River sustainability initiative and marinas in partnership

by MIAA on 31 Oct 2011 The St George Motor Boat Club (SGMBC) in Sydney's south has become the 54th marina in Asia and Australasia to achieve Clean Marina accreditation and the first marina within the Georges River catchment in Sydney to achieve this status.

The Clean Marinas environmental program is administered by the Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA). The program includes an independent audit of 124 elements of the marina’s environmental related facilities, policies, plans and practices.

The accreditation came about through a partnership between the Club, the Lower Georges River Sustainability Initiative (LSGRSI) and the MIAA.

The accreditation certificate was presented by Colin Bransgrove from the Australian Marina Industries Association to Cec Quilkey, President of the SGMBC. The presentation was part of the first Georges River Estuary Open Day held at the SGMBC Saturday 29 November.

The Open Day was a celebration of fun and informative experience for river users. The purpose of the Day was to bring users of the Georges River estuary, which extends from Botany Bay including Towra Point wetlands to the Liverpool Weir, together on the shores of the Georges River Estuary for a fun family-friendly event to learn about what businesses’ and residents can do to preserve and enjoy the river.

Exhibitors at the Open Day included Australian Wildlife Display, local fishing clubs, RiverHealth Monitoring Program, Seabird Rescue, Sea Net, Fishcare Volunteers, Marine Rescue NSW, the Georges River Combined Councils’ Committee, Australian Seabird Rescue, Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority and many more.

The Open Day was a result of the MIAA and LSGRSI partnership. Another outcome of the partnership is that seven other marinas within the catchment have been provided with instruction on how to align their operations with the Clean Marina criteria.

As a result three of these marinas have committed to participate in the full Clean Marinas program. Mr Bransgrove said this was an excellent outcome that could be replicated in other water catchment areas. 'A healthy waterway provides a better recreational environment for water based activities including boating and fishing, and this in turn supports the economic, employment and social activities associated with marinas within the catchment'.

More at www.georgesriver.org.au or www.marinas.net.au