MIA Health of the Australian Marina Industry report released

Marina Industries Association © MIA

The Marina Industry Association (MIA) has released its latest Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey Report (HAMIS).

Conducted every two years, since 2011, the survey continues to provide a comprehensive, comparable, and evolving perspective on the economic, social and environmental performance and contributions of Australian marinas. The survey is largely funded by maritime planning and design experts, International Marina Consultants (IMC).

Conducted in late 2021, the findings are based on a sample of over 46% of Australia's 290 club and commercial marinas and given the high response rate and consistency of the survey instrument and its respondents, the resultant data is considered valid and reliable. Researcher and report author, Dr Ed Mahoney of Michigan State University, noted, "The response rate again demonstrates the industry's acute interest in having access to scientifically collected data that allows for identification of trends and assessment of the financial performance and economic contribution of this important industry".

The resilience and strength were evident when key data was presented to over 320 industry professionals by MIA President, Andrew Chapman two weeks ago at the Marinas22 International Conference and Trade Exhibition on the Gold Coast. The performance highlights from the 2020-21 data indicate industry turnover exceeding $730M, direct employment of over 3,300 people, government tax and lease payments of $95M, along with capital investments of over $183M. Furthermore, the industry engaged nearly 8,700 independent contractors and provided tenancy to over 1,900 businesses.

Chapman explained, "The findings indicate inadequacy of supply in many locations around the country. It shows that strong occupancy rates and waitlists have continued to grow over the last decade despite an increase in storage spaces. This bodes well for the future of our industry as it indicates further opportunity, particularly given the increasing pipeline of new vessels on order from manufacturers - they are all going to need somewhere to store their boats".

The report breaks performance down by state along with marina size and type (club, non-club marinas). The varying services provided by marinas, including food and beverage, fuel and commercial tenancy are reported on, and comments made on the differing effects of the pandemic on the industry.

A complimentary copy if the 106-page report has been distributed to all participating marinas and is available for purchase on the MIA website.