Mackay Marina Village named Marina of the Year

by Mackay Marina on 21 May 2013 Mackay Marina Village and Shipyard has been named Marina of the Year for the second time by the Marine Industries Association in the category 'Commercial Marinas over 140 Berths'.

Announced at Marine13 in Sydney, the awards are for the 2013/14 period and based on performance over the previous financial year period. MIA President Andrew Chapman said: 'These awards celebrate industry best practice and provide a benchmark for other businesses to aspire to.'

Judging criteria included facilities, services, environmental measures, community involvement, training and industry involvement. Marina and Shipyard Manager Ben Anderson said: 'This is a great achievement for Mackay, and is a real credit to the team at the marina.'

It is the perfect start to a very busy season for us as we have several events coming up, beginning with our own boat show the Mackay Marine Festival which includes the Offshore Superboats series 22nd- 23rd June. The World Oyster Rally will be with us on 22nd July http://www.oysteryachts.com/worldrally/. We then have the Mackay Beach Races – 17th August which incorporates Mackay Marina Food and Wine Day.'

The marina has been steadily growing in popularity having been first named Marina of the Year in 2006. As an official Port Of Entry with onsite Customs and Quarantine the team now welcomes a regular stream of visitors from around the world. Mackay Marina is the entry point into Australia for prestigious around the world rallies such as Blue Water Rally 2008 & 2010, World ARC 2010 & 2012, The Western Pacific Rally 2012, and the inaugural Oster Round the world Rally in 2013, and is fast becoming the preferred entry point for all blue water cruising yachts. From 2014, the World ARC Rally will be an annual event, choosing Mackay Marina as their entry point into Australia.

Mackay Marina Village and Shipyard is a privately owned marina and shipyard facility located in Central Queensland at the gateway to the Whitsundays. The precinct comprises a 479 berth marina including six Superyacht berths, specially designed multihull berths, commercial fishing berths and maintenance berths. The marina caters for vessels up to 50m in length with up to 3.5m draft at LAT. The marina also boasts one of the most user friendly fuel docks on the coast with 13 pumps featuring some newly installed Compac High Flow/ Low flow dispensers.

Mackay Marina Shipyard features a secure maintenance and repair facilities on a 14,000sqm concrete hardstand with on-site trades, weatherproof paint and maintenance sheds, blasting and a 65- tonne travel lift with a 9.2m beam. The facility has received an above compliance rating from the EPA and also a newly installed keel pit to cater for deep draft yachts.

The site also features a waterfront esplanade of bars, restaurants and shops and is home to the award winning Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina (luxury 4.5 stars) – 79 self-contained suites (designed so each room has an ocean view), function facilities, restaurant, bar and pool.

Ben Anderson says Best Environmental Practice has long been a key part of the team’s vision statement. 'We have achieved and maintained Level 3 Clean Marina status, which acknowledges the achievement of rigorous environmental management systems audited by the Marina Association of Australia.

'Mackay Marina Village and Shipyard is one of The MIA certified Level 3 Clean Marinas in Australia and is fully EPA approved. All facilities are regularly checked by marina staff and independent auditors to ensure everything functions at 100 per cent capability and safety.'

More at www.mackaymarina.com