith (appointed President October 2023)

Simon Cook (resigned May 2023)

MEMBER COMPANY

Anchorline Yacht Brokers

POSITIONSTATE

PresidentQLD

Australian Boating College SydneyPresidentNSW

Cook Family Enterprises Pty Ltd

Miriam Griffen Griffens Marina

Andrew Hayes

Richard Hopkins

Hallett Australia Pty Ltd

EJ Milde & Co Pty Ltd

Jon Hunt Hunts Marine Pty Ltd

Michael Jarvin (resigned August 2023)

Director NSW

Director SA

Director SA

Director SA

Director NSW

Advanced Marina Management Pty LtdDirector NSW

Nicholas Kitchen (appointed Vice President November 2023)Seatech Marine Services

Nathan Nichols Cruise Craft Boats Pty Ltd

Darren Vaux

Director QLD

Director QLD

Empire Marina Bobbin Head Pty LtdDirector Board appointed

BOATING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION LTD STAFF 2023

Andrew Scott CEO

Andrew Fielding (appointed November 2023) Business Development Manager

Nik Parker General Manager, Member Services

Neil Patchett General Manager, Government & Public Relations

Kim Fox Marketing & Communications Manager

Shane Wilson Member Programs Manager

George Bolton Manager Business Support (SA & NT)

Michael Date (resigned April 2023) Manager Business Support (Qld)

David James (position made redundant August 2023)

Miguel Andujar (position made redundant August 2023)

Membership Officer NSW

Membership Officer Qld

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 up to 11 Councillors, with a number of new member-elected representatives being returned at the relevant State Council AGMs in April. Each State Council met three times during the year, in a mix of online and in-person meetings.

NEW SOUTH WALES STATE COUNCIL CHAIR’S REPORT

The team in NSW and across the country worked tirelessly for the benefit of our members, with one of the standout elements in late 2022 being the appointment of Andrew Scott as CEO. Throughout 2023 he has proven his worth in leading the BIA, with a range of new and refocussed programs delivered, including, of course, the very successful Sydney International Boat Show 2023. The event was once again the primary showcase for the boating lifestyle and proved to be a destination event, drawing a very strong attendance from across the globe as well as across the country.

During the year, a new NSW office was established in the Superyacht Marina at Rozelle, right in the heart of the industry precinct, and alongside our principal government agency, Transport for NSW Maritime. This brings the operations of the BIA in NSW to a very prominent position inside a busy boating hub, and enables BIA to further develop our excellent relationships with regulators and legislators in NSW.

BIA has delivered ongoing advocacy work to the State, with BIA pressing for the NSW Government to maintain and exceed current programs to support delivery of safe, convenient and accessible infrastructure. This included the need to maintain and build upon efforts to deliver new and improved boat ramps and pontoons across the State; to ensure affordable mooring options; to support storage solutions such as dry stacks; and deliver a funded dredging strategy for NSW to ensure our coastal communities experience the social and economic benefits arising from being destinations linked by the ‘blue highway’. BIA has objected to the proposed closure of Sydney’s Ermington Boat Ramp for three years. BIA questions Government priorities if they are to allow a construction company to completely take over the ramp and parking areas as a base of operations by the waterfront whilst locking out the boating public. BIA played a pivotal role in working with the NSW Government to have the Maritime Advisory Council reignited to bring that allimportant high-level engagement with the Minister. Additionally, the association continued to support a positive direction for commercial marinas through direct engagement with government at various levels and its ongoing policy work. Our work in the marine careers space also continues, with a program of careers days and alignment with TAFE paramount.

Adam Smith

Chair, BIA New South Wales State Council

NEW SOUTH WALES STATE COUNCIL 2023

COUNCILLOR

Adam Smith

Simon Cook (resigned March 2023)

Brian Gatt

Jon Hunt

Michael Jarvin

Matthew Lloyd

Shannon O'Brien (appointed March 2023)

MEMBER COMPANY

POSITION

Australian Boating College Sydney Chair

Cook Family Enterprises Pty Ltd

Logix Enterprises Pty Ltd

Hunts Marine Pty Ltd

Advanced Marina Management Pty Ltd

Book My Boat

Sydney Harbour Kayaks

Ned O’Neil Rose Bay Marina

Tracy Souris Sydney Boathouse

Shannon Stocks

Neil Webster (appointed March 2023)

Steve Williams (resigned March 2023)

Lorraine Yates

Shannon Outboard Service

Sirocco Marine

Standen Marine

White Bay 6 Marine Park

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

GOVERNANCE AND PEOPLE

QUEENSLAND STATE COUNCIL CHAIR’S REPORT

The marine industry in Queensland continued to see significant increases in the participation and consumer spending in 2023. As the population continues to grow and the state’s popularity for visiting vessels (interstate and international) increases, businesses are benefiting across all areas. This is no more evident than in the Gold Coast Marine Precinct with very few office vacancies, yards and marinas full of vessels, and the majority of businesses advertising for staff. The demand for skilled workers and apprentices has seen the continued success of the Boating Industry Academy with 32 young people now enrolled and starting their journey toward a successful career thanks to the BIA and Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) collaboration.

As marine industry leaders and business owners look to how to introduce more people to boating and to retain existing participants, it has been great to witness the rise in popularity of share boating and hire and drive. The inaugural winner of the BIA Sustainability Award, Go Boat, continues to grow with multiple new locations in Queensland and interstate. Using locally built boats and electric propulsion, this low impact activity is getting rave reviews and sees thousands of new boaties venturing out onto the waterways. Likewise, the introduction of Freedom Boat Club is now offering multiple Gold Coast and Brisbane locations and is proving very popular for their existing and new members.

Following the release of ICOMIA’s Propelling Our Future Report (decarbonisation of boating), BIA Queensland members and stakeholders had the opportunity to attend Sustainability and Decarbonisation Briefings in November at the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Mackay and in Cairns. Supported by Queensland’s Department of State Development, these forums were well attended, and the results of the report were very interesting. This is a significant topic that has the potential to have far reaching implications. A sensible and well thought through plan for the recreational marine industry is a must as it’s contribution to global emission is minuscule. BIA will continue to keep industry informed and work with our members into the future on this matter.

Education, skills and training continues to be a significant focus for the BIA and the official opening of TAFE Coomera Marine Centre of Excellence has been shining a light on the need for more marine trade course offering and the opportunity for students to be able to undertake remote learning. In late 2023, BIA and TAFE Queensland agreed to work together to deliver opportunities across the state for people interested in undertaking a marine trade qualification. In our efforts to also assist our regional members, a similar agreement has been entered into with the Australian Institute of Engineering (AIE), who are currently providing training for marine craft construction in Mackay for Blacker Marine. Along with careers days, marine precinct tours and meetings with school and college careers advisors, the BIA team are promoting jobs in the marine industry almost every day of the year.

Finally, a big thank you to the BIA management team and the staff. The success of the BIA over the past 12 months has been due to your hard work and ability to deliver with limited resources and tight timeframes. Also to the BIA Directors and State Council Members, who’s industry knowledge and business experience assist greatly in guiding the BIA in the right direction and in achieving positive outcomes for the marine industry as a whole.

Nic Kitchen Chair, BIA Queensland State Council

QUEENSLAND STATE COUNCIL 2023

COUNCILLOR

Andrew Fielding (resigned October 2023)

MEMBER COMPANY

POSITION

Anchorline Yacht Brokers Chair

Nicholas Kitchen (appointed Chair November 2023)Seatech Marine Services Chair

Ben Anderson

Brett Bolton

Andrew Cowley (resigned May 2023)

Johan Hasser

Derrick Nowak

Mackay Marina / Peter Hansen Yacht Brokers MackayCouncillor

Coriolis Marine

Merlin Marine

Mulpha Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Pty Ltd

Maritimo Offshore

Mike Orsmond Rib Force Inflatables

Fabien Vignes All Marine Spares

Steve Williams (appointed April 2023)

Standen Marine

Sonya Wilmen Coverforce

Fabien Vignes All Marine Spares

Sonya Wilmen Coverforce

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

GOVERNANCE AND PEOPLE

SOUTH AUSTRALIA STATE COUNCIL CHAIR’S REPORT

2023 started with SA still feeling the effects of major flooding along the course of the River Murray, with houseboat industry operations closed and many other river-based activities similarly highly impacted, such was water-sports at some of the state’s most popular boating destinations.

Toward the end of the first quarter, the recovery and rebuild from the floods commenced, but was a slow and arduous process, with BIA working very closely with many agencies to assist our members along the Murray. BIA was included in many high-level briefings and discussions to advise the various government departments first-hand throughout this event.

A highlight was having a major houseboat holiday voucher-based program delivered by the South Australian Tourism Commission in Round 2 of their “Rise Up for Our River” campaign, which resulted in over 700 bookings for participants, the majority being BIA houseboat division members. This exposure and incentive significantly helped businesses to start again.

The benefits of being a member of BIA are amplified during these difficult times and the support and liaison was paramount in helping our members navigate a very difficult situation.

In other areas, training the future workforce for our industry has been a continuing focus in SA, as everywhere, with several members working with the Australian Institute of Engineering to deliver apprentice shipwright training. We have also kept a careful eye on infrastructure development via the SABFAC committee, on which BIA is represented, and particular interest in improvements to boat ramps along the metro coastline, plus supporting the creation of public moorings for use by boaters exploring our waterways.

The BIA supports safe, responsible and enjoyable boating for all, and we welcomed the community consultation process for the development of a Recreational Boating Safety Strategy for SA. This is a five-year plan focussed on guiding and improving safety for coastal and inland waters, and is part of the Government’s commitment to “Water Safety in South Australia: State Water Safety Plan 2021-2030.”

Miriam Griffen

Chair, BIA South Australia State Council

SOUTH AUSTRALIA STATE COUNCIL 2023

COUNCILLOR

Miriam Griffen

David Binks

Allen Buckley

Tim Cook

MEMBER COMPANY

Griffens Marina

Binks Marine

Riverdance Houseboat

Club Marine Limited

Rob Cuming Christies Beach Marine

Jason Day Dockyard

Jason Deckers Seatrail SA

Trish Flaherty

NM Insurance Pty Ltd

Andrew Hayes Hallett Australia

Micheal Hawkings Rubber Ducky Doctor

Richard Hopkins EJ Milde & Co Pty Ltd

POSITION

Chair

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

OUR MEMBERS

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE END 2023

Membership numbers as at end December 2023 were 678, consisting of a make-up of 633 full financial members, 22 life members, 10 trade members and 13 industry supporter members.

The annual membership renewal for 2023 saw a good retention rate, with around 5 per cent of memberships not continuing. During 2023, there was good interest from new members to be part of the Association, with 60 new members joining and 3 returning memberships, making up the final membership for end 2023.

MEMBERSHIP BY STATE

The state-by-state breakdown of full financial members shows 333 located in NSW, 207 in Queensland, 78 in SA, and 27 reporting a head office based in another state.

YEAR IN REVIEW

BIA made strides in its efforts to sharpen its focus on its strategic key priorities which are:

• Grow Participation in Boating

• Deliver Government Advocacy

• Deliver Industry-Focused Programs, Products and Services

• Promote Education, Skills and Jobs

GROW PARTICIPATION IN BOATING

BIA continued to put an emphasis on its work to promote participation in boating and in doing so, not only delivers on a key priority for its members but connects with and represents the broad boating public.

The team delivered the Discover Boating advertising campaign which ran for three months. The campaign generated positive metrics including:

• 7.6 million impressions on TV across 1850 spots

• 5 million digital impressions

• 3 million online video views (500k views up on last year)

• 15,350 went to the website after viewing the video (5882 more than last year)

• 1 million viewers watched 100 per cent of the video online

Events are an integral part of this strategic priority, and the Sydney International Boat Show delivered a $345M impact on the economy and created 980 jobs. The event attracted almost 47,000 people and not only delivered a significant economic result but also proved a success in social benefit. 71 per cent of respondents agreeing that the Show helps to promote and educate a healthy lifestyle through boating. 75 per cent strongly agreed or agreed that the Show helps to promote participation in boating to people of all ages, genders, abilities, and budgets.

YEAR IN REVIEW

DELIVER GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY

BIA continued to represent industry on 12 International committees, 13 National committees and 19 State committees and forums.

The overall approach to advocacy is to promote awareness of the economic and social benefits delivered by boating across Australia. The boating economy generates significant benefits with the industry’s national turnover of $9.64 billion, directly employed more than 25,000 people with more than 7000 contractors. Seventy-five per cent are in small family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.

In Australia, more than 85 per cent of the population live within 50km of the coast, so it is little wonder that almost 1 in 5 households can have a boat or watercraft and that approximately 5 million go boating each year. People of all ages, gender and ability participate in boating across paddle, sail and power for leisure and sport.

BIA continued to put a priority on supporting marine careers, new and improved infrastructure, improved policy in areas such as boating regulations, commercial marina leasing, access to the waterways for all forms of boating.

BIA also worked with ICOMIA to promote awareness amongst regulators and key stakeholders to a project titled Propelling Our Future, which is based upon an international decarbonisation and life cycle analysis study into the recreational boating sector.

BIA holds key roles on the ICOMIA Sustainability Committee and helped draft ICOMIA’s Climate Change Policy paper.

ICOMIA commissioned the decarbonisation study to provide the recreational boating sector with focus on the global challenge presented by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Whilst the recreational boating sector contributes 0.1 per cent of global emissions when compared with 20 per cent by the transport sector, the BIA understands the need to ensure policy makers make informed decisions related to recreational boating.

BIA also welcomed the opportunity to work with the Queensland Government to host a series of industry briefings in November-December on the Propelling Our Future report into fuel and propulsion systems.

In summary, the 500+ page ICOMIA report concludes there is ‘no one size fits all’ when it comes to decarbonisation of propulsion systems. The biggest reduction in GHG emissions is possible by putting sustainable drop in fuels into the existing fleet around the world.

DELIVER INDUSTRY-FOCUSED PROGRAMS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Marine Card continues to provide a valuable tool for industry where employees, contractors, and workers, along with DIY boat owners, use the card as evidence that they have participated in the Marine Card induction. Marinas, boatyards and other marine worksites accept the card, often as a condition of entry to the site. By year’s end, this marine industry workplace health and safety program had almost 5000 active card holders along with a network of 48 businesses running the Access Management System. 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.

In support of members’ diverse interests, BIA delivered a range of divisional meetings during the year, including marinas, brokers, houseboats and women in boating, providing a forum for sharing learnings and meeting with key industry stakeholders. Work to explain and advise on implementation of regulations concerning commercial vessel crewing was of keen interest, along with use of standard documentation for boat sales, hire and berthing.

Technical standards used by the industry were also in focus, with a review of marina, safety equipment and boat electrical systems standards ongoing to ensure new technologies are properly addressed, particularly lithium batteries and electric propulsion. New work to improve testing requirements for stability of boats over 6 metre length, in response to issues raised in a coronial inquiry, was commenced, along with design of a new boat brokers accreditation program.

PROMOTE EDUCATION, SKILLS AND JOBS

BIA continued to prioritise efforts in support of marine career pathways to support the industry.

In collaboration with the Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) BIA continued to support the Boating Industry Academy on the Gold Coast. The Academy is a BIA project by industry, for industry. It provides an industry-driven program for high school students wishing to pursue a career in the boating and marine industries, whilst completing Senior School. Students spend five weeks a term in school (at the AITC Robina campus) and up to 28 weeks a year at the Coomera Marine Precinct, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. This unique academy, delivering a pipeline of young people keen to enter the marine workforce, is supported by a consortium of marine employers.

BIA and AITC finished the year by working together on the expected expansion of the Boating Industry Academy concept to a second campus to be located at Redlands in Brisbane.

BIA was also successful in working with the Federal Government to have boatbuilding and shipwrights reinstated to the Australian Apprentice Priority List which enables industry to access additional funding support for such trade apprentices.

BIA efforts in marine career development and support, which includes work with industry partners to deliver the Marine Jobs online recruitment platform, was recognised as a joint recipient of the People and Skills Development Award at 2023 Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, jointly organised by IBI and METSTRADE.

FINANCIAL REPORT AND SUMMARY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The audited Financial Report for the year ended 31 December 2023 identifies a surplus from operational activities of $172,012, a positive turnaround from operational activities, compared with previous years. The comparative loss in 2022 was ($675,342).

The net present value of ‘available-for-sale financial assets’ (equity investments managed by BT through St George Bank) continued to increase in capital value on previous years for the BIA, now valued at $2,583,305 and provided investment income of $137,500 in 2023. The Hume Street funds of $5,350,000 are invested with the Commonwealth Bank, at circa 4.6%. Average Members funds are $7,634,169 as at December 2023, up on previous years of $7,296,803, reflecting the profit for 2023. The BIA continued to make the necessary financial decisions to maximise revenue opportunities and minimise costs, ensuring a sound financial position for 2024.

Our overall Sales income for 2023 was $6,686,964 as against $5,732,868 in 2022. Our Show contribution towards income was $5,071,918, the Sydney International Boat Show traded well in 2023, providing a solid gross margin. Membership were consistent in 2023 as against 2022, other general business income streams showed increases against 2022, and our interest income returned a revenue piece of $222,711 from funds invested. Total outflow of funds for the year, including overheads, was $6,514,954.

We have created a provision for tax on the 2023 surplus. The overall tax liability held in the balance sheet is reflective of this surplus result and the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) as accrued from the profit on sale of Hume Street. We intend for these taxes to be paid out of cashflow during 2024.

In 2023, the BIA retained key personnel and remains in a strong strategic, and financial 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.

Full Financial Reports of the BIA Ltd are available at www.bia.org.au and a link has been emailed to all members. The Financial Report was prepared and presented in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporation 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 19). These transactions with Director-related companies were on an arm’s length basis and 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. Our Directors’ offer their time and support to improve and develop the industry, and they receive no remuneration for this contribution.

The financial decisions the BIA made during 2023 were again, not easy. They were decisions to ensure our longevity, for 2024 and beyond. Our strategic mission and goals, on behalf of our members and the boating community, will continue to be achieved through support from our dedicated Staff, direction from our Board and our membership. Consultants

$55,752 0.9% Subscriptions - $35,906

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Boating Industry Association Ltd

ABN 61 000 618 468

PO Box 1204 Crows Nest NSW 1585 Australia

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