Logbook - December 2013

NEWSLETTER

December 2013

LOGBOOK

The official newsletter of the Boating Industry Association of NSW & SA

Murray River Holiday Page 14

Storm clouds gather over VET Page 36

Print Post Approved PP2411613/00057&8 ACN 000 618 468

LogBook NewsLetter

December 2013

The official newsletter of the Boating Industry Association of NSW Ltd PO Box 1204 CROWS NEST NSW 1585 Australia 53 Hume Street CROWS NEST NSW 2065 Australia

14

ABN: 61 000 618 468

Telephone: (02) 9438 2077 Facsimile: (02) 9439 3983 Email: info@bia.org.au Boating Industry Association of SA Inc. PO Box 10262 Adelaide Business Centre SA 5000 300 Morphett Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 ABN: 62 826 936 075

Telephone: (08) 8212 6000 Facsimile: (08) 8410 0688 Email: info@boatingsa.com.au

www.bia.org.au www.boatingsa.com.au MyBoatingLife.com.au

www.sydneyboatshow.com.au www.boatforlife.com.au www.50pointcheck.com.au www.shipwrights.com.au www.boatshows.com.au www.fishboatvote.com.au NSW General Manager Roy Privett Marketing & Events Manager Domenic Genua Financial Controller Simon Hazelbrook Manager BIa divisions Alan Barrett Event operations Manager Belinda Close Secretary Linda English Member Support & development Aaron McKenna Education & Training Co-ordinator Corrina McMillan Marketing & Events Co-ordinator Sarah Donnelley Marketing & Events Support Megan Robson Sa General Manager Glen Jones administration & Finance Manager Joy How Logbook gratefully acknowledges all that have contributed to this edition. In particular: Roy Privett Editorial Bob Wonders Media Service (07) 5562 2867 Glen Jones Editorial Trevor Gill The Lighthouse Public Relations 0418 821 948 Robin Copeland SPINS 0414 266 768

Board of Directors NSW

Please send editorial contributions to President Alan Blake Domenic Genua at genua@bia.org.au Vice-President Simon Cook For advertising Treasurer rates contact theTurner BIA (02) 9438 2077 Lyndon Immediate Past President Darren Vaux Board: Bill Breakspear, Paul Burgess, Matt Hundleby, Jon Hunt, Michael Jarvin, Ken Bullen, Alan Steber, Shannon Stocks, Terry Wise

Industry Call to Action – Australian Boater Survey

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Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island

8

Farewell Rosehill, welcome aboard Homebush

10

Ron d’Albora – A true legend of the waterfront

12

Float away on a Murray River holiday

14

John Darley – SA’s powerful political boating ally

19

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21

Sailors with disABILITIES new fundraising campaign

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Fraud is a risk you shouldn’t leave to chance

22

Controlling your terms of trade

23

Warranties and Guarantees

25

WHS – Working in Confined & Enclosed Spaces

26

Education, Training & Development

32

Storm Clouds gather over VET

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Board of Directors SA President Andrew Hayes Vice-President Rob Cuming Hon.Treasurer Peter Tucker Board: David Binks, George Bolton, Craig Evans, Peter Heinrich, John Milham, Brenton Schahinger, Mark Flanagan, Neville Wilkinson

Please send editorial contributions to Domenic Genua at genua@bia.org.au For advertising rates contact the BIA (02) 9438 2077 © Copyright 2013 BIA of NSW. The opinions, advice and information contained herein have not been sought by any member or any other person but are offered as an information service and should not be relied upon as a substitute for detailed advice or as a basis for formulating business decisions. BIA intends by this statement to exclude any liability for any such opinions, advice or information within this publication.

A

s we reach the end of another year and indeed 12 months has passed with our new platform of collaboration between BIANSW and BIASA launching an initiative for a bilateral merger of two Boating Industry Associations.

With professional consulting/advisory services involved the two associations are now in a position to move ahead. In 2014 member briefings and approval of this process will be undertaken. The final decision will rest with the members of both Associations.

It is also important this merger process has been monitored and considered by other State BIAs and the BIAA and is being developed as a model for cooperation, efficiencies and unified outcomes to lock in the advantages of a single entity representative for the boating industry association.

The marketplace remains extremely difficult with patchy trading conditions and fluctuating levels of consumer confidence. Although there has been a degree of contraction within the industry all the basics are in place, members are remaining positive that the industry will continue to deliver the boating lifestyle and enjoyment to all Australians.

Sydney International Boat Show 2013 was certainly challenging. While attendances were down excellent qualified customers were certainly present to bring a smile to exhibitors.

The 2014 edition of the show as everyone knows by now will be operated from two locations, namely Cockle Bay Marina Darling Harbour and Sydney Exhibition Centre @Glebe Island.

Yes, there will be challenges however we are committed to delivering a first class event for our members and the boating public. In this edition of Logbook you will find an Update on the Glebe Island facility and we will publish special editions

of Enews to Exhibitors as our programmes, promotions and logistic requirements are developed.

While on Boat Shows there is an announcement in Logbook “Farewell to Rosehill, Welcome Aboard Homebush”. Yes, our traditional Western Sydney Boat Show is again on the move to further develop the show for our members and offer the boating public a much improved venue at Sydney’s Olympic Park at the cross roads of the metropolitan area. It gives us a great opportunity to expand the size of the show and variety of exhibits. Free public entry will continue to apply in 2014 at this BIA subsidised boating event.

Government Relations are always high on our agenda and 2013 has seen intense activity. There has certainly been vastly improved cooperation at a NSW State Government level with new initiatives and programmes being delivered. Transport for NSW Maritime Policy Agenda on Boating Safety, Boat Storage and Safe Waterways Access Strategy and Reducing Red Tape has vigorously been pursued with officers of Roads and Maritime. Sydney Harbour marina leases, rental and focus of a boating destinations plan are under way with a review of moorings and boat storage strategies to follow. (… cont. over page)

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BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 3

The review of the NSW Planning System and new legislative requirements will present challenges to the development of water access and infrastructure. As a new Federal Government settles in, initial contacts have been made in the important ministerial portfolios touching our industry with a review of Marine Parks high on the agenda. Also high on the Agenda has been AMSAs development of the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety. Logbook contains details on their new newsletter “Working Boats” to keep industry up to date and provide useful advice.

During 2013 BIA in collaboration with the Marine Teachers Association successfully rolled out marine hubs along the coast for student on water training programmes. A State Government Grant of $192k was expended on developing four training hubs. Further details in this Logbook. We are also pleased to announce that BIA has been working with Roads and Maritime to deliver Watsons Bay Pilot Station as a Boating Safety Centre of Excellence. The NSW Government 2013-14 Water Safety Black Spots Fund has announced a grant to BIA of $145k towards the equipment set up of this new education centre.

In this edition don’t miss articles and reports on SA activities. We also focus on business advice issues including controlling your Terms of Trade, Minding Your Own Business – Fraud Risks, feature article on Work, Health and Safety – Guidance for the Boating Industry- working in confined and enclosed spaces, Warranties and Guarantees and much more.

Two great articles you should not miss. Firstly, as a part of our history series a profile on Ron d’Albora – A true Waterfront Legend. The start of the Marina Owner’s Association which today is a division of BIA. A gathering of boatshed operators leading to a united marina industry to foster professional standards and represent the industry.

The second must read article by Alan Barrett focuses on Vocational Education and Training (VET) highlighting major changes and challenges for the future training of apprentices and tradesmen/technicians. The challenge for the boating industry is to work vigorously on the objective to “establish a mechanism to attract and engage marine mechanical

BIA NSW Office Christmas Closedown

and shipwright/boatbuilding apprentices, support their apprenticeship completion, work to ensure the provision of sustainable, accessible, high quality training delivery services for the marine trade”.

To our members thank you for your continuing support of the association. BIANSW and SA Directors and Staff are always available to discuss with you any matters or assistance you may require. Your comments on our communications and other services are always welcome.

As we approach the festive season our NSW and SA Directors and Staff extend to all our members and readers of Logbook a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. We trust you will find quality time with family and friends during this busy period and of course grab every opportunity to enjoy some boating and importantly a successful trading period for all our members. h Roy Privett, General Manager BIANSW.

Sarah Donnelley joins BIA The Boating Industry Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Donnelley as the new Marketing & Events Coordinator. Sarah has been working in the events industr y for over five years and brings with her extensive event management and planning experience.

Sarah is a welcome addition to the team, with 2014 proving to be both exciting and challenging at the same time. The events team will be embarking on new projects including the relocation of both NSW shows to new locations.

Domenic Genua said, “We welcome Sarah into the team and look forward to having her play a major role in helping the association grow over the coming years. Sarah brings with her great skills, attitude and enthusiasm. I have no doubt Sarah will do a great job for the industry.”

go easy

on the drink The BIA of NSW will close from Wednesday 25 December and re-open on Monday 6 January.

For urgent matters during this time please contact: Domenic Genua on 0412 642 357 Simon Hazelbrook on 0412 605 071 Roy Privett on 0414 382 077

4 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Don’t go overboard with alcohol The blood alcohol limit on the water is the same as on the roads – 0.05%. Be careful as the wind, waves and the sun multiply the effects of alcohol. www.bia.org.au p. 02 9438 2077 For employment in the marine industry log onto the BIA website and click on “Employment & Training” For boating weather go to www.bom.gov.au/marine Be part of the boating community

BIASA General Manager’s Report

T

he BIASA Board considered a wide range of issues at its 9 October meeting at Marine House in Adelaide.

As a matter of priority, agreement was reached on management plans for the 2014 Adelaide Boat Show.

The Board also addressed a number of “work in progress” issues that are expected to deliver valuable dividends to the recreational boating industry.

BIASA recognises the need to provide adequate time between the Melbourne Boat Show and the Adelaide Boat Show to maximise exhibitor participation and public attendance.

It summarised the pr esentation to the Select Committee by stating that parks should enhance the existing marine environment while recognising and protecting the comforts, lifestyles and freedoms that people rightfully expect in this lucky country.

Consequently, the BIASA Board is seeking to defer the 2014 Adelaide Boat Show by one week to have the event presented at the Adelaide Showground, Wayville from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 June 2014. Similar timeslots are also being sought for 2015 and 2016.

BIASA also referred the Select Committee to policy statements of the new Federal Government and the State Liberal Opposition where there is clear intent to “stop the nonsense”, regroup and rethink the whole exercise.

The Board is confident of prompt agreements on these dates.

Select Committee members were pleased to receive copies of the industry’s I fish, and I boat, and I vote stickers.

Marine Parks, Coastal South Australia – The Last Chance

BIANSW/BIASA Merger

2014 Adelaide Boat Show

As reported in the September 2013 edition of Logbook, public consultation on the SA Government’s proposed introduction of marine parks in South Australia was finalised at the end of October 2012.

However, BIASA has continued negotiations on this issue with a number of Ministers and other Parliamentarians of all persuasions, and with State Departments and agencies.

In June this year, the BIASA Board successfully sought agreement from Parliament to make direct representations to the Legislative Council’s Select Committee to reinforce issues of concern relating to the marine parks.

Thirty three Local Government areas, embracing communities in nearly 100 towns and regional centres, will be adversely affected by the introduction of the 19 proposed parks.

Discussions are continuing between BIASA and BIANSW regarding a merger and a draft constitution is almost ready for review. Roy Privett’s BIANSW Report provides more detail on this matter.

Other items of interest to the BIASA Board and BIA members are to be found elsewhere in this edition of Logbook. h

Glen Jones,

General Manager, BIASA

BIA SA Office Christmas Closedown

On Thursday 10 October, representatives of BIASA appeared before the Select Committee as expert witnesses.

The thrust of the BIASA presentation included the following sentiments: • BIASA and its national and global affiliates have always been committed to protecting the environment; • The BIASA “electorate” contains 100,000 licensed boat operators and owners of 60,000 craft; • BIASA is supportive of the marine parks concept and its principles, but it questions “the science behind the scenes” and the positioning of the parks and their sanctuary zones; • BIASA is concerned that the proposed locations and sizes of the sanctuary zones will compromise the social and economic well-being of many regional communities. In particular, BIASA has expressed concern about the impact on Port Wakefield, where the community would effectively be stripped of all its local waters, Port Augusta, Kingscote and Kangaroo Island in general, Ceduna and communities to its south and west through to and including Coffin Bay; and • BIASA is disappointed with the intention to ban beach fishing in some areas.

BIASA emphasised that a threat-based analysis should be applied throughout all parts of the SA Marine Parks initiative.

The BIASA will close on Monday 16 December 2013 and reopen on Monday 13 January (a rostered staff arrangement will be in place on most business days for the period).

For urgent matters please leave a message on the office answering system (which is managed remotely) — 08 8212 6000 — or contact Glen Jones on 0412 820 064 or via email glen@boatingsa.com.au

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 5

BIAA General Manager’s Report

Forging new partnerships

A

s 2013 draws to a close, it is worth reflecting on progress over the last 12 months to develop closer ties between the many organisations supporting the boating sector, particularly the increased cooperation between the industry associations that directly represent the Australian boating industry. It is vital that all involved work together to raise the profile of the sector and 2014 is expected to see continued excellent progress in forging new partnerships.

The most significant event for industry cooperation in 2013 was of course Marine13, the first international conference in Australia to bring together all segments of the boating industry, covering boating businesses, marinas and boating safety.

As a conference with the objectives of providing information, education and inspiration under the tagline of boating for the future, Marine13 certainly delivered the goods, with over 450 delegates and exhibitors coming together in Sydney with the overwhelming majority providing excellent positive feedback. Marine13 was a partnership of the three segments involved, with BIAA and MIA coming together to organise and host the event, and then joined by Transport for NSW as Principal Partner.

Additional partnerships on a federal level were also forged with AMSA and the ARBSC covering all aspects of the boating safety and education spectrum. The partnership lives on in an excellent cooperative fashion and program details of the next conference and trade exhibition, Marine15, to be held in May 2015 on the Gold Coast, will be announced early in 2014.

The next significant event for industry was arguably the Federal election. The new government is already demonstrating a desire to work with and support small business and before the end of the year BIAA will be renewing past relationships with key parliamentarians including Industry Minister Ian McFarlane and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Bob Baldwin, both long term supporters of the boating industry and instrumental in mapping out the Marine Industry Action Agenda when in similar roles during the Howard Government.

In setting out industry’s policies and actions for strengthening the support of the Federal Government, BIAA struck a partnership with the Australian Recreational Fishing Federation in the run up to the election, under the banner of ‘I fish, I boat and I vote’.

As a profile-raising exercise on behalf of the five millionplus Australians who boat and fish every year, the campaign was highly successful with one of the key messages related to the need to revisit the management of marine national parks being taken up by the incoming government with a commitment to suspend the management plans and review the science underpinning decision making. BIAA will continue the partnership with ARFF to represent the wider boating and fishing community and to ensure the policies put forward are

6 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

implemented over the course of the parliament.

Earlier in the year, steps were taken to develop a strong partnership to represent the Australian boating industry in the global market place with BIAA coming together with AIMEX and MIA to confirm Australia’s membership of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations. As the peak global body for the boating sector, ICOMIA is a key player in the development of initiatives and policies to support and promote the boating lifestyle around the world, with ICOMIA representing the industry at a number of important forum including ISO, IMO and within the European Union government system.

The Australian industry of course has a strong domestic focus, but we also have a considerable export sector, we are influential in opening up and developing new markets and boating infrastructure, particularly in Asia and the Gulf States. The need also to keep up to speed with regulatory developments in other countries which may reach our shores is an imperative for having a strong, multi-sector representation at ICOMIA. In recognition of this partnership of the three associations and his expertise in brokering relationships, ICOMIA elected Simon Cook, CEO of IC Frith, the leading industry insurance specialist and strong supporter of the boating industry, to the ICOMIA Executive Committee at the 2013 Congress in London.

Simon’s new role certainly provides the Australian industry with a key advocate at the highest levels of industry representation.

More locally, efforts to strengthen the cooperation among the state BIAs has taken on a renewed vigour in second half of 2013, with a focus on sharing knowledge, expertise and capability Simon Cook. to ensure the combined resources available to support the industry are utilised to the best effect across the country. A key example of this is the progress toward the merger of BIANSW and BIASA, a

model for cooperation that is now being closely followed by the BIAs in other states.

It is clear that a strong partnership across all states is the way forward for the future and more on this will be covered in Logbook by Roy Privett and Glen Jones.

In addition to developing these relationships, BIAA has continued to work on many issues already on the table and some new ones which are coming forward to challenge the future success of the industry. A key example here is the status of formal training and education provision for the boating industry which is rapidly becoming a major concern in many states as courses are wound up and funding is reduced or even switched off.

The recent Marine Manufacturers Forum in Sydney devoted half a day to examining the solutions to this growing problem, including the need to strengthen existing and forge new partnerships between industry and the plethora of stakeholders in the education and training world. As a national issue of utmost importance, BIAA sees securing the skilled workforce we need to drive the industry in the future as a top priority for the year ahead and worthy of continued efforts to focus on working cooperatively across the sector. I hope members agree and continue to lend their support to strengthening our partnerships across the industry, across the country and around the world. h Nik Parker, GM BIAA

Industry Call to Action – Australian Boater Survey

T

he recreational boating business sector needs data to boost the industry profile with governments, attract investment in our industry and promote the benefits of the boating lifestyle to all Australians.

We promote the boating industry as a significant part of the Australian economy, employing more than 27,000 people, with a total turnover in the order of $8bn annually.

We promote this as being on a par with other sectors such as the caravan park sector and even the water supply and coal mining sectors, as confirmed in several major studies including the EMDA report Economic Value of the Australian Recreational Boat Industry. However, we also know this EMDA report is based on 2005/06 data.

We need to update the data on current and more recent industry performance to identify the impact of shifting economic and market conditions and to be able to quantify the sort of assistance and guidance the sector needs to attract new investment, both private sector and via government support.

But we also need to look to the future with an assessment of opportunities to expand existing businesses and to develop new business ideas based on the demands and desires of the Australian boater today into the future.

We need to know more about their attitude toward boating, discretionary spending and how they plan to use their leisure time. In short, we need to better understand our customers.

The recent industry policy paper “I boat and I vote�, which featured as a key part of the highly successful campaign to raise the profile of the boating and fishing sector during the Federal election, calls for government support in a number of areas, including commitment to deliver an ongoing data collection and analysis programme for the sector, to ensure we are always up to date and able to respond to issues with a valid assessment of the impact on boating.

A starting point for this is the Australian Boater Survey.

Launched at Marine13 by the Boating Industries Alliance Australia (BIAA) and Marina Industries Association (MIA) this research project has the potential to provide the most thorough, comprehensive and insightful analysis of the Australian recreational boating sector.

At the launch BIAA Chairman Darren Vaux indicated the Australian recreational boating industry was most fortunate in having the survey underpinned with the world class technical expertise of the Michigan State University based Recreational Marine Research Centre (RMRC) who are recognized globally for their recreational marine research.

The primary objectives of the monthly online diary survey are to quantify the economic scale of recreational boating and to better understand the characteristics, habits and behaviours of recreational boaters.

Types of information which will be obtained from the survey will include: number of boats, boat characteristics, boating days, trips and locations; spending, special issues and boat owner characteristics. In summary the data from this project is exactly what the industry needs at a time of increasing competitive pressure.

To ensure the Australian Boater Survey achieves its potential we have an immediate need to increase boat owner on-line registration to participate in the survey.

Without increased registration in the survey by years end RCMC will not have a sufficient sample size to proceed with the survey.

There is an opportunity for all industry businesses, clubs and associations to promote participation in the survey to recreational boat owners that they are in communication with.

Marketing collateral is available from the BIA for use in a range of outlets, such as dealerships, marinas or club premises and all members and industry stakeholders are encouraged to get involved.

Participation in the survey is a two-step process.

Boat owners log onto the registration site www. australiaboatingsurvey.com and register to participate in the monthly online survey.

Once registered, they will be emailed and surveyed monthly over the 12 month period. The data analysis will be undertaken by RCMC in the early part of 2015 with the resulting report to be launched at Marine15 in May 2015. h Any businesses wanting more information on promoting the survey should contact the NSW BIA.

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 7

Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island

T

he transformation of Glebe Island into Sydney’s newest exhibition centre was very evident recently when four cranes were in place that were required to manoeuvre the 150-tonne roof and frame into place for the largest of the exhibition halls.

That hall covers about one third of the 25,000 square metre site with the rest of the structure to be built over the next six weeks to allow testing and commissioning before Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island opens for its first event in February.

In an operation that took eight hours, mobile crane cables were attached to the hall’s roof and column structure which had been preassembled on the exhibition hall ground slab.

Four 240-tonne cranes then lifted the complete structure allowing it to unfold into shape.

Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said that there was so much work happening on the site that it was changing almost daily.

“The exhibition halls can be assembled quickly because of their unique design. They are not constructed like a typical building from the ground up but instead are assembled in situ and then lifted into place with the supporting legs pivoting into position below,” Mr Stoner said.

The balance of the roof will be completed in coming weeks.

The slab is 25,000sqm in area – 1,000 trucks of concrete have been poured, spanning more than five football fields.

More than six kilometres of footings are in place and when completed, the venue will be supported by 85,000 blocks.

Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island will be the interim facility for exhibitions from 2014–16 during the construction of the new international exhibition centre at Darling Harbour.

The Sydney International Boat Show will host its dry exhibits at Glebe Island during 2014 to 2016 whilst the redevelopment of Darling Harbour takes place. On-water displays will remain in Cockle Bay with a ferry and bus service moving guests between the two locations.

The BIA is working with both Infrastructure NSW and AEG Ogden to ensure that the industries needs are met. Weekly meetings with these organisations are continuing whilst the

8 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island Hall 3 roof and frame lift.

terms of occupancy and details about the characteristics of the site evolve.

In early February, BIA representatives were invited to the site for a tour of the facility under construction. During the visit, the BIA was able to better understand the venues detailed features and provide feedback. Venue General Manager Malu Barrios was joined by Account Manager Adrian Slingsby in giving the team a tour and answering the BIA’s questions.

Roy Privett, the BIAs General Manager said, “It is amazing how much work has been done in 3 months. It is obvious that there is still lots to do, but now that I have seen what I have, I am confident that this interim facility will serve our industry well.”

The BIAs post show exhibitor survey has allowed the industry to assist with some preliminary industry information and thoughts to assist the association with its planning. As promised the BIA will continue to consult the industry and keep them informed as relevant information comes to hand.

It is intended that the shows Invitation to Exhibit will be published as per the usual yearly schedule.

Further information about the site can be found at www. sydneyexhibitioncentre.com.au or call Domenic Genua or Roy Privett on (02) 9438 2077. h

Boating Industry Association

Advertise in

Logbook

Logbook: Published four times per year with a print run of over 1,000 copies, Logbook is distributed to BIA members, associates, industry stakeholders and selected friends of the BIA.

Cost:

Simon Hazelbrook and Belinda Close review the buildings fixtures.

Members Non-members

Full Page

$650.00

$1,300.00

Half Page

$450.00

$900.00

Quarter Page

$300.00

$600.00

Inserts also available Members $300.00 Non-members $600.00

Information: All prices are for finished artwork supplied by the advertiser and exclude GST. Advertising is subject to space availability and the BIA reserves the right to reject advertising.

For publication dates and specifications, please email info@bia.org.au Simon Hazelbrook, Belinda Close, Alan Blake and Roy Privett.

To book advertising, contact the BIA on 02 9438 2077

Use the BIA logo Boating Industry Association

w w w. b i a .o r g .a u

Let your customers know that you are a member of the BIA and comply with the BIA’s Code of Practice

BIA Logbook HPV.indd 1

3/11/10 2:53:20 PM

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 9

Farewell Rosehill, welcome aboard Homebush

by Bob Wonders

I

t may seem an unlikely move, to turn one’s back on a boat show that over the years has proven itself arguably the most productive regional exhibition in the nation, but the Boating Industry Association of NSW, to its credit, is constantly looking at ways and means to improve opportunities for members and consumers.

Consequently, 2014 will see the exhibition formerly known as the Rosehill Trailer Boat Show move into the modern facility at Sydney’s Olympic Park, in Homebush.

Simply put, BIA General Manager, Roy Privett, said the move to Homebush will allow the association to “further develop the show for our members.”

“We will have more space and a far superior facility to provide us with an opportunity for additional expansion.

“The end result can only be a good one for our industry,” he added.

Mr Privett said the decision to initiate the move had stemmed from the association “listening to its members.”

“We felt it was time to take this show to its next step,” he declared.

“The new venue will allow us to improve the experience for show visitors as this facility has truly come of age in recent years and has become a thriving precinct with public transport available right to the front door,” he added.

BIA Marketing and Event Manager, Domenic Genua, revealed show dates for next year have been set at March 15 and 16.

A complete exhibitor and information kit is currently being prepared and will be sent to all members on completion.

“I am really looking forward to Homebush, it offers so much more than was the case at Rosehill,” he explained.

“At Rosehill we had 12,300 square metres of exhibition space, at Homebush we will have 14,400 square metres and that’s all internal.

“There is some exterior space we could use, but at this stage we are thinking of that purely in the sense of décor rather than exhibitions,” he added.

Many regular Rosehill exhibitors have already given the move a “thumbs up.”

10 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Alan Blake (Blakes Marine) said he felt the move was “a winner”, for both show visitors and the industry.

“Homebush is a larger facility, all under cover and far superior public transport is available,” he explained.

“Ten years ago, moving to Rosehill from Silverwater Park was an outstanding decision, now I see this move to Homebush as the next evolution of the show and everyone will benefit,” he said.

Jon Hunt (Hunts Marine) described Homebush as “a welcome change”.

“I am certainly keen as a dealer to give it a go,” he declared.

“Rosehill has been good, but the last few years it has become tougher and tougher to do business, so we look forward to the new venue.

“From an organisational point of view, Homebush also gives the BIA the chance to grow the show and who knows, perhaps even partner with related industries.

“Bring it on.”

At this stage, the Homebush show does not have an actual name.

According to Mr Genua, several propositions are being considered.

“Who knows, we may dispense with the words ‘trailer boat’, because at Homebush the doors would allow much larger boats to be brought in for display,” he explained.

“If we called it the ‘Sydney Boat Show’, would that cause too much confusion with the Sydney International Boat Show?

“The name of the show remains under discussion and if any members have some productive thoughts on this, we’d be delighted to hear from you,” he added. h

Third New Boat Smart Hub Opened!

The Central Coast Boat gets ready to hit the water.

W

e’ve previously reported in Logbook about the fantastic Boat Smart Program run by the Marine Teachers’ Association and the four brand new hubs being launched throughout NSW. So far Ballina and Port Macquarie have opened their doors to the program, and on 30 October, it was Central Coast’s time to join the party.

The Boat Smart Hub now up and running in Gosford will provide the teaching of on-water safety activities to schools in the surrounding area, including assisting students in gaining their boat licence.

It was started in Menai High School in 2009, and its successful model has now been replicated in the three new hubs – with one more to come on line before the end of the year.

The expansion of the Boat Smart Program, and the supply of equipment and support for resources, was made possible through funding received from NSW Government through its Water Safety Black Spots Fund (WSBSF), which provides funding for water safety initiatives that focus on high risk groups, activities and geographical locations.

The core school for the Central Coast Hub will be Narara Valley High School, with Marine Teacher Brendan Medley coordinating other schools in the surrounding area, making sure that all Marine Studies students have the opportunity to get out on the water.

The grey skies did little to dampen the spirits of those in attendance at Gosford Sailing Club – the base camp for the hub.

The Sailing Club has shown great support in providing a safe area for the kids to learn and practice their skills, plus the use of an indoor classroom for the theory sessions.

Howard Glenn (GM, Maritime Management Centre, Department of Transport) – a familiar and welcome face at our Boat Smart launches – came along to the official opening of the hub, along with Graeme Dunlavie (Manager Operations Hawkesbury River/Broken Bay), Darryl Lennox (Boating Safety Officer), Brendan Medley and Dave Rathbone (Marine Teachers), Greg McNeill (President, Marine Teachers’ Association), Roy Privett and Corrina McMillan (BIA), Peter Walsh (Sailing & Marina Manager, Gosford Sailing Club), and Stephen Couling (Consultant, Watsons Bay Project).

Also on hand for the official handover of keys of the fantastic training vessel was Troy Durham from Insinc Marine, suppliers of the 4.5m runabout.

Insinc Marine will be looking after the boat for the hub and making sure it stays in tip-top condition.

Howard Glenn, Roy Privett, Brendan Medley (Marine Teacher), Troy Durham (Insinc Marine).

With one more Hub to be opened before the end of the year, the Boat Smart Project to expand Boating Safety Education into NSW schools has been a great success.

Our thanks go to everyone who has worked hard with the BIA on this huge achievement, including the Marine Teachers’ Association and all suppliers of vessels and safety gear, and to the continued support of NSW Roads & Maritime Services.

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EXISTING BOATING BUSINESS BOATBITS.com.au is to be sold Expressions of interest sought Les and Phyllis Sparks have been members of the BIA going back to 1984 membership number 76, they were pioneers in Marine E-commerce from late 90s whilst proprietors of KILLCARE MARINA which they owned and operated successfully for 25 years.

The time has come to hang up their shackles having just purchased a new caravan and 4WD and retire to their unit in Nelson Bay.

This is a great opportunity for an existing business to greatly increase sales income and exposure with little to no increase in overhead.

The domain name alone has great value let alone a wellestablished business which has a very good repeat client base.

Boatbits enjoys a very good following from their mail out which numbers quite a few thousand boating enthusiasts both in Australia and the Pacific.

They both regret the thought of selling something which they have built but realise it is now or never for their travel experiences.

Les can be contacted by email for any enquiries at value@ boatbits.com.au Interested parties should contact Boatbits accountant.

Kelly and Partners

Scott Elwin Scott@kellypartners.com.au

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 11

Ron d’Albora

A true legend of the Sydney waterfront

by Bob Wonders

H

ow much do you think it cost to establish the Marina Owners’ Association, forerunner to today’s Marina Association of NSW?

Well, I have discovered that vital fact; it cost nine pounds, 10 shillings, or, for those who don’t recall pounds, shillings and pence, that equates $19.00!

As I’m sure all would have guessed there’s quite a story behind that.

It dates back nearly 50-years, in fact, to 1966, shortly after Ron d’Albora had spent $100,000 buying a Rushcutters Bay boatshed from Charlie Busch.

That boatshed, of course, next door to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, would eventually become the d’Albora Marina facility, probably to this day remaining the “prime spot” for the city’s prominent boat owners.

We’ll let Ron take up the story.

“I found nine pounds 10 shillings in a box in what was Charlie Busch’s office, so I grabbed it and headed round to my mate (the late) Keith Whitehead, who had a bar in his boatshed,” Ron recalled.

“We then grabbed a few other boatshed owners, among them ‘Bunny’ Rabbits, Steve Davis, Hal Venables and Keith Theil and formed the Marina Owners Association.

“It made a huge difference; no longer were we a few boatsheds working independently around Sydney Harbour, we then had a united marina industry working on a very professional front, it made a huge difference,” Ron explained.

Perhaps there’s an even better way to describe what an impact Ron d’Albora has had on the boating industry.

As prominent author Rob Mundle, OAM (who was a huge help in providing me with some additional background), a longterm colleague of Ron put it, “Ron d’Albora was responsible for erasing the word boatshed from Australian waterfront dialect and replaced it with marina.”

A chat with Ron, as I have been fortunate enough to enjoy recently, is a stroll through boating industry history.

Ron turns 92 in March and is still as “sharp as a tack”, does not need glasses, still puts in at least a day a week “on the job” at Mariner’s Cove Marina, on the Gold Coast where he has lived for several years.

This ‘old man of the sea’ can be found every morning seated at what has become known as ‘the Dome of Wisdom’, outside a bakery on Tedder Avenue, Main Beach.

He arrives there every morning and catches up with a variety of prominent Gold Coasters, people such as the previously mentioned Rob Mundle, real estate heavyweight Max Christmas and, until his untimely loss last year, the late Keith Williams.

Ron is now a great, great grandfather, father to Jeffrey

and Dianne, grandfather to their offspring and great, great grandfather to boot.

“I must be getting old,” he joked, one of my grandkids is a grandfather”.

It probably does not need pointing out, but Ron’s son Jeff, now 67, has become as well-known in the marina industry as his father and is a former Chairman of the Marina Industries Association.

Ron d’Albora was born in Sydney in 1922, but spent his early years in Melbourne.

He blames his passion for boating on his Italian uncle who operated a commercial fishing boat on Port Phillip Bay. Ron enjoyed the fishing expeditions, but in an admission which may surprise many, he suffered from seasickness.

“When I was about 15, I bought an old 16ft clinker rowing skiff, re-built it told my uncle we’ll go fishing, but you go in your boat and I’ll go in mine, that way If I get seasick I can head in,” Ron told me.

Ron enjoyed living in Melbourne and it could be said he participated in a number of roles, from hotel ‘useful’ to boat builder to engineering manufacturer.

It was the beginning of World War Two that led to Ron developing his interest in engineering; he began work in a boilermaker and sheet metal business in North Melbourne and such was his skill that when he attempted to join the Royal Australian Air Force his knowledge was such that he was knocked back; it was due to his intricate ability to handle the intricate welding skills required for aerial bombs and torpedoes led to authorities ensuring he was to stay at his post for the duration of the war.

12 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

With the war over, the Ron d’Albora ‘empire’ began when Ron established his own engineering business.

marinas on Pittwater and The Spit and launched the city’s first cruising restaurant, the John Cadman.

He specialised in what he termed “large projects” for the expanding motor vehicle industry.

In 1980, Ron needed another challenge; he left the Sydney marina operations in the capable hands of Jeff and moved to the Gold Coast, where he jumped at the chance to buy the Mariner’s Cove Marina.

“I was 24 at the time and things were looking good for me; we built the largest dust extraction unit in the world at that time for General Motors Holden at Fishermen’s Bend,” he said.

Remembering his days on Port Phillip Bay, boating was never completely out of Ron’s daily thoughts.

It was the mid 1950s, he recalls; “I ordered a 16ft (4.87m) ski boat from a local company building plywood speedboats, but they were so slow in building it that I finished up buying the company and running it myself.”

“We were going pretty well until the 1961 credit squeeze hit and that led to me taking nearly two and a half years to sell one month’s production.”

It was to be Ron d’Albora’s one and only attempt at being a boat builder.

Boat owners enjoying the convenience of berthing their boats at modern marina facilities can give thanks to a trip to the USA Ron undertook somewhere around 1960.

He remembers the trip well.

“I went over to see what was happening in the boating industry and during that trip I saw my first big marina development on Lake Mead, Nevada, the largest reservoir in the United States,” Ron explained.

That presented him with an opportunity to enter the restaurant business when he took over what would become a Gold Coast legend, Grumpy’s.

BR (Before Ron) it was small restaurant seating just 91 diners; under Ron d’Albora Grumpy’s went on to employ 136 staff in the two restaurants and the bar and in the high season serve 1200 main courses daily.

Grumpy’s lasted 16-years under Ron and when it closed I, along with thousands of others, was heartbroken!

I think every boat broker (and every journalist?) within coo-ee of the Gold Coast could be found lunching at Grumpy’s.

Such was the success Ron d’Albora enjoyed operating Grumpy’s that he has been recognised as a ‘founding father’ of the Queensland restaurant business and has been inducted as a Lifetime Achiever by Restaurant and Catering Australia.

I dare say plenty of people would be delighted to have enjoyed a successful career; Ron has enjoyed several!

Engineer, boat builder, boatshed owner, marina developer, charter boat operator, restaurateur and, of course hotel ‘useful’ have all experienced the ‘d’Albora Touch’.

“When I returned home, I told my son, Jeff, we’re out of boat building, never again, we’re going to build marinas, that’s where the money is.

Ron has not only had a successful life to date, he’s also made sure it has been an enjoyable one.

“We’ll look after boats, sell boats, clean boats, fuel boats, but never build another boat.

One of his weaknesses has been cars and he’s owned some of the most desirable, among them a Chevrolet Corvette, a 300 SL Mercedes, glamorous Pontiacs, Camaros and Firebirds.

“There’s no money to be made building boats.”

Ron had obviously charted his course!

Not even the eventual development and introduction of fibreglass could change his way of thinking.

“I still recall the first boat I ever saw made from fibreglass, it looked like a bath tub,” he said.

“I was quite certain fibreglass would never make it as a boat building material.

He admits to a lust for life and good times.

His favourite?

“Oh, that would be the Chevrolet Corvette,” he declared Does he have a secret to his success?

“I don’t think it can be termed a secret, but my attitude to life is never give up,” he said bluntly.

The ‘R’ word, retirement, is not in Ron’s vocabulary.

“So there you go, I could not have been more off track if I tried,” he declared.

“To put it bluntly, working is part of the life I love”, he declares.

Shortly after, Ron decided Sydney weather was more conducive to marina operations than Melbourne and he moved to the harbour city and made the purchase that set him and his family on the road to marina dominance.

“Working keeps the brain active and I believe everyone should enjoy their work, because it’s the one way to ensure you wake up each morning ready and raring to go.

It was not an easy task, initially, for after buying the Rushcutters Bay boat shed Ron was engaged in a 13-year “war” with Woollahra Council and a score of local residents.

“I was christened the rapist of Darling Point,” Ron said, “all the local residents were convinced their home values would plummet with a marina built in their street.”

It would cost Ron more than $1 million in legal fees over 10-years to win the war.

“To get up and not go to work is a waste, you should enjoy what you do for without that you’re not only wasting other people’s time, you’re wasting your own!”

Ron’s sense of humour and all-round good health has not come by accident.

“Exercise is necessary,” he says. “For the past 50-years I’ve enjoyed body surfing summer and winter and I make sure of a healthy diet; I eat five pieces of fruit daily and six or seven vegetables every other day.

“I reckon that is why I still don’t need glasses,” he laughed.

It still was anything but easy.

Ron wanted to build a floating marina, but the technology and engineering techniques to keep a floating marina in place just were not available at that time.

So, with his 92nd birthday on the horizon, does Ron have any specific plans?

It was 1979 before a floating marina was finally installed and the complex we know today became a reality.

“I do,” he said, “I intend to keep turning up to the bakery every morning, I intend to maintain my presence at Mariner’s Cove and I intend to keep having a good time.”

Never one to sit on his hands, Ron now turned his attention elsewhere and within a short period of time snapped up

Just can’t imagine Ron d’Albora allowing it to take place any other way. h

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 13

Float away on a Murray River holiday

T

he mighty Murray River is the world’s fourth largest river system flowing more than 3,000 km from rocky, tumbling headwaters in the Snowy Mountains to its wide and sandy mouth at Goolwa.

In South Australia, it meanders for 636km past towering, ochre coloured cliffs, stately red river gums, golden citrus orchards and dark green vineyards.

One of the best ways to soak in the majesty of the river is from the deck of a luxury houseboat. The scenery changes at every bend with birds of an amazing variety flocking in from as far away as the Gulf of Carpentaria to breed.

The river’s moods constantly change from the silence of an early morning mist to the spectacular fireworks of a bush sunset.

If it is time for an affordable and relaxing holiday, grab your family or a group of friends and book a houseboat to enjoy a true river experience. Just imagine lounging on the sun deck as you cruise along the river passing through small, historic towns and scattered rural communities.

Berth at one of the friendly riverside towns and have lunch at a welcoming pub, or simply find a quiet section of riverbank and stoke up the barbecue. At night, river voyagers can pull up on a sandy beach and share memories of the day’s sights and activities around a campfire.

For people who prefer to be active, bushwalking provides glimpses of wonderful wildlife, or some may prefer to go fishing, kayaking or skiing.

Houseboats vary in size from two to twelve berths to suit holiday preferences and budgets. They are fully self-contained and come complete with linen, entertainment systems, modern kitchens and bathrooms – even spas in some.

Anyone over 18 with a car driver’s licence can captain a houseboat. Members of the Houseboat Hirers’ Association are licensed to provide full tuition before you set off.

There are more than 100 members of the Houseboat Hirers Association along the river in South Australia. To obtain a free copy of the Association’s Houseboat Holiday Guide, simply call 1300 665 122 or log onto www.houseboatbookings.com Following are some highlights of a houseboat holiday in South Australia.

Murray Bridge is 77km from Adelaide and is the largest town on the river in South Australia. It features a large regional shopping centre, restaurants, hotels and sporting facilities.

Walkers can enjoy the Rail and River Walk including historical sites, while those wanting to explore the town’s sights by car can take the Murray Bridge Scenic Drive to attractions including Dundee’s Wildlife Park and Monarto Zoo.

At night, river voyagers can pull up on a sandy beach and share memories of the day’s sights and activities around a campfire.

Mannum, 89km from Adelaide, is a beautiful riverfront town with excellent recreational facilities. Visitors can hire water skis, jet skis, canoes, and kneeboarding equipment.

The main street features an art gallery, antiques, craft and brick-a-brac shops, with a good variety of cafes and hotels, including the award-winning Pretoria Hotel for quality riverfront dining.

Blanchetown, 130 km from Adelaide, is an unpretentious collection of river shacks, towering cliffs, uncrowded waterways, sheltered river bends and sandy banks.

This is where the Murray River’s lock and weir water flow management system starts. The town’s old bridge provides

Lounging on the sun deck as you cruise along the river.

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 15

an excellent view of Lock 1 and the hundreds of hungry birds that feed on schools of fish near the spillway.

Morgan, 163km from Adelaide, is an historic town and popular holiday shack retreat. At the height of the paddlesteamer era, Morgan was the busiest inland port in the State and its history has been preserved with considerable flair.

Waikerie, 174km from Adelaide, was established in 1894 when the first settlers arrived by paddle steamer. Large fruit plantings are now a feature, and the town is truly the centre of the citrus and fruit industry in South Australia.

Hundreds of hectares of grape vines have also been planted to make Waikerie one of the largest wine producing centres in the Riverland.

Kingston on Murray, 207km from Adelaide, presents a sandy riverbank that is perfect for picnics with free barbecues, chairs, tables and toilets, and a nearby general store for provisions.

Local attractions include Loch Luna Cruises and the famous Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre.

Berri, 235km from Adelaide, is a name derived from the Aboriginal word ‘bery bery’ meaning “bend in the river.” It is the commercial hub of the Riverland with shopping centres, art galleries, wineries and local produce outlets. The Riverland Food and Wine Festival in October is a great attraction and there are many cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

Paringa, 256km from Adelaide, is affectionately known as “the little town with the big heart.” The Paringa Suspension

go boating these holidays

Houseboats are fully self-contained and come complete with entertainment systems, modern kitchens and bathrooms – even spas in some.

Bridge is one of only four still spanning the river.

Moor your houseboat at Bert Dix Park and take a short walk into Paringa to visit the fascinating antique shop, the legendary Paringa Bakery and the Paringa Hotel.

Renmark, 253km from Adelaide, is home of the original houseboat fleet dating back to 1961.

Houseboats can moor in front of the awardwinning Renmark Club and the historic Renmark Hotel is located on the pristine riverfront.

Upstream from Renmark are magnificent national parks and attractions such as the old Customs House, which was built early last century to serve as an excise collection point for goods crossing the Victorian and South Australian border.

It now operates as a general store. h

With high levels of boating activity expected over the school holidays be prepared.

• Ensure all the required safety gear is on board, accessible and in good condition.

• A lifejacket is perhaps the most important safety item on a boat. There must be one for each person on board, ready for use at any time.

• Check the engines, sails and rigging are all in good working order.

• Check the weather. Tell someone where you are going and expect to return.

www.bia.org.au p. 02 9438 2077 For employment in the marine industry log onto the BIA website and click on “Employment & Training” For boating weather go to www.bom.gov.au/marine Be part of the boating community

16 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

The indusTry super fund for The auTomoTive indusTry.

www.mtaasuper.com.au motor Trades association of australia superannuation fund pty Ltd (aBn 14 008 650 628, afsL 238 718) is the Trustee of mTaa superannuation fund (aBn 74 559 365 913). you should consider whether or not mTaa super is appropriate for you. The mTaa super product disclosure statement (pds) can be obtained by calling us on 1300 362 415. you should consider the pds in making a decision.

Focus on key issues in South Australia

Blackfellows Caves boat ramp.

State Taxes On 19 September, BIASA presented to the South Australian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Finance demonstrating unnecessary and negative impacts on marine businesses through the imposition of State taxes and statutory charges.

BIASA focused on burdens levied locally, some of which are layered upon Australian Government taxes and charges.

Issues addressed included: • Council rates on marina berths and dry stand allotments (see the profile on the Hon. John Darley MLC in this edition of Logbook); • land and property taxes; • stamp duties; • power, water and sewage charges; • payroll tax; • Workcover fees; • taxes on fuels for boats; • the Recreational Boating Levy Fund; • registration fees imposed on craft and motor vehicles; and • mandatory insurance arrangements.

As outlined in the article on John Darley, within days of the BIASA’s presentation, the Labor Party confirmed that it would endorse amendments to the Local Government Act to substantially reduce the impact of Council rates on wet and dry marina berths.

Look for updates on responses to other concerns raised

by BIASA.

Marine Card Project The Marine Card WHS compliance management scheme developed by BIANSW has been recognised for its excellence by industry and governments across Australia.

The BIASA Marina Division has unanimously voted to introduce the scheme across marinas in Adelaide and those located on coastal and inland waters throughout the State.

Public and private sector organisations will be involved with training and development programs scheduled to commence in early 2014.

River Murray Infrastructure Project As reported in the September 2013 edition of Logbook, this initiative aims to inject significant funding from all levels of Government into integrated infrastructure projects embracing boating, tourism, economic development, environmental care and social cohesion.

The September Federal election put the previous Government in caretaker mode and it later transpired that BIASA’s submission had not been endorsed prior to poll.

Affected regional communities reacted with understandable concern. Many people expressed the view that the former Government had followed its own narrow political purposes rather than embracing agreed budgets and regional diversification strategies.

However, each of the communities has agreed that the bid document created by BIASA with the assistance of EconSearch (and funded with support from all affected Councils) should now be presented to the new Liberal Government.

Representations are being made to selected members of Cabinet.

18 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Recreational Boating Infrastructure The SA Government’s Boating Facility Advisory Committee, of which BIASA is a long-serving member, has announced funding agreements for new or upgraded boating facilities. The projects include: • Moorook riverfront; • St Kilda boat ramp traffic management and CCTV; • O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp lighting upgrade; • Port MacDonnell boat ramp and wharf upgrade; and • Blackfellows Caves boat ramp upgrade.

The following projects have been approved by the Minister of Transport and work will start before the end of this year: • Carpenters Landing ramp upgrade; • Solomontown ramp upgrade; • a new ramp at Port Flinders; • Christmas Cove marina upgrade; and • ramp upgrades and pontoon facilities at Berri, Encounter Bay and the Bay of Shoals on Kangaroo Island.

Hijacking of the No Wash Zones Project During the recent severe drought in the Lower Murray, acts of nature severely impacted on the natural environment. Over two metres of water depth was lost in the Lower Murray and Lakes with a resulting increase in salinity levels, creation of acid soils and the collapse of river banks.

Bank collapse was of serious concern to BIASA for a myriad of reasons. For some extraordinary reason, fuelled by the “river drums” of uninformed comment, there were suggestions that recreational boating was the cause of this serious problem. As a result, there were moves within a number of State and Federal agencies to ban the use of some forms of powered craft.

In relatively short time after a series of briefings and demonstrations, this “banning” exercise was laid to rest.

BIASA was able to convince Government agencies that regular recreational boating activities were not the cause of bank collapses. Furthermore, it emphasised that with the availability of funding, BIASA with KESAB and a number of other interested public and private sector organisations could develop a no wash zones educational campaign to address the issue over a stretch of 1400 km of river bank and around the 700 square kilometres of the Lower Lakes.

Policy and consultative working parties were set up and progress to deliver on the BIASA education program was swift. Unfortunately, a small number of holiday users pushed their own agenda causing offence to the Government and the project working party. As a result, the program was derailed.

After lengthy consideration, BIASA withdrew to let the proverbial dust settle. There have been recent moves to recruit BIASA back into the process recognising challenges of the education and awareness program.

The BIASA Board has adopted a wait and see profile on this matter and there will be an update in the next edition of Logbook.

South Australian boat owners have a powerful political ally in John Darley

T

he closest John Darley has come to being a boating enthusiast is ownership of a canoe in the early 1970s.

“Oh,” he adds. “I also bought a surfboard with a sail for my kids to enjoy.”

Yet, the former Valuer-General and Independent Member of the Legislative Council, has been a major supporter of the Boating Industry Association of SA in its lengthy quest for more equitable Local Government taxes on marina berths and hard stands.

In doing so, he has helped to relieve an unjust financial burden on many hundreds of South Australian boat owners.

John’s professional knowledge of land valuation and taxation processes, and his persistence in negotiating with the Labor Government in South Australia, has paid a huge dividend.

Through his efforts in showcasing the merit of numerous BIASA submissions on the issue, legislation is about to be presented to the State Parliament that will force local Councils to apply a fairer rating system on marina berths and hard stands.

To date, South Australian boat owners who store their craft in wet or dry berthing arrangements face an extraordinarily expensive annual fee through Council rates. In effect, marina berth owners have been hit with the same level of rates that are applied to a modern home in the same Council area.

For example, a hardstand berth owner who has paid $2,000 to occupy a 9m x 3m patch of gravel without power or water is subjected to the same Council rates as a homeowner. It has meant an annual rate fee of $600 to $800 – the same that applies to a home valued at around $400,000.

The Honourable John Darley MLC, who in 2007 replaced Nick Xenophon in the State Parliament after he resigned to successfully run for the Senate, saw the injustice of this rating system that was allowed under the Local Government Act. As a former Chief Executive Officer of State Services and the Lands Department, after serving as the SA ValuerGeneral, he became a powerful advocate for a fairer land tax system taking on the role of Chairman of the Land Tax Reform Association.

In 2009, BIASA Chief Executive Officer, Glen Jones, met with John (they were both former senior executives in the Lands Department) to discuss the need for fairer taxes on marina berths and hard stands.

A Parliamentary Select Committee had been set up to review taxes and levies applied to land, water, sewerage, emergency services and natural resource management.

However, the inquiry was suspended because of the 2010 State election.

“In 2012, after further discussions with BIASA, we decided to take the bull by the horns and develop a Bill to amend the Local Government Act that allowed Councils to apply unjust rates on marina berths,” John explained.

“Effectively, Councils had decided that if a person could afford a boat in a marina, they could afford to pay elevated rates. As a matter of principle, we believe that the best indication of ability to pay is the real value of a property, in this case a marina wet or dry berth.

“What we proposed was a rating system based on actual land value rather than occupancy, reducing the cost for

John Darley and Connie Bonaros.

individual marina berth occupiers by hundreds of dollars each year.”

As an Independent member of the Parliament, John had to convince the State Government of the merits of his Bill while BIASA continued to lobby Labor and Liberal politicians, State Departments and agencies.

With the support of Labor Member for Port Adelaide, Dr Susan Close, the Government has indicated its in-principal support for the Bill.

John and Connie Bonaros, who will run on the same independent ticket in the 2014 State election, also met with the State Opposition Leader, Steven Marshall, and Shadow Minister for Local Government, Steven Griffiths, to win support of the Liberal Party. The Bill is expected to pass both Houses of Parliament by 30 November 2013.

“It will be a victory for common sense and fairness,” John explained. “And no doubt, it will be a huge relief for marina berth owners who have faced annual rates of many hundreds of dollars.”

The legislation will benefit boat owners in marinas at the Cruising Yacht Club, Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron and Holdfast Quays in metropolitan Adelaide along with others at regional sites including Port Vincent, Wirrina Cove, Kingston, Robe and in the River Murray.

John is 76 and a grandfather. Yet he is unfazed about running again next year and, if successful, sitting in Parliament until well into his eighties.

“If you want to achieve anything relating to law, this is the only place to do it,” he said. “And I will continue to advocate on behalf of BIASA and South Australian boat owners for as long as I can.” h

LIFEJACKETS

You must have an approved lifejacket for each person on board.

Check that they are in good condition and everyone knows where they are stored.

It is recommended that children wear a lifejacket whenever in a boat. Make sure it is the right size and properly fitted.

Be prepared - have a drill so people know what to do if there is an accident.

It is compulsory to wear a lifejacket when crossing a coastal bar.

ENJOY SAFE BOATING www.bia.org.au Ph: 02 9438 2077

BIA

For employment in the marine industry log onto www.bia.org.au and click on ‘Employment ... Jobs Vacant/Jobs Wanted’ ofboating NSW & SA December For weather log ontoLOGBOOK www.bom.gov.au/marine

2013 - 19

Boating Industry Association

Discover Sailing Day a “great initiative” M

ore than 2,500 people and 39 sailing clubs turned out for the 2013 Discover Sailing Day, allowing people who might otherwise never have the opportunity to enjoy life on the fabulous waterways of NSW. A joint operation between the Boating Industry Association and Yachting NSW, the gala day began as the Try Sailing Day in 1997.

No one was happier than Yachting NSW Development Manager, Andrew Cribb, who declared the event “a great initiative”.

“We have worked with the BIA on this for many years, as getting kids into boats is vital for our industry,” he said.

“Discover Sailing Day is the ideal way of commencing the process that in many instances can lead to a lifetime of involvement in boating,” he added.

Domenic Genua, Marketing and Event Manager for the BIA, said the day helped “break down the barriers”, clearly demonstrating to people that sailing is affordable and possible without owning a boat.

“Those visiting the clubs involved were able to experience sailing from a variety of craft and better understand how they can participate in the lifestyle offered, either by taking sailing lessons, joining a club or simply taking part in the social activities the club has to offer,” he said.

Mr Genua said the BIA was extremely grateful for the

News from AMSA T

he Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has a new quarterly newsletter Working Boats aimed to inform industry and seafarers about the latest news and developments in the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety.

The National System represents the biggest reform of maritime law in a century, and many in the light commercial and recreational boating sector will be closely watching as the System rolls out over the next 12 months.

“Working Boats will help keep industry and seafarers up to date with the latest developments under the new system, and provide helpful industry advice and information,” said AMSA CEO Graham Peachey.

if in doubt, dont go out

check the weather

Always check the weather before and during boating.

Weather reports are readily available.

Log onto www.bom.gov.au or call Maritime on 13 12 56 for up-to-date reports. A marine band radio helps you keep in touch with weather reports regularly, especially if changes are predicted. www.bia.org.au p. 02 9438 2077 For employment in the marine industry log onto the BIA website and click on “Employment & Training” For boating weather go to www.bom.gov.au/marine Be part of the boating community

20 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

efforts put in by the clubs and the owner/skippers and their crews who acted as tutors.

“Without them we would not have a Discover Sailing Day, it’s as simple as that,” he said.

Clubs involved were not only from the Sydney Metropolitan area, with half the participating clubs from country NSW. In conjunction with Yachting Australia, the nationalisation of the day saw clubs across Australia also participating. h The first issue kicks off with an interview with National System Compliance & Enforcement Officer, David Marsh.

He talks about his experience transitioning to life away from the water in Canberra and his enjoyment talking to domestic commercial vessel operators.

Other highlights of this quarter’s issue of Working Boats include: • What’s new with the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety?

• Transit Systems in Queensland talks about the potential business benefits the National System can bring.

• Reducing the risks of incidents & injuries involving Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCVs).

• Victoria reports on a smooth transition to the National System.

• As well as, frequently asked questions and much more…

The Working Boats newsletter is available on the AMSA website http://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels/national-system/ working-boats/index.asp To register your details with AMSA and to receive a copy of Working Boats go to: http://www.amsa.gov.au/ community/consultation/newsletter-survey/ and keep track of the National System via social media at www.facebook. com/australianmaritimesafetyauthority or on Twitter @ AMSAUpdates

Sailors with disABILITIES launch a great new fundraising campaign

Photos printed on the side of Rolex Sydney to Hobart racing yacht.

S

ailors with disABILITIES (SWD) is an Australian not-forprofit organisation committed to changing the way people with a disability see themselves. Through spending time on the water and learning sailing skills, disadvantaged and disabled children and adults start to concentrate on what they can do… and forget about what they can’t.

This new self-belief has a ripple effect out into their daily life as participants start to realise they don’t need to be contained by a disability.

SWD also change perceptions and attitudes towards the disabled. By encouraging the public to concentrate on a person’s strengths rather than their weaknesses SWD help people to see beyond the disability and connect with and embrace the golden core of a person.

A number of those who sail with SWD learn to race yachts competitively. Some even complete the notorious Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race. The sense of pride in reaching such a sporting pinnacle spreads on into participant’s day to day life as they start to believe in themselves more and more.

In the words of SWD founder David Pescud … “(through achieving what you thought was impossible) … there is a new sense of pride, a new sense of dignity in who you are and what you are. You find yourself, not your disability, you find the person you really are …”

SWD provide free sailing and training for people with a disability, disadvantaged adults and children and their carers.

SWD relies solely on donations to operate these life-changing programs.

Getting on board

Faceboat is a new and innovative fundraising campaign launched by SWD in 2013. A $25 donation allows members of the public to upload a photo of themselves, a loved one or even a pet to the interactive website www.faceboat.org.au The photos will be printed on the side of their Rolex Sydney to Hobart racing yacht. It’s a chance to be in the race without leaving the comfort of the shore.

Faceboat was launched by SWD Patron Malcolm Turnbull. “(SWD) is genuinely changing lives by offering people with disabilities opportunities which would not normally be available to them,” Turnbull said.

Home and Away celebrity Shane Withington (John Palmer) has joined faceboat.

“As a passionate sailor I have always dreamed of sailing to Hobart – this year my dream has come true – I’m onboard with faceboat!” Withington said.

If the faceboat campaign is successful it will give SWD much-needed funds to run some exciting programs next year.

SWD’s plans for 2014

Try sail days will give children and young adults with disability the opportunity to go sailing. Through a volunteer crew, SWD will provide positive role models, demonstrating that people with a disability need not to be confined by it.

“We had never heard a noise from her before,” said a carer of a girl in a wheelchair from a previous program.

“But as the ocean spray hit her face she squealed with joy and excitement, we were all astonished and so grateful for her experience.”

SWD are also planning more carers days – these are a break from the often 24/7 work of caring for a person with a disability. Four hours on Sydney Harbour can feel like a mini holiday for these amazing people.

The winds of change youth program is an 8-week course for disengaged and “at risk” youth. Students are thrown straight in at the deep end learning to sail a race boat on Sydney Harbour. This involves teamwork, dependence on each other and motivation. And of course they can then take these skills out into their daily life and start to open doors to a brighter future.

Twilight and weekend races are the training wheels of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. This is also where the SWD teach their volunteer crew new sailing skills. A shipload of patience, dedication, collaboration and celebration are all part of the process.

Northern Campaign – through winter the SWD team plan to head North to allow people from outside Sydney with disadvantaged backgrounds or disabilities the opportunity to sail on their ocean racing yacht.

Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race. Since 1995, the SWD team has been setting records, finishing in top positions as well as experiencing setbacks. It’s a major achievement just crossing the Bass Strait on a good day. Those who reach this pinnacle learn resilience, teamwork and perseverance in the cold and wet during very slow, bumpy ride!

To join the race to help SWD please visit their fundraising website faceboat.org.au jump on board.

For more information contact Donna Pilling 0414 504 608; info@sailorswithdisabilites.com; http://www. sailorswithdisabilities.com/

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 21

Minding your own business: Fraud is a risk you shouldn’t leave to chance

T

he risk of fraud is an unpleasant part of doing business, but ignoring it can put your finances and reputation in jeopardy. Australian surveys have shown that the main motivator for fraud is greed and lifestyle*.

In terms of value, theft of cash, diversion of sales and cheque tampering are the main frauds perpetrated by employees.

Historically, small businesses have been the most vulnerable to fraud because of an underinvestment in internal controls. However, there are several easy ways that you can manage and reduce the risk of fraud to your business without huge expenditure.

Cash handling Make sure there are only two people involved in handling cash and reconciling bank accounts and general ledger accounts. For example, have one staff member bank the money and another reconcile the bank account to the general ledger.

Anti-virus software, malware and online If you don’t have the latest anti-virus software installed on your computer, you may be at risk of inadvertently downloading malware (malicious software). This type of software can record confidential internet banking passwords, logins and other personal information.

Criminals can then access that information to commit fraud, so it’s critical to always have your anti-virus software

installed and up-to-date. Another way to keep online systems safe is to regularly change passwords and restrict access to a few key, trusted staff members. This is particularly important when it comes to online banking.

Communicate a zero-tolerance for fraud Your employees should be aware of their responsibilities and what constitutes unacceptable conduct. This includes what is meant by a ‘conflict of interest’ and how it should be disclosed and managed.

You should clearly spell these things out in your employment contracts and ask each employee to acknowledge that they’ve fully understood your policy by signing their contract. At the recruitment stage, you should also ensure that your employees disclose any potential conflicts of interest with suppliers or competitors.

Expense and payroll management Make sure Accounts Payable are supported by properly raised, original invoices. Be conscious of false invoicing by third parties and the risk that an employee may collude with a supplier, vendor or partner.

Inventory control Perform stocktakes regularly to identify any changes in inventory levels that could be due to theft.

Check your cheques

Access to workplace advice for Boating Industry Association members Call 13 29 59 to connect to a team of dedicated and experienced workplace professionals who can answer your questions on workplace matters such as pay and conditions, superannuation and leave.

MEM1153

MEM 1153

Invigorating business Call 13

26 96

nswbusinesschamber.com.au

22 - December 2013 BIA of NSW& SA LOGBOOK

For incoming cheques, make sure all cheques received are entered into a register to minimise the risk of theft.

For outgoing cheques, maintain a list of signatures for all staff authorised to sign cheques and update the list whenever a signatory leaves the business. It is also wise to have two signatories for outgoing cheques over a certain amount.

You should also perform a stocktake of all blank internal cheques on a regular basis and reconcile these against the chequebook. Plus, you should record the reasons why cheques are cancelled or destroyed to help prevent cheque theft.

When it comes to managing fraud, it doesn’t matter whether you’re the business owner, or the head of finance – it’s your financial security and reputation at stake. Understanding the areas where you’re most at risk and being vigilant about taking appropriate measures will help protect your business, both now and in the future.

To find out more or arrange a free Health Check call the BIA NSW on 9438 2077 today. * http://www.kpmg.com/AU/en/IssuesAndInsights/ ArticlesPublications/Fraud-Survey/Documents/fraudbribery-corruption-survey-2012v2.pdf Important information As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the advice, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances.

BIA NSW may receive a fee from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for each successful referral.

Controlling your terms of trade Four tips to help you take control of the terms you do business under

by John Pagacs, Australian Business Lawyers &

Advisors Pty Limited

What are Terms of Trade?

Terms of Trade are the terms and conditions on which your business buys goods and services from your suppliers and sells goods and services to your customers. These terms are the basis on which your business trades. Generally, if you do not take the initiative and set the terms on which your business trades, you will be stuck with the terms set by the person you are doing business with (which are unlikely to protect the interests of your business).

In some instances, such as where your business is purchasing goods or services from a large corporation, you will have little or no choice but to buy on the terms set by the seller. For example, a small business buying a mobile phone will have no choice but to agree to one of the many mobile phone plans that are available. You will be able choose which plan you want but you will not be able to change the terms of the plan you choose.

On the other hand, if you are trading with a small to medium business, you have the opportunity to negotiate and agree the terms on which you do business. However, many small businesses fail to take the opportunity to determine the terms on which they do business.

Here are four tips that may help you to take control of the terms on which you do business.

Tip One: Set the terms on which you provide commercial credit

Whenever you offer to sell goods or services to customers on commercial credit terms, you should ask your customer to apply for a commercial credit account with your business.

That application should set out the terms and conditions on which credit is to be provided to your customer (for example, it may specify that your invoice must be paid within 30 days).

In the application you can give yourself the right to use the information provided by the customer to check the customer’s credit worthiness. You should ask for (and check) trade and credit referees that a customer supplies.

In summary, you should not give commercial credit to a customer unless the customer has applied for it, provided information that enables you to check their credit worthiness and agreed to the terms on which your business provides that credit.

You should also be aware that there are regulations that apply to consumer credit that do not apply to commercial credit terms. Any business that is involved in providing credit to consumers is subject to extensive regulations.

Tip Two: Set the terms on which you sell your goods or services

If you want to control the terms on which your business sells its goods or services, the first step is to prepare a document that records these terms. The terms should set out the basis

of the business relationship you want and cover such things as: how orders are placed and accepted; prices; payment terms; delivery; cancellations and returns; risk and insurance of goods; warranties and the ownership of any intellectual property in the goods or services (and many more). Most importantly, the terms should limit the liability of your business to the extent allowed under the Competition and Consumer Act and the Australian Consumer Law. However, you should never try to completely exclude all liability if something goes wrong (this does not work under Australian law).

We often see businesses simply copy the terms and conditions used by a competitor (or one that they have found on the Internet). Unless those terms have been carefully considered they may not be suitable for your business and may do more harm than good.

Tip Three: Agree the terms before the deal is done

Terms of trade, or any other conditions that your business may want to be able to enforce against a customer or supplier, must be agreed before the ‘deal’ is done. Any terms (such as payment terms) that your business tries to impose on a customer after your products have been delivered to the customer will have little, if any, chance of success.

We often see businesses print their terms of trade on the back of their invoice. Courts in Australia will rarely enforce terms on the back of an invoice because the invoice is sent after the deal has already been done. If you want your terms of trade to be enforceable by your business then you must bring them to the attention of the person who you are planning to do business with (before the deal is done) and obtain their agreement.

It is good practice to send out your terms of trade at the time you provide a quotation or estimate and to ask your customer to sign the terms of trade as evidence that they have agreed to be bound by them.

Tip Four: Ask for a personal guarantee

If you do business with a company, and that company ‘goes broke’ then there is a risk that you will not be able to recover money owed to you. If your business intents to provide a commercial credit facility to a small company that is at risk of going broke, you should consider asking the directors or owners of that company to provide a personal guarantee for the money that the company owes to your business. This guarantee will be of little use unless it is agreed with your customers’ directors before the sale of your products occurs.

Of course you probably will not be able to obtain a personal guarantee from the directors of large companies (the directors of public companies will almost always refuse to provide one).

However, you should always ask for a personal guarantee from the directors of any company that has a poor credit history. If the directors refuse to give one then you should ask yourself whether or not it is worth taking the risk of doing business with the company. h This article was provided by the NSW Business Chamber.

For further information please contact the Workplace Advice Line on Ph: 13 26 96.

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 23

Simon McLean takes the helm at Club Marine

S

imon McLean has accepted the role of CEO at Club Marine, Australia’s largest provider of recreational boat insurance. He assumes the position, which was vacated by former Club Marine CEO Greg Fisher due to health reasons, as of October 7.

McLean comes to Club Marine after 10 years with Club Marine’s parent company, Allianz Australia.

A keen boatie with life-long experience across a wide range of sail and powered craft, Simon was previously Manager Victoria and Key Partners with Allianz’s Financial Institutions business.

“With a strong track record of exceeding profit and growth targets, as well as leading high performing teams, Simon will bring valuable capability and experience to Club Marine, one of our premier businesses,” said Michael Winter, GM Financial Institutions & Affinity, which includes responsibility for Club Marine.

“Simon’s record of high achievement has been recognised by winning four consecutive Allianz Sales Club awards and as a result he has been inducted into the Allianz Hall of Fame for outstanding sales achievement,” added Winter.

Married to Natalie and with a daughter, Heidi, 2, Simon says he is very much looking forward to the challenge of leading the team at Club Marine.

“Club Marine has an excellent and well-earned reputation in the marine sector and I hope to make a contribution to its on-going success,” he said.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the hard work and many initiatives my predecessor, Greg Fisher contributed during

his time at the helm and wish him all the best for the future.”

Simon’s career progression within Allianz has included Account Management, Key Account Management and State Management roles in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

He was a key member of the Allianz FI management team and in his most recent position as Manager for Victoria and Key Partners he had responsibility for a number of Key Partners nationally.

“I am honoured to lead such a strong brand and dedicated group of professionals,” said McLean.

“I come to Club Marine with a background of collaborating with partners and delivering exceptional customer service.

“And with the backing of the great team at Club Marine, I look forward to developing our service and also continuing the company’s role as an important supporter of the marine industry and lifestyle.” h

Boat for ife L s: Our Safety Ambassador en us ha Andrew ET Ettings & Pete Goss …

Visit www.boatforlife.com.au Safety Partners

24 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Warranties and Guarantees Your obligations under the new Australian Consumer Law

by Mark Yum*

I

n 2011, one of the most fundamental and influential changes to the legislative framework affecting the boating industry brought about by the new Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Almost all stakeholders in the boating industry have been affected by the ACL. An important change which many stakeholders in the boating industry seem to be slow in adopting is the new requirements about warranties.

There is confusion in the marketplace about the difference between “warranties” and “consumer guarantees” which has caused uncertainty among businesses in the boating industry.

It is vital that all key stakeholders within the boating industry gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of the difference between consumer guarantees and warranties.

What is a Warranty?

A warranty is an assurance about goods or services given by a seller. It is not the main contract of sale, but a “side” contract between the buyer and seller about the goods (or services) which are the subject of the sale.

An example of a traditional warranty is: “I warrant that the goods will be free from defects for a period of 6 months from the date of purchase.”

Warranties are elective. It is up to each seller whether they will provide a warranty.

Normally, if a seller breaches a warranty, the breach of warranty gives rise to a claim for damages (i.e. monetary compensation) but not a right to reject the goods or services or treat the contract of sale as repudiated by the seller.

Since 1 January 2011, all warranties which are provided by sellers must comply with the ACL. If a seller’s warranty does not comply with the ACL, the seller can face up to $50,000 fine from the ACCC. This article focuses on the difference between warranties and consumer guarantees. If you require advice about your warranties, please contact the author.

What are Consumer Guarantees?

Under Section 3 (1) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, consumer guarantees apply to all goods and services sold, hired or leased to consumers valued under $40,000 or goods and services valued over $40,000 which is ‘normally bought for personal or household use.’

A consumer guarantee is a compulsory obligation for the seller to guarantee that the goods or services will be of an “acceptable quality”. This obligation is separate to any other warranty that a seller may elect to provide to customers.

The consumer guarantee will prevail over and above any warranty provided by a seller and you cannot opt-out of consumer guarantees.

“Acceptable quality” in relation to Goods means that the goods are: a) Safe; b) Durable; c) Free from defects; d) Free from undisclosed encumbrance; e) Acceptable in appearance and finish; and f) Fit for the intended purpose.

“Acceptable quality” in relation to Services means the services are: a) provided with acceptable care, skill or knowledge and taking all necessary steps to avoid loss or damage; b) fit for the intended purpose; and c) be delivered within a reasonable time when no end date is agreed.

Breaches of the Consumer Guarantee

Breaches of consumer guarantee are classed either as “major failures” or “non-major failures” (i.e. minor failures).

A major failure occurs where there is a total failure of the goods or services which renders those goods or services entirely different to what the seller promised to provide.

If there is a major failure, then the customer is entitled to a refund or replacement plus compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage.

A minor failure covers all other failures which are not major failures. If there is a minor failure, the customer is entitled to a replacement or repair by the seller.

The Bilge Pump example

A seller provides a six month warranty on a bilge pump which was sold by the seller in June 2013. For the sake of this example it is generally accepted that a brand new bilge pump should last when used and installed correctly (with all other things done properly) for 12 months.

The customer installs and uses the bilge pump correctly and the bilge pump starts working at 80% capacity after seven months due to a minor problem with one of the components.

The consumer guarantee applies over and above the warranty provided by the seller.

The consumer guarantee says that the seller must guarantee that the bilge pump will be of “acceptable quality”. The customer is entitled to a replacement or a repair of the bilge pump because it is deemed to be a minor failure.

If the bilge pump had stopped working completely after seven months and the customer had done nothing which contributed to that failure, the customer would be entitled to a complete refund or full replacement plus compensation for any reasonable foreseeable loss or damage.

Protecting yourself against the ACL

If you are a manufacturer, supplier or retailer in the boating industry and you sell vessels or parts, provide services, or anything else which may fall within the wide definition under Section 3 (1) of the ACL, it is important that you understand the difference between guarantees and warranties and your obligations to customers. * Please call Mark Yum, Associate or Bechara Shamieh, Managing Director on 131 LAW (529) if you are unsure whether the information in this article applies to you.

This ar ticle is intended as general information only and is not advice. You should seek legal advice prior to relying on information contained on this article as it may not apply to you or your business.

MADISON MARCUS LAW FIRM

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 25

WHS Guidance for the Boating Industry I

n 2012 the BIA published the findings of a comprehensive research project titled “Developing Workplace Health & Safety Guidance for the Recreational and Light Commercial Boating Industry”.

Funded under the WorkCover (NSW) Assist Program, the project focused on four key areas of hazard and risk. The objective was to identify the most effective and practicable methods of managing these in the workplace, and to provide guidance for the wider industry to improve safety awareness, performance, and compliance with the law.

The Guidance Material is designed to be user-friendly,using boating industry examples,common practices, and specific operational and compliance-management challenges. To freely access this material, visit the WHS Legislation and Guidance section on the homepage of our website: www.bia.org.au.

Following on from a focus on Heights Safety (Logbook March), Moving Boats (June), and Hazardous Manual Tasks (September), our final installment covers Working in Confined & Enclosed Spaces.

Working in Confined & Enclosed Spaces In terms of risk, confined and enclosed spaces are the boating industry’s Big Kahuna – especially when fuels and chemicals are added to the equation.

Most with more than a few years at the coal-face under their belts will be aware of serious or catastrophic incidents the world over that have injured or taken fellow workers from our industry, and some may well recall a near miss of their own.

While some situations are clearly understood to be hazardous by experienced people, one of the greatest challenges for our industry is the correct identification of hazards, and application of the right control’s commensurate with the level of risk. The risk situation can be changeable in response to work processes, the introduction of substances,

weather, or ambient conditions, and when young or otherwise inexperienced workers are factored in, it’s by no means simple to keep our workers safe and comply with the law.

So it’s fitting that the starting point for our Guidance Material is the establishment of what is, and what is not, a “Confined Space” – this being the designation given to the high risk working environment which is regulated under Australian Standard 2865 – Confined Spaces.

When the current national model of WHS regulation was implemented in 2000 in NSW, the boating industry grappled with the fact that most boats have interiors, and the interiors are somewhat enclosed – often accessible only by companionways and hatches. Was the interior of any boat therefore a high risk environment requiring the use of breathing apparatus and a full-time spotter positioned in line-of-sight with the worker

Case Study - Ventilation in enclosed areas Various types of mechanical ventilation can be found in the recreational and light commercial boating industry.

In built ventialtion systems such as engine room extractors and bilge blowers can be used to increase air flow within enclosed spaces on boats.The use of external ventilation system can remove contaminants or provide clean air to a work environment.

Inhouse designed fan boxes placed over a hatchway is also a way of increasing air flow through the hull of a boat and removing contaminants from the enclosed space. Any mechanical ventilation used should be suitable for the task ie. Ignition proof fans for use with flammable substances

26 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

inside? Surely not … but where and when was the line to be drawn between a safe (often luxurious!) workspace and the hazardous work environment, and when did the onerous practical and administrative requirements of working in Confined Spaces become appropriate?

Part one of this section of the Guidance Material focusses on the drawing of this line, providing a simple decision-making matrix which will assist PCBU’s to identify a true Confined Space as determined by law, and by rights therefore, a key tool in the risk assessment processes that will be central to your risk management strategy and documentation.

“Australian Standard 2865 – Confined Spaces” is prescriptive, providing clear detail on what the PCBU must do to protect the health and well-being of workers. This being so, the Guidance Material doesn’t dwell on what you must do on the Confined Space side of the line. If you use the Guidance Material to establish that your workplace is a Confined Space, the next thing you should do is purchase (or otherwise access) a copy of this Standard from SAI Global.

The Standard will inform your risk management strategy – including the requirement to have workers formally trained in Confined Space work - and it should be referenced in all documentation relating to the work practice.

An example checklist of requirements for working in Confined Spaces is provided at Page 18 of the Guidance Material located on the BIA website: http://www.bia.org.au/ whs/reports/SECTION4-CONFINED-SPACE.pdf Understanding how the determinations of confined and enclosed spaces are made is critical for PCBU’s. The Guidance Material provides a simple statement of the law as applies in this regard, and the easy to follow flow-chart of the decisionmaking process below.

These two pieces of information should be used together, as the factors and considerations set out in the law must be carefully weighed up as you progress through the flow-charts when making your decision as to the nature of the work space.

The question “Is the space intended primarily for other than human occupancy” can help to rule out the comfortable confines of much of a boats’ interior. A further relevant question when determining the nature of the work-space: “is the enclosed space to be used/ accessed for a purpose other than that which it was designed for?”

A stateroom is very much designed primarily for human occupancy, and so in its basic state (before a work process is introduced) it is very unlikely to be a confined space under normal conditions. However, the introduction of work processes

Working within an enclosed space on a boat

The Law

Working in confined spaces is controlled by the WHS Act and Regulations and the Australian Standard 2865 Confined Spaces.

A confined space is defined as an enclosed or partially enclosed space that: • is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied or entered by a person; and • is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while any person is in the space; and • presents a risk to health and safety from: a) an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level, or b) contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dusts, that may cause injury from fire or explosion, or c) harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants, or d) engulfment.

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 27

and particularly those which Confined space identification generate or impart contaminants – including airborne vapours such as those associated with volatile compounds/ chemicals or those which would impact the oxygen levels within the space – could immediately introduce serious risk to an otherwise benign environment.

If the enclosed space is to be accessed for any other purpose than that which it is designed for, a detailed risk assessment should consider/ follow the decisionmaking matrix in order to establish whether the space could become a Confined Space during, or as a result of, the work process to be undertaken.

For example, a sea-cock located in a bilge-space is designed to be accessed via a hatch-way in the cabin sole. If the worker intends to access the sea-cock to turn it on or off in normal conditions, and they can do so without putting their head below the cabin sole and/ or there isn’t the presence of a contaminant such as spilt fuel, stagnant bilge water etc., it would not be a confined space.

H o w e v e r, i f a w o r k e r could potentially breathe in some contaminant then a risk assessment should be carried – such as painting, grinding, or work to free a seized sea-cock out and suitable controls put in place - e.g. ventilating or mechanism – a detailed risk assessment should be undertaken draining the bilge, suitable PPE for the worker, and scrutiny which identifies the potential risks associated with the work of all potential ignition sources. process in this environment. Great care should be taken to If the bilge-space is to be accessed for any other purpose ensure that this risk assessment process is informed & robust, and where practical involves others whom are taking part in the process, or working in close proximity. Where the risk assessment indicates that the space is, or could become a Confined Space, then comply with AS 2865 – Confined Spaces.

Where the risk assessment identifies that the enclosed work environment is not, and would not (as a result of the work process or subject to changing conditions) become a Confined Space, extra care & attention should still be given to managing hazards – actual & potential – such as those arising from working in awkward positions, or “trip & fall” potential of the sole-hatch being open.

Clearly, the determination of the nature of the workspace is not to be taken lightly, and PCBU’s and workers should err on the side of caution. This is a job for an experienced person, and the risk assessment process and development of risk management strategies should ideally be done in consultation with others, and the outcomes clearly communicated to all workers on site (including other contractors and their staff).

Where hazards are identified, ensure that workers understand them, as well as the factors which might act to increase risk such as limited airflow, or high ambient temperatures. Ensure that workers are trained in the proper use of plant/ equipment, and PPE employed in the risk management strategy and/or the safe work methods. The risk profile of an enclosed space can be dynamic, so workers need

28 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Case Study – Use of flammable chemicals It has been widely documented in NSW, throughout Australia and the world that the use of flammable chemicals on boats can lead to serious injuries, loss of property and fatalities.

The above incident resulted from the use of a flammable substance (contact adhesive) by a lone worker within an enclosed area of a boat and then the introduction of a ignition source (a vacuum). The incident resulted in the loss and damage of numerous boats, injury to the person undertaking the task and to those responding to the incident and potentially could have led to loss of life.

There is a need to understand and control the risk of using flammable chemicals aboard boats. A documented risk assessment should always be carried out before starting any task involving the use of flammable chemicals within the confines of a boat.

What may seem to be a simple task in an open area can be highly dangerous in an enclosed area.

During the assessment alternative chemicals should be looked at to see if the flammable substance can be eliminated or substituted for a less flammable substance. There is a need to ensure adequate ventilation to remove vapours from the air to prevent exposure to hazardous substances and the develpment of an explosive atmosphere.

Ignition sources such as smoking, electrical equipment, lights, radios, extraction equipment etc. should be removed from the work area or only used if they have been rated for use in a flammable atmosphere.

If flammable substances are to be used vapour detection systems should be used, such as flammable gas monitors, to ensure that a flammable atmosphere is not present.

All persons undertaking the tasks need to be trained and competent in the use and handling of the chemicals and the control measures required to ensure the task can be carried out safely. Proper supervisory arrangements need to be in place and emergency procedures documented and known. to be alert to varying conditions, and continuously monitor the actions and well-being of others.

The Guidance Material points out that even relatively large spaces can become hazardous when common work and practices are undertaken. Cutting and welding are among the more easily identified hazards, but the prevalence of fumes – sometimes odourless - and spark-producing tools and equipment could significantly increase the risk of working in a closed shed on a warm still day. Awkward postures and the use of noisy tools are also singled out for consideration.

Happily, the Research Team were able to identify a number of pro-active risk-management strategies in play, and in particular the Guidance Material provides case studies around the increasing use of mechanical ventilators, and the substitution of volatile cleaning fluids for less harmful alternatives.

On the flip-side, disastrous events of the not-so-distant past serve as a reminder that the risks are real and present, and that extreme vigilance is necessary to ensure that everyone goes home in one piece, every day.

Enclosed and confined space work is a fact of boating industry life. If, in reading this simple piece, you have stopped to wonder whether you are doing all that you can or are legally obliged to do to protect the health and well being of workers in your business, please make use of the 25-pages of Guidance

Material on Confined and Enclosed Spaces prepared under our WorkCover-funded research project, freely accessed via the home page at www.bia.org.au h

good ventilation

a safe practice

A timely warning on carbon monoxide fumes during winter boating... If you are boating in cold and windy weather, make sure your boat is well ventilated at all times.

Gases can be drawn into the cockpit area from a vessels exhaust. Let air circulate and be cleared. Victims of carbon monoxide poisoning will be unaware because it is colourless, odourless, tasteless and potentially fatal. With a little bit of common sense, you can still enjoy boating during the winter.

www.bia.org.au p. 02 9438 2077 For employment in the marine industry log onto the BIA website and click on “Employment & Training” For boating weather go to www.bom.gov.au/marine Be part of the boating community

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 29

Marina Association visits Port Stephens

T

he Marina Association of NSW (MA) members gathered in Port Stephens for a 2-day marinas conference in September.

Developed by the MA Committee, the aim was to bring industry together and working towards a common goal, strengthening business relationships and to share and learn from peers in an informal environment. It was about building better businesses for owners and operators and ensuring sustainability for NSW marinas.

The event kicked off at two time winner of the Marina of the Year Award, Soldiers Point Marina. Led by Darrell Barnett the group of 20 or so marina operators were guided on a casual tour of the site and provided a glimpse into what it takes to build a community of loyal boat owners, with value-add services that include a summer bar, cocktails mixed by your boat and additional security features allowing berth holders to dial into an on-site real time camera and view their boat, all of which added up to meet Soldiers Point’s goal of service excellence.

After a short transfer to Salamander Shores Resort the group reconvened where Industry specialist-insurers and the event sponsors IC Frith and Associates presented on the changes to Workers Compensation legislation – a difficult subject to get enthused about but non-the-less critical for all employers.

Many and varied questions were directed to Nicole Monks – IC Friths expert on the topic who provided clarification and much needed guidance on how best to prepare and manage these legislative requirements.

Next on the program was a presentation from BIA past President and marina industry icon Ian McAndrew. Ian took attendees on a trip down Memory Lane discussing past projects he has been involved with and giving insightful tips on what to expect and how best to overcome issues throughout a marina development project. Ian covered many areas of the development process including: minimising objections through consultation; the importance of fully understanding the site and the conditions which it is exposed to; design issues; surveys / plans; locality and town planning; environmental considerations; market feasibility; maximising site and growth opportunities … and the list goes on.

The following day featured Howard Glenn – General Manager of the Marine Management Centre within Transport for NSW. In an informal yet frank session Howard presented on the progress of the marina leasing policy and the closer alignment of Maritime and Department of Lands in this regard. Howard also gave an update of the Sydney Harbour Destination Plan.

Boater and Marina Survey Data was the next topic on the list.

Ian McAndrew having been instrumental in the development

&

of the survey via his position on the board of the Marina Industries Association (MIA) returned and discussed the importance of industry participation to ensure a quality sample for future advocacy at both state and federal level and highlight the gains to be had by industry members who chose to use the data for business planning purposes.

Alan Barrett- BIA Division Manager addressed the group on BIA’s Marine Card Program; pointing out the importance and much needed support of marina operators to assist with promoting the benefits and; encouraging participation from contractors to utilize the newly built Marine Card website to ensure proper and ongoing management of their Work Health Safety obligations.

The final leg of the program was visits to two local marinas.

First up was d’Alboras Nelson Bay. John Bradshaw, d’Alboras marina manager explained the intricacies of mixing marina with public areas and large public retail spaces. This type of mix presents many management and operational issues from additional security requirements to manage patrons frequenting one of the several licensed tenants, to increased parking requirements, public amenities and waste removal.

Last stop was The Anchorage Marina, a floating structure built in the 1980’s with timber decks. The Anchorage’s new marina operator Alistair Bailey took us through the marina explaining plans to bring the marina back to its former glory and the intensive maintenance regime required for a marina of this type.

For a first time event all went to plan with participants enjoying the opportunity to meet and share ideas and discuss issues outside the normal day to day grind. BIA NSW extends our thanks to all for taking the time to attend the inaugural event. It’s likely the NSW Marina Association Conference will get a start on the 2014 calendar.

Also thanks to those who presented and event sponsors IC Frith and Associates. h Aaron McKenna, Member Support and Development

Life’s better easier

with BIA Marine Insurance For further details concerning BIA Marine Insurance please contact

icfrith.com.au | 1300 000 423 | marine@icfrith.com.au 30 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Boating Industry Association of NSW awarded funding for Boating Safety Centre of Excellence T

he BIA is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $145,000 as part of the 2013/14 Water Safety Black Spots Fund, to assist in establishing a Boating Safety Centre of Excellence in the old Pilot Station in Watsons Bay. The NSW Government is committed to reducing the rate of drowning by 50% in NSW by 2020, and the Water Safety Black Spots Fund will provide $2million of funding in 2013/14 to a number of water safety initiatives to contribute towards achieving this goal.

The Boating Safety Centre will provide a facility to teach and promote a culture of safe and responsible boating to school students through the ‘Boat Smart – Boating Safety in Schools’ program, and a base for not-for-profit community based organisations to deliver marine safety education.

The successful application follows previous funding being awarded to BIA through the Water Safety Black Spots Fund in 2012, to expand the Boat Smart Program to four brand new

Australian marina industry research breaks new ground

T

he Marina Industries Association (MIA) is pleased to announce a record number of Australian marinas have to date participated in the current round of data entry to support the 2013 Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey.

This national survey has been conducted by the Marina Industry Association (MIA) in association with the Recreational Marine Research Centre (RMRC) at Michigan State University.

When the research was last conducted in 2011 a total of 110 marinas participated and in comparison, as of 30 October this year, 155 marinas have entered data for the 2013 survey – representing in excess of 53% of the industry.

MIA Executive Officer Colin Bransgrove said what was particularly exciting was that over 50% of marinas in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania have participated in the current survey.

“This will provide marinas and the broader industry in these states with excellent industry trend data across areas such as capital expenditure, taxes and lease payments and gross revenues,” Colin Bransgrove said.

“Comparisons by state and by marina type will be provided resulting in reliable business performance benchmarking data. It will also enable an accurate number to be put on the economic and employment value of the marina industry in these states.”

The 2013 Survey will also collect data for the first time on barriers to investment and Australia’s super yacht berth capacity. The super yacht data provided will assist Superyacht Australia with their overseas marketing.

Marinas that participate in the survey will receive the extensive 2013 research report free of charge when it is released in early 2014. The report will sell for $349.

Watsons Bay Pilot Station.

hubs in Ballina, Port Macquarie, Central Coast and Illawarra.

You can read more about the program and the opening of the third new hub in this edition of Logbook.

This exciting project is still in its early stages, with plenty of work to do before the doors are opened on the Boating Safety Centre of Excellence.

We’ll keep you up to date with further developments as they happen through Logbook and Enews. h

List a Job Vacant List a Job Wanted for free

www.bia.org.au The BIA website has an active Jobs Vacant or Jobs Wanted notice board.

Listing a Job Vacant or Job Wanted is simple and can be done online.

Go to the BIA home page www.bia.org.au or www.bia.org.au/employment Listings are usually loaded onto the website within 24 hours.

For assistance, please contact Justine Merrony justine@bia.org.au or Linda English linda@bia.org.au Phone: (02) 9438 2077

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 31

Education, Training & Development 2013 Round Up

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ow, what a year! And what achievements have been made – I don’t know where to start!

Boat Smart Program

Boat Smart Program.

Let’s kick off with a brilliant initiative that BIA have supported and helped to expand this year – the Boat Smart Program. Bringing boating safety education into High Schools as part of Marine Studies, and working closely with the Marine Teachers’ Association, four new Boat Smart hubs were opened and equipped with training vessels and safety gear.

This means that the 150 schools around NSW that teach Marine Studies now have no-cost access to the right equipment and environment to learn valuable boating safety lessons and to complete the ‘on-water’ component of their studies.

Managing EHS Industry training continued throughout the year with Managing EHS, Fire (first response) and Fire Warden Training, Service & Repair Trailers and, of course, Marine Card. And there were changes this year too – all for the good.

Firstly, we changed the way Service & Repair Trailers was delivered. Bearing in mind that workshops are busy places and mechanics busy people, we brought the session directly to the workshop.

Using a combination of self guided workbook and on-site assessment, this means that Service & Repair Trailers can be now be delivered at a time to suit you, in your workshop. You can now do it when you want, where you want.

The Marine Card Program has already evolved since its inception in 2008 with changes to Legislation and the launch of marinecard.org.au – the home of Marine Card Holders and Marine Sites – and has continued to grow and develop throughout 2013.

Careers Day

www.marinecard.org.au

Careers Day at SIBS.

Staying with the kids – the Careers Day at SIBS had a bumper 450 high school students and Marine Teachers through the doors. That’s 450 potential future workers in the industry!

With plenty of industry professionals on hand to guide students, the event was a huge success.

That, tied in with the Marine Teachers’ Association and TAFE presence on the Marine Education Centre throughout the five days of the show, gave a big push to promoting the Boating Industry as a fantastic career choice.

32 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

The card is now valid up to the end of the expiry year, rather than a fixed month, and a Refresher session is being developed as I write which will be available at the end of the year – but don’t worry, it will be an easy-to-access and efficient way to refresh your WHS Induction; watch this space, if you haven’t heard all about it by the time this is printed, you will do very soon!

The benefits of the Marine Card Program have spread far and wide, with three marinas in QLD joining the ranks of growing numbers in NSW, and further interest from VIC and SA. The number of card holders has increased to nearly 1700, and the number of participating marinas is also growing.

The use of marinecard.org.au also continues to grow – stats for July to September compared to April to June for this year alone show: • The number of visits to the site increased by 50%, with a 36% increase in unique visitors (individuals who visited the site) • The number of page views has increased by a whopping 76% with the average visit duration increasing by 28% • The number of people dipping in and out of the site has dropped, meaning that less people are just popping in for a quick peek.

All of this means that more people are visiting the site, staying for longer and viewing more pages – indicating that more and more people are using the site in a pro-active way; such as keeping their profiles up to date, creating Contractor Packages, sharing information and researching the marine sites they are due to visit.

More information about the site and its benefits can be found in this edition of Logbook, or at www.marinecard.org. au – check it out and see how it can work for you.

Well, that’s 2013 at a glance – more exciting developments are on their way in 2014 – I’ll keep you up to date through Enews and Logbook, or take a look at the ‘Employment & Training’ pages on www.bia.org.au Have great Christmas and New Year, and I’ll see you in 2014! h Corrina McMillan, Education & Training Coordinator

What’s happening in 2014?

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on-site assessment will assist in gaining this unit. Remember – your workshop must be licensed and you must be fully qualified – don’t get caught out!

Managing Environment, Health & Safety This popular 2-day course gives you the right tools and knowledge to keep on the right side of the law. It will guide you in putting into place effective plans, methods and practices to keep your people safe and your business compliant.

Marina Fire Safety Management Program A complete emergency response package specifically designed for marinas and boatyards. Cover off all types of emergencies, work through your marina’s procedures, plan your fire safety training, and get the tools and templates to maintain your ongoing emergency plan. PLUS! Meet your local Fire Authority.

For more information on any of these courses, call (02) 9438 2077 or visit www.bia.org.au/training

Have you thought about hiring an Apprentice?

part from some exciting projects, there is a jam-packed training calendar planned for 2014. Dates and locations will be at www.bia.org.au/training soon, so take a look at the training available and start planning early.

Marine Card WHS General Induction A WHS General Induction specifically designed for the marine industry. Focusing on your responsibilities under the WHS Act 2011, it covers SWMS, MSDS, hazard identification and risk assessment. Valid for 5+ years.

Apply First Aid & Refresher Provide First Aid with confidence in the workplace or at home. Learn how to treat a variety of types of injury, broken bones, bleeding, hypothermia, burns, stings and more with this hands on, nationally accredited course.

Fire Training (first response) An energetic, practical training session in the nature of fire, evacuation, types of fire and the correct extinguisher to use, hands on practice, plus an explosive demonstration of what not to do!

Fire Warden Training This practical and interactive course will train your key personnel to act quickly and effectively during an emergency, ensuring that everyone on site remains safe.

Meets requirements under AS3745.

Service & Repair Trailers (AURT237271A) Are you a qualified marine mechanic who needs this competency to inspect, repair and service boat trailers? This

If you haven’t got around to it already, now would be a great time to start your search for an Apprentice.

The BIA has pages on its website dedicated to listing Apprenticeships vacant – and the best thing is if you are a BIANSW Member, it’s free! It’s simple to upload a listing; • Go to www.bia.org.au • Click on ‘Employment & Training’, and then click on ‘Jobs’.

• Select ‘List an Apprenticeship vacant’ and complete the online form.

• Submit, and your listing will show within a couple of days.

Before you do that though, take a look at the ‘Apprenticeships Wanted’ page. You’ll find listings from people who are looking for a placement, where they are and what they want to do. It’s worth a look – one of them could be your next Apprentice!

If you’re unsure about Apprenticeships, or don’t know about the benefits in hiring one, visit the Australian Business Apprenticeships Centre at www.apprenticeshipscentre. com.au and click on ‘Employers’. You can download a free information pack which will answer all your questions, or give them a call on 1300 652 236.

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 33

It’s all about Managing your EHS!

Brett Bolton deliver Managing EHS.

T

he ever popular Managing Environmental Health & Safety course rolled out once more this September, in a brand new setting of the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Newport.

In 2012 it was extensively revised to bring it bang up to date with new legislation, and to streamline it to a neat and efficient 2 days, down from the original 3. Make no mistake though – it still packed a punch in its effectiveness to deliver high quality training with user-friendly guides and templates to assist in building EHS policies and procedures.

One of the key features of this course is the attendance of WorkCover NSW (not with an inspector’s hat on, though) and this year it was Andrew Theakstone who donned the mantle to provide information about the numerous ways WorkCover NSW can help small businesses with compliance.

In addition, all attendees of the course could also be eligible to apply for WorkCover’s Small Business Rebate of up to $500 to assist with the implementation of a safety solution in the workplace. WorkCover NSW has long been a supporter of this course, not only with their attendance but also with providing sponsorship for places on the course, and this year was no exception with the provision of full and part sponsorships for BIA members.

And it got even better in 2013 – the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) also very kindly provided full and part sponsorship for this valued course, meaning that more people benefited from fee sponsored places. Our thanks go to both the EPA and WorkCover for their support.

Contributing to the success of the course is the consistently professional delivery of Brett Bolton (Coriolis Marine). Again in the driving seat, Brett’s extensive experience in operating and managing marine tourism and marina businesses across Australia and New Zealand made him the perfect facilitator for the course, as well as handling the variety of questions and situations thrown up by the group.

Attendee’s feedback has, as always, been very positive.

“Well tailored to the industry” and “absolutely fantastic” were just a couple of the comments received.

This course runs every year, and anyone who has responsibility for the environment, health and safety in their marine workplace is encouraged and welcome to attend. Keep an eye on the BIA website and enews to find next year’s dates, or call Corrina on 9438 2077 to find out more.

Once again our thanks go to Environment Protection Authority and WorkCover NSW for kindly providing sponsorship. Full and part sponsorship recipients were: Jordan Blake (d’Albora Marinas Akuna Bay), Cathy Aitken (Neken Marine), Sally Way (Boatmate), and Brooke Hurt (Lifestyle Marine). h

50-Point Safety Check makes even more sense with a $50.00 discount for Club Marine policy renewals

$99

LESS $50 Club Marine Policy Discount

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$49

Now you have a service that will help give you peace of mind when you are on the water Your boating should be fun and relaxing. Your actions as the skipper will ensure that you have done what you can to ensure the safety of your passengers and yourself whilst on the waterways. Adding the 50-Point Safety Check to your routine each year, will help you know more about what maintenance may be needed before you hit the water.

www.50pointcheck.com.au Conditions apply. The 50-Point Safety Check is suitable for trailer boats under 8 metres long. The 50-Point safety check is not a pink slip or requirement of vessel registration. All observations, assessments and recommendations relate specifically to the time of inspection. The 50-Point Safety check is a product of the Boating Industry Association of NSW Ltd and carried out by authorised members of the Marine Industry Mechanical Repairers Association. $50.00 is received via a discount on the renewal of your Club Marine Insurance Policy. The discount can be redeemed within 12 months of the date of your 50-Point Safety Check inspection. Visit www.50pointcheck.com.au for a full list of conditions that relate to this product.

50pt Check_Afloat TPH.indd 1

34 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Boating Industry Association of New South Wales Ltd

17/6/11 4:37:26 PM

What is Marinecard.org.au?

Boating industry facilities such as marinas and boatyards can have a very high contractor through-put.

The contractor registration process – and the exchange of information between contractors and site operators that this entails – is necessary, but cumbersome.

Marinecard.org.au is a website designed to streamline the registration process by making information easily accessible – from anywhere, by anyone – 24/7, 365 days a year.

Does this sound familiar?

“When I arrived at the marina they told me I needed to provide insurance and fill in a registration form.

I needed to get the boss to fax over the paperwork and complete the registration. We didn’t know the marina needed all this stuff, and no-one else asks for it. What a big waste of time …”

Find out what you need to know before you go…

Access the marine site’s profile on Marinecard.org.au website and find out what paperwork you need to provide. You can also read their Terms & Conditions, and any site rules and other information.

All requirements are clearly set out, so no surprises when you get there.

Keep your documents online…

Upload insurance and other documents to your own profile, such as qualifications or a generic SWMS, for the site controller to view online, or print or save, before you get there.

No more carrying reams of paper from yard to yard, or all the printing, faxing or filing that goes with it!

Be “findable” and list your services…

List your services and areas of operation – other contractors, yards, marinas, and the public will be able to search for the skills and services they need, where they need it… and find YOU!

Easily create a Contractors Registration document, with one click…

You can quickly and simply create a completed Contractor’s Registration document, including your insurance and other necessary documents, and email it to the site controller before you go. You can also save it to a USB or disc and carry it with you, or print it if needed.

No more hold-ups, no more surprises, and no more wasted time.

If you have a Marine Card, you can get on-line today. Visit www.marinecard.org.au for more details, or call (02) 9438 2077.

Storm Clouds gather over VET

F

or some time now, there has been major change afoot in the Vocational Education & Training (VET) space. A range of reforms and programs at Federal level have influenced the funding and focus of the VET system, and in parallel, State Governments have sought to balance the cost and value to the community.

For our industry, the most recent phase of VET reform has coincided with low business volumes brought about by the GFC - a situation which has significantly reduced new apprenticeship engagements in marine trades (namely Marine Mechanical, and Shipwright/ boatbuilding [a.k.a. Marine Craft Construction]).

The confluence of these circumstances has contributed to the dwindling of training options for apprentices (prospective and actual) and employers in the marine sector – a sector in which demand for trade training is referred to in current education-speak as “thin”.

Over the course of the past three years, the BIA has engaged with key stakeholders including Departmental staff, Industry Skills Councils (ISC), Industry Training Advisory Boards (ITAB), Australian Apprenticeship Centres (AAC), Registered Training Organisations (RTO - chiefly TAFE), and State Training Authorities. We have formed the view that the current model and structure of VET for the boating industry is critically exposed to the prevailing winds of change, and could become unsustainable.

In some states and regions, “unsustainable” has quickly transitioned to “unavailable” – marine trade courses are no longer offered by any RTO in the state or region. This is the unpleasant reality for an increasing number of employers and young people wanting to commence a career in the marine industry, and generally the axe has fallen with little or no warning, and without meaningful consultation with industry.

We are not alone in this, and marine trades have not been singled out for harsh treatment. Simply put, the shape of the VET system has changed such that the “education industry” is now a much more commercial place.

In language that BIA members understand all too well, vocational education is now a service-based product delivered by a business. Courses/ qualifications (products) with low participation rates and/or high cost-of-delivery (low yield) are of low value to the business (RTO – generally an individual TAFE institute in our case), and the question of whether to retain the product offering has to be carefully considered.

There are many industries whose courses/ products fall into the danger zone in this free-market comparison, and in the commercialised VET environment, something has to give.

Hence, we have started to see RTOs opting out of delivering low-yield courses.

So why is this happening? What is driving the seemingly nonsensical change? Don’t we need skilled people anymore?

As is often the case, it all comes down to money.

Australian governments commit billions annually to VET, and the current system has been delivering a poor return on their investment.

Completion rates for apprentices commencing across all trades in 2005 was 45.6 per cent (i.e.: – 45.6% of apprentices who commenced their training in 2005 completed their training). The current VET-based skills pipeline is enormously costly to maintain, yet more than 50% of the “unskilled” people that entered the pipe in 2005 had leaked out before reaching the “skilled” end.

36 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Attendees at the VET Forum.

Comprehensive studies commissioned by Government have shown that a number of factors contribute to this woeful outcome – low wages, complexity of the system, and “not liking the work” amongst them – and Governments have responded with a range strategies aimed to improve outcomes in respect of their investment in skills formation, and the fundamental reason that this investment is made: Australia needs a skilled workforce.

These changes afoot have seriously put the wind up the VET sector, root and branch, across the country. The relative pace and scale of reform in what has traditionally shown to be a slow-moving beast, is testament that VET will not be “done” in the near future in the way that it has been done in the past.

Employers may well agree that change is overdue in the TAFE system, and perhaps those who are graduates of the system themselves would support the view that the business and workplace environment of today is vastly different to when they did their time. Whether or not change is warranted, it is happening. Undoubtedly it will take some time for the full scope of change to wash through the VET system and its customer-base, and it will probably take a while for the new model to establish its comfortable shape.

In light of this, the BIA is concerned that the experience at the coal-face is likely to get worse before it gets better.

In the big picture, the following key happenings in the near future will certainly impact the apprenticeship and VET situation: • Introduction of Smart & Skilled in NSW http://www. training.nsw.gov.au/vet/skills_reform/ • Forecast closure/ wind-back of Apprenticeship Centres • Decline of ITABs • Recent IPART decisions resulting in increased TAFE enrolment fees http://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/ Other/Reviews/Vocational_Education/Pricing_VET_under_ Smart_and_Skilled/30_Jul_2013_-_Fact_Sheet_-_Training_ Providers/Fact_Sheet_-_Training_Providers_-_Prices_and_ fees_for_Vet_under_Smart_and_Skilled_-_30_July_2013 • Apprentice wage increases (January 2014 onwards) http://www.apprenticeshipscentre.com.au/News/Changesto-apprentice-wages-and-conditions Additionally, competition for technical and practical skills will remain high, and general industrial relations pressures could further erode apprenticeship numbers – this against the backdrop of school-leaver perceptions of the marine industry/ careers as being of limited appeal.

It would be cliché to refer to the situation as a perfect

storm, but it’s certainly not looking good for the continued supply of skilled people to the boating industry in Australia.

The BIAs nationally have come together to consider the problem, and have agreed to mobilise collaboratively to pursue the following objective: Establish a mechanism to attract and engage marine mechanical and shipwright/ boatbuilder apprentices, and support their completion. Work to ensure the provision of sustainable, accessible, high quality training delivery services for marine trades.

This simple objective will be pursued in a hugely complex environment, described as follows by one Expert Panel appointed by the former Federal Government to review the situation: “The Australian Apprenticeships system as part of the broader VET system has numerous stakeholders and participants engaged with the system including: the Australian Government, state and territory governments, RTOs, ACCs, employers, apprentices and trainees, industry organisations and Industry Skills Councils, unions, GTO’s, and regulatory or licensing authorities.”

With so many players and a vast web of policy, funding, and regulatory red-tape to understand and negotiate, this is not going to be a simple job.

In order to make sense of this complex system – particularly who does what in the big scheme of things - we’ve chunked the apprenticeship life-cycle in the VET context into three “pillars”, and identified the tasks/ roles/ actions within each pillar (see graphic below).

With the exception perhaps of Mentoring, these tasks and roles have all been done in a moreor-less structured way by a principal stakeholder or body.

In pursuit of our stated objectives, our Collaborative Venture on VET will explore and develop on the following proposed actions/ deliverables, as relates to the above diagram:

Gateway BIA would enhance and expand existing information resources/ events to attract potential apprentices, and establish a means/ mechanism to identify and match these apprentices with potential employers.

Everything Else BIA would establish capacity to mentor/ support apprentices and employers to ensure improved outcomes (training & completion). Also, we would develop strategic relationships with Apprenticeship Centres, and work with them in relation to funding and entitlement programs, and employer/ apprentice relationships.

We’ll expand our engagement with Industry Skills Councils to ensure that qualifications and competencies are relevant to industry demand.

Our participation in the above would improve our capacity to develop/ deliver strategic advice to government and other stakeholders – particularly as relates to future training/ skills demand – and where extant we’ll partner with ITAB’s to monitor training outcomes.

A Vision/ Strategy Document will be developed and maintained to inform our strategic outlook, and underpin advocacy and forward planning.

Delivery Training & Assessment service delivery would remain the domain of RTO’s, but BIA would seek to establish centres of excellence, and we’ll liaise with these Centres and other RTO’s to facilitate improved distance learning and workplace assessment options.

Our first VET Forum was held in Sydney on 22 October at which the scope and scale of the issue was laid bare, and we set out the bones of the BIAA Collaborative Venture on VET. Attendee’s from QLD, VIC, and SA joined a sizeable group of NSW industry stakeholders to discuss the way forward, and whilst the message was by no means welcome to the mainly employer-audience, it became apparent to those in the room that their situation (and dissatisfaction with the system) is not isolated. The VET problem is affecting everyone – some critically – and the impact on individual business is as a direct result of whole-of-system issues.

The VET Forum was captured on video. Please visit www. bia.org.au/training/VET to view the session.

Under the auspices of the BIAA the decision has since been taken to move forward on a national basis in fleshing out this Collaborative Ventur e gameplan for a better VET future. As said, it won’t be a simple job, but it’s unanimously agreed that the prospect of our skills development/ training options evaporating is unacceptable.

The return to prosperous times for the boating industry will accelerate, and industry will dial up demand for skilled and enthusiastic people. Our product and service offerings will continue to specialise, diversify, and become more technologically advanced. The aging of the population will further shrink the potential pool of quality entrants to our industry, and competition for the right people to come on board will intensify.

To ensure the return to those prosperous times, we must secure our skills pipeline. If we attract the right young people to a boating career with prospects, and support a rich and exciting learning/ apprenticeship experience, we’ll have laid strong foundations for the future … averting a crisis into the bargain.

Your BIA will communicate further as the Collaborative Venture unfolds, but feel free to contact the office if you would like talk about VET. h

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 37

Marine Manufacturers Forum

Marine Manufacturers Forum attendees at Cockatoo Island where the party hiked to the lofty heights of this jewel in the western harbour.

A

ttendees from QLD, Vic, SA, and NSW arrived in Sydney on 22nd October for the Marine Manufacturers Forum – a coming together of those involved in the supply chain or ultimate manufacture of boats in Australia.

The majority attended the VET forum at Woolwich before re-convening for a session on Alliance Building run by Enterprise Connect.

This workshop prompted the group to explore opportunities to work collaboratively or cooperatively in order to address challenges to their business, and those in the room were exposed to the full array of issues that

&

Life’s better easier

with BIA Marine Insurance

For further details concerning BIA Marine Insurance please contact

icfrith.com.au | 1300 000 423 | marine@icfrith.com.au

38 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

affect different parts of the industry, and the various regions represented.

After a brief networking/ cocktail hour at Deckhouse, the group was shuttled to Camber Wharf at Cockatoo Island where the party hiked to the lofty heights of this jewel in the western harbour.

Somewhat unknown to many, the former Naval shipyard and works at Cockatoo Island are in the process of metamorphosis under the guiding hands of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

N o w a destination and venue for a stellar line-up of cultural events, Cockatoo also boasts some exquisite accommodations, ranging from tents on the western apron to the beautifully restored and appointed heritage houses and apartments on the northern upper tier.

Opting for firm walls and tiles overhead, the Manufacturers group enjoyed dinner and drinks on the lawn of one of the lovely old houses, with jaw-dropping views to the bridge and city, framed by the Woolwich, Greenwich, and Balmain peninsulars.

Coffee, breakfast, and a walking tour of the Island got the blood pumping the next day before the General Meeting of the Manufacturers group was convened aboard MV Proclaim, the pride of the Rosman fleet of historic ferries.

Our thanks to event sponsors IC Frith & Associates, the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Rosman Ferries, and particularly to all those who made the trip from across the country to attend the Marine Manufacturers Forum in Sydney.

The 3rd Marine Manufacturers Forum is scheduled to take place in October 2014 in Victoria. Watch this space for details. h

Lifejackets and lights the focus of new boating campaign

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Safety upgrade for berthing and mooring facilities at Campbells Cove

dditional patrols before sunrise and after sunset on State waterways will be a key part of a new boating campaign focusing on lifejacket and lighting safety.

Roads and Maritime Services Maritime Director Michael Wright said Operation Lights On would start on Saturday and continue to the end of the following weekend.

“Roads and Maritime Services boating safety officers (BSOs) will be targeting vessels operating at night to ensure they are displaying required navigation lights,” Mr Wright said.

“The aim is to reduce the number of night incidents which involve people boating without required lifejackets and lighting.

“As part of the campaign, there will be additional random patrols of waterways starting before sunrise and after sunset which are popular times for people heading out on the water in small vessels.

“A zero tolerance approach will apply for breaches of lifejacket law after significant efforts to educate boaters about new lifejacket requirements in the past two boating seasons.

“A specific focus will be ensuring children under 12 are wearing lifejackets at all times in vessels smaller than 4.8 metres long and in open areas of a moving vessel 4.8 metres to eight metres.

“During random checks of recreational and commercial vessels, BSOs will also be ensuring there are enough lifejackets on board for each person, that they are in good condition, easily accessible, appropriate for the intended wearer and circumstances,” Mr Wright said.

For boating safety information including about lifejackets visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au

W

ork has started on improvements to berthing and mooring facilities on the western side of Campbells Cove, between Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in Sydney Harbour.

Roads and Maritime Services Director Maritime Michael Wright said the NSW Government had allocated $385,000 to improve safety and capacity at Campbells Cove for superyachts and tall ships.

“Currently Campbells Cove is available to be booked for berthing by visiting commercial vessels such as superyachts and tall ships. The improvements will improve the structural capacity of the existing fixed jetty,” Mr Wright said.

“The project will be carried out in three stages, with work on stages one and two involving the installation of steel piles alongside the existing jetty to be completed later this month, weather permitting.

“Roads and Maritime Services is carrying out this work to improve safety at the facility and allow for the safe berthing and mooring of superyachts up to 800 tonne displacement on the southern side of the jetty.

“This work will also see improvements to the northern berth to allow for use by tall ships up to 400 tonnes.

“Work will be carried out on weekdays from 7am to 5pm. While there will be some noise associated with work, piling will be low impact,” Mr Wright said.

Stage three work is scheduled to be tendered and carried out during the winter of 2014 and to provide safe berthing by superyachts on the northern side and by tall ships on the southern side of the jetty.

When you’re out on the water an accident can happen suddenly, turning a good day into a mayday.

With a wide range of lifejackets available, from comfortable foam to modern inflatable styles, there’s one to suit every need.

So be safe and wear yours.

For more information go to www.lifejacketwearit.com.au

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 39

Further premium cuts on the way for business as Workcover returns to surplus

N

SW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Finance and Services Andrew Constance today announced a further reduction to WorkCover premiums while confirming the scheme is now back in the black for the first time since 2008.

It means 200,000 employers across 376 industries will benefit from an average premium rate reduction of five per cent – saving them more than $130 million a year.

Mr O’Farrell made the announcement at Aldridge Traffic Systems at Rhodes along with Mr Constance, Member for Drummoyne John Sidoti and Vice President of the NSW Business Chamber Tony Dormer.

“These reductions in WorkCover premiums show the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is delivering on its commitment to support jobs and grow the state economy,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“The NSW Government’s reforms are delivering a fairer system, with more generous payments being provided to severely injured workers and businesses receiving incentives to improve workplace safety,” he said.

“The premium cuts announced today are on top of an average 7.5 per cent rate cut that came in earlier this year for 167,000 employers.

“With these reductions combined, NSW businesses will receive an average 12.5 per cent rate reduction in the 2013 premium cycle, returning $330 million to help grow the economy.

“The NSW Government’s action to fix the scheme means no employer will receive a rate increase in 2013.

“These reforms are great news for a business such as Aldridge Traffic Systems which will receive a further WorkCover premium rate reduction of 7.5 per cent.”

Mr Constance said the former Labor government ran WorkCover into the ground, leaving behind an unsustainable scheme with a $4.1 billion deficit.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals were determined to clean up the mess left behind by our predecessors, and pleasingly, we’ve been able to put WorkCover back on a sustainable footing,” Mr Constance said.

“The NSW Government’s reforms are freeing up businesses to grow and are providing better support for injured workers to help them return safely to work sooner.

“Returning to work early and safely is good

WorkCover – case studies Transport Company in South West Sydney A small transport company in South West Sydney has a wages bill of $455,000.

If the WorkCover scheme was not reformed, this employer would be paying a premium of $44,924.

Under the NSW Government’s changes, this business is receiving a rate reduction of 22.5 per cent, and will now pay a bill of $20,324 with other discounts and incentives.

Electrical Services Company in Western Sydney An electrical services company in Western Sydney with a wages bill of $851,020 would be paying a WorkCover premium of $32,147 if the scheme was not reformed.

With a premium reduction of 22.5 per cent, safety incentives and a discount for paying their premium on time and in full, this business’ workers compensation bill is now $15,194.

Café in the Southern Highlands A café in the Southern Highlands has a wages bill of $800,000.

Without the NSW Government’s reforms, this employer would be paying a premium of $31,692.

40 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

As a result of a premium reduction of 20.4 per cent, as well as other discounts and incentives, this business will now pay $14,761.

Grain Farmer in Central West NSW A grain farmer in Central West NSW with wages of $655,800 would be paying a premium of $52,097 under the old WorkCover scheme.

Under the new scheme, this business will pay an estimated premium of $23,528 as a result of a premium reduction of 22.5 per cent and other discounts and incentives.

Mine remediation business in the Hunter/New England area A small business remediating mine sites in the Hunter/ New England area has a wages bill of $626,576.

Without the NSW Government’s reforms, this business would be paying a premium of $45,655.

Under the new scheme, this business is receiving a combined premium reduction of 21.9 per cent, and will pay an estimated bill of $20,971 with other discounts and incentives.

for recovery and helps workers regain financial independence sooner.

“Safe Work Australia has reported that in 2012/13, NSW’s return to work rate improved by three per cent to 88 per cent - making it higher than the national average of 86 per cent.

“This result is a key driver in WorkCover’s improved performance, with the scheme accumulating a $309 million surplus as of 30 June 2013.

“This is a great result for the workers and employers of NSW. There is now adequate funding to protect injured worker payments while rewarding employers for good safety performance.”

Small employers are continuing to benefit from incentives introduced in June including: • an Employer Safety Incentive (ESI) premium discount at each policy renewal

&

Help promote protect your boating lifestyle

Recreational boating is one of the great pleasures of our Australian lifestyle.

We need to spell out the benefits of boating to the wider community and to government.

Good research is essential to ensure boating remains part of our Australian way of life. participate in the australian boater survey Your participation in the survey will assist the boating industry to promote the real economic and employment benefits of recreational boating.

Plus, it will provide vital information to enable governments to build and maintain better boating infrastructure and facilities for you the recreational boater.

Register to participate in the survey now at

www.australiaboatingsurvey.com Your participation will assist in countering the increasing imposts faced by recreational boaters.

• a Return to Work Incentive for employers who have an injury in the workplace. An employer can retain their ESI discount provided injured workers return to work within 13 weeks • an increased discount to five per cent for paying the premium in full by the due date.

The NSW Business Chamber estimated that without the NSW Government’s reforms to the WorkCover Scheme 12,600 jobs and job opportunities would be have been at risk.

“WorkCover’s improved financial performance proves that looking after people who are injured at work and lower premiums are not mutually exclusive,” Mr Dormer said.

“Apart from the reduced premiums, it is particularly pleasing there has been a reduction in the number of claims and the improvement in the return to work rate.

“NSW now has the best return to work rate in the country,” he said. h

recreational marine research centre The Recreational Marine Research Centre (RMRC) at Michigan State University in the USA is administering the survey for MIA and BIAA. RMRC is the recognised world authority on recreational boating economic impact research.

what is the survey method As a registered participant you will be part of a national panel of boaters. You will be surveyed on a monthly basis for 12 months commencing October 2013 to collect information about your last boating trip.

The web-based survey will collect data about the origin and destinations of your last boating trip, where the boat was kept and any trip spending such as fuel.

Confidentiality of your individual data is guaranteed.

Only data aggregated by region and type will be released.

how much time will it take?

Allow 5 minutes to register and similar for each monthly survey.

why participate?

participation incentives Survey participation is free and your individual data is confidential. After registering to participate you will be in the running to win a range of giveaways including boat insurance, retail vouchers and boat show tickets.

who is conducting the survey?

The Marina Industries Association (MIA) and Boating Industries Alliance Australia (BIAA) are conducting the survey across all states and territories. supporter

� Be in the draw for valuable participation giveaways � Support research that will lead to a better understanding by non-boaters and governments of the benefits of recreational boating for our economy � Assist in protecting boating from over-regulation and increasing costs � Support the case for better boating infrastructure Participate by registering now at

www.australiaboatingsurvey.com

Industries Association

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK December 2013 - 41

Key Dates 2014 SHOW DATES Melbourne Summer Boat Show 31 January - 2 February 2014 Hillarys Boat Dive and Fishing Show 7 - 9 March 2014 Sydney Trailer Boat Show at Homebush 15 - 16 March 2014 Brisbane Tinnie and Tackle Show 4 - 6 April 2014 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 22 - 25 May 2014 Melbourne Boat Show 13 - 16 June 2014 Adelaide Boat Show 26 - 29 June 2014 Sydney International Boat Show 31 July - 4 August 2014 Darwin Boat & Outdoor Show 6 - 7 September 2014 Brisbane Boat Show 11 - 14 September 2014 Auckland On Water Boat Show 25 - 28 September 2014 Mandurah Boat Show 10 - 12 October 2014

School Holidays

NSW

SA

Summer Holidays End - Monday, 27 Jan 2014 Autumn Holidays Monday, 14 Apr - Friday, 25 Apr Winter Holidays Monday, 30 Jun - Friday, 11 Jul Spring Holidays Monday, 22 Sep - Monday, 06 Oct Summer Holidays Monday, 22 Dec - Monday, 26 Jan 2015

End - Monday, 27 Jan 2014 Monday, 14 Apr - Friday, 25 Apr Monday, 07 Jul - Friday, 18 Jul Monday, 29 Sep - Friday, 10 Oct Monday, 15 Dec - Monday, 26 Jan 2015

Public Holidays

SA

NSW

New Year’s Day Wednesday, 1 January Australia Day (not a PH in NSW) Australia Day Public Holiday Monday, 27 January March Public Holiday Good Friday Friday, 18 April Easter Saturday Saturday, 19 April Easter Sunday Sunday, 20 April Easter Monday Monday, 21 April ANZAC Day Friday, 25 April Queen’s Birthday Monday, 9 June Bank Holiday* Monday, 4 August Labour Day Monday, 6 October Christmas Day Public Holiday Thursday, 25 December Boxing Day Friday, 26 December

Wednesday, 1 January Sunday, 26 January Monday, 27 January Monday, 10 March Friday, 18 April Saturday, 19 April (not a PH in SA) Monday, 21 April Friday, 25 April Monday, 9 June Monday, 6 October Thursday, 25 December Friday, 26 December

* applies to banks and certain financial institutions

Other Dates of Interest Australia Day Daylight Savings Ends Mothers Day Fathers Day Daylight Savings Begins Melbourne Cup Day

NSW

Sunday, 26 January Sunday, 6 April Sunday, 11 May Sunday, 7 September Sunday, 5 October Tuesday, 4 November

42 - December 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

SA

Sunday, 26 January Sunday, 6 April Sunday, 11 May Sunday, 7 September Sunday, 5 October Tuesday, 4 November

Walcon Marine Australia

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Trust IC Frith with your insurance concerns, so you can concentrate on your business.

We offer state-of-the-art insurance for the following specialist areas: • Repairers (Exclusive Ship Repairers Liability Programme) • Commercial Hull, yacht and pleasurecraft • Marinas • Importers / Exporters • Boat Dealers / Retailers • Yacht and Boat Clubs • Marine Surveyors • Boat and Yacht Builders

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