The 2009 Queensland Marine Industry Annual Report has been completed providing an overall review of the performance of Queensland’s marine industry. 

“2009 was an extremely tough year for the Marine Industry as a whole however as the report shows opportunities do exist for industry growth and development as we move into 2010” said Don Jones, General Manager of Marine Queensland.

Queensland Transport recorded a total of 233, 224 registered recreational marine vessels in 2009, an increase of 2.7% on 2008.  The average size for registered recreational vessels in Queensland was between 4.1 and 4.5m and 95% of vessels are still 8m in length or under.

“The continued growth in vessel registrations pays tribute to the importance recreational boating plays in the lives of Queenslanders.  It is evident, despite increasing pressures on household budgets, that the community has not abandoned their boating lifestyle” said Jones.

In September 2009, 50% of recreational boat registrations in Queensland were located in the State’s south eastern corner.  Except for vessels with sails, Gold Coast City continued to have the most registrations overall and in each class. 

The demand for recreational marine licences has continued to experience a steady increase of 6% on last year with 723, 506 licences currently registered in Queensland.

“An increase in the number of people becoming involved with boating means an increase in the demand for access to and availability of boating infrastructure,” said Jones, “We are facing a series of infrastructure challenges to meet this demand including infrastructure cost escalations, ageing assets requiring increased levels of maintenance and demanding environmental approval processes often requiring extended periods for approvals to materialise.”

Given that current trends in recreational vessel numbers continue over the next five years it has been identified that an additional twenty marinas will be required Australia wide. A key challenge for the state’s marina operators and developers is development of best practice policy for commercial lease frameworks to support the ongoing economic development of the marine industry.

The impact of the global financial crisis on Queensland’s marine businesses saw a third of businesses reduce staff whilst annual revenue per business declined on average by 33%.

Despite the continuing global economic uncertainty a number of opportunities exist for the industry and for those marine businesses with capability and capacity.  Opportunities include industry rebuilding with a focus on increasing efficiency and developing technological advantage as well as building on co-management models for the governance of infrastructure, marine parks and fisheries.

This is the second Queensland Marine Industry Annual Report commissioned by Marine Queensland, the state industry body representing the needs and interests of Queensland’s recreational and light commercial marine industry.  For a full copy of the 2009 Queensland Marine Industry Annual Report please contact Marine Queensland on (07) 3390 4657.