Marine Queensland - A Name Change with Teeth
President Barry Jenkins said the new name would more accurately
describe the organisation’s services and responsibilities to the marine
industry and the boating public.
He said that, over the past 18 months, the organisation had expanded
its activities beyond the narrow dimension of servicing the boating
industry which had been its core business since 1974.
“Governments of all levels requested the marine industry speak with a
united voice and, as a result, a wide range of industry segments
unified under the BIAQ umbrella,” said Mr Jenkins.
“The organisation now represents boat builders, distributors, retailers
and repairers as well as brokers, surveyors, marina operators and
allied services, such as finance and insurance providers.
“The BIAQ has also extended its services to the state’s boating public
through the establishment of BoatClub and the creation of industry
endorsed boat shows in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and Gold Coast.
“Given the broad spectrum of activity within the Queensland marine
industry, the board decided it was time for a name change to Marine
Queensland to reflect the organisation’s change in direction.”
He said the new organisation was working on the accreditation of the
member groups to ensure their procedures and services to the public
were in line with the organisation’s Code of Conduct, which demands
courteous and honest attention at all times and respect for the marine
environment.
“Only organisations which follow the code of ethics will be ratified by
Marine Queensland, giving the public confidence in dealing with its
members,” said Mr Jenkins.
“The name change is not cosmetic - it’s got teeth.”
Recreational boating in Queensland has grown by 67 per cent in the past
decade and the state now has 223,425 registered vessels and 500,000
licensed drivers.
Mr Jenkins said the Queensland marine industry created an annual turnover of $2.6 billion and 11,000 jobs.
He said BIAQ membership had doubled in the past five years to 600 to keep pace with the public demand for recreational boating.
“Recreational boating makes a major contribution to the Queensland
economy and Queensland is Australia’s major producer of recreational
boating products,” said Mr Jenkins.
“In the very near future, Queensland will overhaul New South Wales in
boating registrations, making Queensland Australia’s largest
recreational boating producer and consumer.
“With Queensland becoming the nation’s boating epicentre, Marine
Queensland will ensure the organisation and the industry maintain high
ethical standards.”
MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
BARRY HIBBERD (07) 3899 3333
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Posted on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 (Archive on Wednesday, September 05, 2007)
Posted by host Contributed by host
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