Marine Western Australia launches to unite industry

by Marine WA on 13 Sep 2010 Established to unite the WA Shipbuilders Association (formed in 1994) and SuperYacht Base WA (formed in 2007), Marine Western Australia is a non-profit, non-government association funded by member subscriptions and other events and arrangements.

With a recent study valuing the WA marine industry at $3.5 billion per annum, the founding members are keen to lobby government for its support and recognition of its importance to the economy.

The mission for Marine Western Australia is to be the ‘peak body' representing the broader marine industry of Western Australia in conjunction with other marine based organisations.

With the support of the State Government, the Board are hopeful Marine Western Australia can work with and represent all marine industry sectors and lobby groups in Western Australia.

In 2005-06, the total Recreational Boating Industry within Australia generated direct industry revenue of $7.8 billion nationally, including annual exports of $934 million. The industry employed 28,000 full time, part time and casual employees. (Source: EMDA 2007)

In 2009 the West Australian Marine Industry study done by Dr H Cripps of Edith Cowan University for the Department of Commerce put the value of the marine industry to the economy of Western Australia at $3,576,466,546. per annum. The study was based on information from 208 firms across nine industry sectors.
The Western Australian Government, through related departments, has advised that the industry will get better acknowledgements if it is united and presents one voice.

Marine Western Australia, on behalf of members will:
• Promote the Marine Industry through marketing and advocacy
• Enhance awareness of the economic, social and environmental significance of the Marine Industry across all levels of government
• Provide showcases for industry products through boat shows
• Provide leadership and liaise with Governments, Authorities and Agencies
• Provide up to date information on legislative requirements
• Provide Industry Accreditation programs
• Provide consumer complaint mediation and resolution
• Conduct and provide research on Marine Industry markets
• Conduct industry seminars, conferences & networking opportunities
• Promote Western Australia as a marine tourism destination

Members may come from all sectors of marine and non marine businesses within Western Australia with an interest in marine operations.

Membership is open to any business engaged principally or with an interest in the marine industry, subject to satisfying entrance qualifications.

Marine WA will have online forms for potential members to apply. For information Tel: (08) 9316 2995.