Queensland Marinas Under Sustainability Pressures

Queensland marina operators and developers are under sustainability pressure as a result of massive State Government agency rent rises that have no bearing to the economic performance of the industry.  Adding to the pressure is uncertainty in relation to current and future wet and dry marina lease policies.

To add clarity to this issue, Marine Queensland engaged Pitcher Partners to undertake an analysis of a sustainable rent regime for marinas in Queensland.  This work builds on similar analyses undertaken by marina operators and developers in NSW.

Core concerns with the current framework within Queensland include:

• 1. Many Queensland marinas are now paying rents beyond sustainable levels and well outside national and international guidelines.
• 2. The current lease terms for many Queensland marinas are inadequate to support optimal sustainable development as commercial and community service enterprises;
• 3. Current commercial lease valuations and the associated commercial lease framework has been identified as an inhibitor to new development as well as the sustainable operation of existing facilities;
• 4. There is an urgent need for the development of a best practice policy for commercial lease frameworks within the State to support the ongoing economic development and investment in the marine industry.

Marine Queensland General Manager, Don Jones, today said, "Sustainable marina developments are critical to the ongoing development of the marine industry in this State. The Queensland recreational and light commercial marine industry is presently the largest in Australia and employs many thousands of people."

"Marinas are critical infrastructure for the industry and also the boating public.  They play an essential role in local and regional communities providing access to our wonderful waterways".

Mark Robertson, Chairman of the Marina Division of Marine Queensland, adds "There is real pressure and uncertainty in the industry across the entire state at present, and while this remains many millions of dollars of investment money is being held back."

Activities such as boating and fishing have become popular and affordable holiday and recreation alternatives. 

"The flow-on effects into tourism, retail and other industry sectors is evident from these important assets" said Jones. 

"We are proposing the development of a State-Wide Policy Framework to equitably and sustainably address this critical issue for the industry."

"A long-term sustainable approach to marina valuations and rental frameworks is therefore very important for the industry and regional communities."