The Marina Sanctuary Cove has attained Clean Marina Level 3 status, an indication of its commitment to 'rigorous environmental management systems'.

Marina Operations Manager, Helen Motteram-Smith says the entire Sanctuary Cove community is proud of its most recent achievement, testament to their genuine dedication to 'being a leader in environmental protection and reducing our carbon footprint'.

Overseen by the Marina Industries Association of Australia, the Clean Marinas program encourages environmental compliance and the use of best management practices for marinas.
Level 3 accreditation signifies that the marina has been independently audited by a trained and qualified Clean Marina Consultant to 124 environmental assessment criteria in areas such as fuelling, waste storage and disposal, emergency planning and management of environmental practices.

'It is an indication to our berth holders, visitors, residents and the broader Gold Coast that we are very serious about our stewardship of the waterways and natural environment of Sanctuary Cove,' adds Helen.

MIAA President Andrew Chapman said Sanctuary Cove’s achievement was important for the marina industry as it is a high profile marina and influential in demonstrating environmental leadership to the wider community.

'The accreditation of Sanctuary Cove Marina means we now have 50 marinas across Australia committed to environmental best practice. The challenge for industry is to quickly increase the number of marinas committed to achieving Clean Marinas status.'

The Marina Sanctuary Cove is a world-class facility providing over 300 moorings for vessels from 25ft (8m) up to 150ft (46m).

Each year for 23 years, the Marina has been the venue for the internationally respected Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Adjacent to The Marine Village, comprising specialty stores, restaurants and cafes, the marina is popular with residents, Gold Coast locals and visiting yachts from all over Australia and the world.

'Sanctuary Cove Marina is a destination in its own right and is here for all to enjoy,' states Helen. 'It is important not only for the protection of the environment, but for the peace of mind of customers who want the assurance that their favourite boating destination will remain pristine long in to the future. Gaining the Clean Marinas accreditation shows we have a commitment to our residents and our community, which in the long run is good for everyone.'

With a background in hospitality and marketing, Helen moved from Sydney to the Gold Coast in 1990. She began working with boat show stalwart, Harry Davis in 1991 and stayed on in various roles for 15 years. Helen then moved to the marina and has been there for five years, now at the helm as Marina Operations Manager.

'The love of boats and boating is part of my life,' says Helen, who grew up in WA and spent many summers and weekends out on a boat with her family, exploring its coast line.

'The people and the diversity keep it entertaining,' she continues. 'Boating people are generally ‘real ’people and the berth holders I have at Sanctuary Cove marina are a particularly great bunch, as are the tenants and residents. It’s like a very friendly country town! I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else – I love the place!'

There’s no such thing as 'a typical day' at the marina, but Helen says most days, you will find her 'in early before the day officially begins, taking stock and casting an eye over everything'.

'I take the boat out and about the marina, just to make sure everything is as it should be. I usually come back with a list of things for our Dock masters to check. That also gives me a chance to chat to any berth holders that may be around. The great thing about this job is every day is different, always changing and always busy!'

An avid traveller, Helen has visited some of the world’s premier marinas and can say with some degree of objectivity, Sanctuary Cove is unique. 'I am always glad to come home. We have a unique lifestyle here. It’s beautiful. We have the restaurants, cafes, golf courses, Rec Club, tennis, the Hyatt Regency with its fantastic man-made beach and facilities, Village events, festivals and markets – everything is at our finger tips. We very often forget how lucky we are to live here.'

With no plans to rest on her credentials, Helen is focused on maintaining and surpassing the standards at the marina, as well as preparing for next year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, 24-27 May 2012.

'With Mulpha Sanctuary Cove continually investing in infrastructure initiatives to provide not only the residents but the community with an enviable lifestyle, all I can say is ‘watch this space’!'

Clean Marina Level 3 -  MIAA

About Sanctuary Cove
The $A2 billion Sanctuary Cove, located on the northern Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading and most successful master-planned community. Sanctuary Cove was acquired by current owners Mulpha Sanctuary Cove (Developments) Pty Limited in 2002. MSCD, an arm of Mulpha Australia Limited, which is a subsidiary of Malaysian listed Mulpha International BHD, has invested significantly in Sanctuary Cove over recent years, resulting in a major transformation designed to ensure the pre-eminent community remains at the forefront of master-planned living in Australia.