Australian Health of the Marina Industry Index - available soon

by Colin Bransgrove on 2 Sep 2011 The Marina Industry Association of Australia (MIAA) recently released a research study conducted by the Recreational Marine Research Centre (RMRC) at Michigan State University highlighting the significance of Australian marinas as economic and employment hubs within their communities.

The report estimated total direct economic value of Australian marinas as measured by total revenue generated was $1.16 billion or $3.6 million per marina. The estimated direct permanent and casual employment generated by marinas was approximately 6,400 or 17 persons per marina.

Since the release of the study in June work has been ongoing to refine the methodology. Dr Edward Mahoney and his team in Michigan, in association with MIAA and its partners have now developed the Australian Health of the Marina Industry Index. As well as collecting annual economic data the Index will also track marina environmental and social performance.

The Index will have invaluable data not only on a national level but it will include specific data on marinas by type (e.g. Club Marinas), size and location (e.g. Queensland). The Index will be based on 2010/11 data and the release date is set for later this year.

Copies of the first report entitled MIAA Australian Marina Value Pilot Study are still available for purchase from the MIAA at info@marinas.net.au