BIA Queensland becomes Marine Queensland

by Bob Wonders on 17 Aug 2007 Need for a ‘United Voice’ prompts change of name for industry association.

Marine Queensland has been chosen as the new name for what was formerly the Boating Industry Association of Queensland (BIAQ).

Barry Jenkins, president of Marine Queensland, believes the new name more accurately describes the organisation’s services and responsibilities to the marine industry and the boating public.

'Over the past 18 months the organisation has expanded its activities beyond the narrow dimension of servicing the boating industry, which had been its core business for more than 30-years,' Mr Jenkins explained.

'Government at all levels requested the marine industry speak with a united voice and, as a result, a wide range of industry segments unified under the organisation’s umbrella.

'We now represent boat builders, distributors, retailers and repairers, brokers, surveyors, marina operators and allied services such as insurers and finance providers.

'The organisation has also extended its services to Queensland’s boating public through the establishment of BoatClub and the creation of industry-endorsed boat shows in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and the Gold Coast,' he added.

Mr Jenkins said that given this broad spectrum of activity within the Queensland marine industry, the board decided it was time for a name change to reflect the different direction taken.

Will the Queensland move be followed by other States?

Apparently, only time will tell.

Domenic Genua, marketing and event manager for the Boating Industry Association of NSW (speaking for general manager, Roy Privett laid low with the ‘flu), said it was essentially a matter for Queensland.

'We weren’t privy to their discussions, so we’re not really in a position to comment,' he said.
'If Queensland sees this as a positive step forward, good luck to them.
'I dare say it will promote thinking at future board meetings at all State BIAs,' he added.

Lindsay Grenfell, CEO of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria, said he knew the prospect of changing the name was under discussion.

'But I was not aware it was so close to becoming confirmed,' he said.

'I think all States have spoken of the possibility of changing the name at one time or another and it has taken up a reasonably amount of time in discussions at Australian Marine Industry Federation (AMIF) meetings.
'The thought had been to maintain the same name across Australia and changing the BIA logo was seen as very difficult.

'It is very recognisable and to change it and the name would not be an inexpensive step.

'Of course, Queensland sees itself as ‘The Smart State’, to they must know.
'Marine Queensland does say it all.

'Many organisations have the word ‘marine’ in their title, Hunts Marine, JV Marine, International Marine, Avanti Marine and so forth.

'I’m sure the Queensland decision will have other states reviewing their situation.

'The outcome? We will wait and see.'

Glen Jones, general manager of the Boating Industry Association of South Australia (BIASA) said he felt the Queensland decision would certainly create discussion.

'It’s an interesting move and I have no doubt it will form an agenda at the BIASA next board meeting,' he said.
'Personally, I commend Queensland for their initiative.

'If they believe this is the way to go, then good luck to them, I’m sure it was a decision taken only after careful thought and discussion,' he added.

Sherry Donaldson, CEO of the AMIF, said the federation had been kept informed of Queensland’s plans and she wished them well.

'If it improves service, improves the image to Queensland’s boating public then we’re all for it,' she said.

'As for other State association’s adopting a similar line, only time will tell.

'It’s up to the board of each to make that decision, they do not need AMIF approval.'

There’s still some important work to be done by Marine Queensland to effectively verify the new name is certified.

The organisation is currently working on the accreditation of its member groups to ensure their procedures and service to the boating public is in line with the Code of Conduct.

This code demands courteous and honest attention at all times, together with respect for the marine environment.

Only those which follow the code will be ratified by Marine Queensland, giving the public full confidence when dealing with its members.

Mr Jenkins declared the name change was not ‘cosmetic.’

'It has teeth,' he said. According the Marine Queensland, recreational boating in Queensland has grown by 67 percent in the last decade; the state now has 212,545 registered vessels and more than 550,000 licence holders.
Currently, the marine industry in Queensland has an annual turnover of $2.6 billion and employs more than 11,000 people.

Recreational boating make a major contribution to the Queensland economy and the state can claim to be Australia’s largest producer of boats and boating products.

'In the very near future,' Mr Jenkins said, 'Queensland will overhaul New South Wales in boating registrations.
'With Queensland becoming the nation’s boating epicentre, Marine Queensland will ensure that the organisation and the industry maintain high ethical standards and services for the benefit of the general community, the boating public and the marine industry,' he added.