Independent Marina Research Indicates Strong Growth

Clontarf Marina © Jeni Bone

The 2017 Club Marine Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey report has been released. The survey was first conducted in 2013 and it now provides extensive trend data over a six year period.

An exceptionally high 44% of Australia's 320 marinas participated in this latest survey that is carried out by the Recreation Marine Research Centre at Michigan State University for the Marina Industries Association (MIA) based in Sydney.

The report's author Dr Ed Mahoney said "the 120 page report is one of the most, if not the most, scientific and practically relevant marina surveys conducted anywhere in the world. 25% of the known Australian marinas completed all three surveys over a six year period and this provides the rare capacity to compare various performance measures over time." MIA Chairman Andrew Chapman said the survey has been a key platform in MIA's long term strategy to support the sustainable development of the marina industries.

Key take outs from the surveys over the 2012/13- 2016/17 period include:

• Steady demand for marina boat storage with national storage occupancy at 85%
• 38% of marinas have summer waiting lists for berth spaces
• 3% increase in supply to approximately 70,000 spaces
• Supply of 24m plus berths grew 17% over this period
• Marina gross revenues up significantly increasing 32% to $3.2m
• For the 2016/17 period capital expenditure was on average $850,000 per marina
• Average marina payroll has increased 33% over the six year period
• Exceptional growth of 96% over six years in the number of contactors employed at marinas.

Over the six year period there has been a 30% increase in the number of marinas providing social or recreational programs or activities for the general public. Investment in environmental protection more than doubled. Colin Bransgrove said "these trends reflect the industries growing role as providers of community recreational, social and environmental services and leadership."

Club Marine Chief Executive Officer Simon McLean said Club Marine is proud to support this important research project. "Club Marine is committed to providing thought leadership to the recreational marine sector. This marina research is a most valuable addition to our understanding of the business of marinas and to the lead role they can play supporting the growth of recreational boating."

The 2017 Club Marine Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey report has been sent to all participating marinas and it is available for purchase from the MIA.