NEWS UPDATE21 June 2024 Publishers noteI think they make a fair argument! Why should boaties in NSW pay so much more for their boat licences? If the BIA is correct in their claims, and I can’t see how they are not, in NSW a PWC licence for 10 years will be close to $2,000, whereas it is $124 in Queensland for a lifetime licence, and $45 for an annual licence in Victoria. Something just doesn’t add up. The BIA kicked off their campaign raising their concerns in late May with their news "BIA Meets NSW Government Regarding Boating Fee Increases," followed by "Call to Review Unfair Surprise Boating Fee Increases," then "Transport for NSW to Tax Boaters Extra Millions," and yesterday’s headline was "BIA Highlights Disparity in Boating Taxes." Transport for NSW announced the fee increases back in mid-May, saying that “Maritime licence and registration fees will increase from July 1 as NSW Maritime moves to invest more money into waterway safety measures.” Their full announcement was headlined simply as "Maritime Fee Increases Come Into Effect from July 1." The cost of living is having a dramatic effect on much of our community. It is a shame that those with the ability to enjoy boating for leisure or sport may sadly start to consider if it is starting to become beyond their reach. Marine Business News is an Australian-owned marine industry news service publishing local and international news. If you have news stories you would like to share, please let us know by contacting our newsroom via our email at NewsRoom@MarineBusinessNews.com.au. Stay safe on the water, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers to hone skills in training exercise off Bondi BeachMarine Rescue NSW is hosting a major Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) this Saturday, 22 June and for the first time it is being held off Bondi Beach. 50 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from seven units across Greater Sydney along with members of NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW will take part in the exercise. Ahoy Club Revolutionises Global Yacht Charter Booking with acquisition of Floatspace.Ahoy Club, a distinguished name in the global yachting industry, is thrilled to announce its acquisition of Floatspace, a digital leader in yacht booking services. This strategic move is designed to strengthen Ahoy Club’s commitment to providing clients with instant and seamless booking experiences on a global scale. The late Sir James Hardy OBE AOThe 2024 King’s Birthday Honours list recognises and celebrates 737 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards, and recognition for conspicuous service. In 2024 the late Sir James Hardy OBE was posthumously awarded an AO this weekend. His achievements speak for themselves. BIA Highlights Disparity in Boating TaxesThe NSW Government is set to hit the boating public and industry with the highest taxes in the nation from 1 July, according to the Boating Industry Association (BIA). BIA represents hundreds of marine businesses and thousands of workers in NSW supporting the more than 2 million people who go boating each year in the State. Mulpha Events acquires Outdoor Adventure Trade ShowMulpha Events, owner-operator of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has announced the acquisition of the Australian Adventure Expo (AAE), Australia’s only trade exhibition for the outdoor adventure, 4×4, fishing and hunting sector, from Brooks Events.Niels Klarenbeek, Director of METSTRADE, to lead IFBSO The annual meeting of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) in La Rochelle, France, has elected Niels Klarenbeek as its new president. He succeeds Anne Dunbar from IBEX, who led the organisation for the past two years. EU/NZ free trade agreement opens up opportunities for trade within the Marine SectorLast month a historic milestone was reached with the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EU FTA) coming into force after years of negotiations. This agreement marks a significant leap forward for New Zealand businesses, providing enhanced access to the expansive European market. IBEX 2024 sets sights on TampaThe International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry will take place at the Tampa Convention Centre in the USA, October 1 – 3, 2024. Any given day with Jake SandersOn any given day, at (almost) any given time of the year, the Reef Authority’s compliance team is on the water, in the air, and invariably on the job patrolling and preserving Australia’s greatest natural wonder. And Jake Sanders is certainly no exception. For me, fishing is not just a pastime. It’s my sport of choice.Our beloved pastime draws millions of Australians outdoors for some valuable fresh air adventure and rejuvenation each year. Our motivations are as varied as the waterways we fish — some seek solitude and reflection; some quality family time; others want the excuse to get away with like-minded mates; still others yearn for challenge and competition (whether it be with themselves or others). Candela C-8 to premiere at Sydney International Boat Show 2024Candela has announced that Carbon Yachts, the Australian distributor of Candela Boats, is bringing Australia’s first Candela C-8, the world’s premier electric hydrofoiling boat, to Sydney. This revolutionary vessel will arrive in Sydney this July and make its Australian premiere at the Sydney International Boat Show from August 1-4. To sell, keep or close down your business – “A significant decision for many business owners”Selling a business you have poured your heart, soul, money and reputation into can be stressful to say the least. However as nerve wracking as it may be making these decisions, there are always measures you can put in place to lessen the stress and hopefully achieve the desired outcome. As in any successful endeavour planning ahead is the key. ILIAD Catamarans’ Multihull of the Year Winner to Shine at 2024 Sydney International Boat ShowThe ILIAD 53F, winner of the 2024 Multihull of the Year award, will be a major drawcard for visitors to the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show from 1 – 4 August. ILIAD Catamarans will be showcasing the highly acclaimed long-range power catamaran in Darling Harbour with inspection bookings now available.. History made with $27 million budget to keep Queenslanders safe on the waterThe Queensland Miles Government has delivered $27 million for the new Marine Rescue Queensland to keep people safe on the water. MRQ will bring together the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA) and Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland (VMRAQ) marine rescue units from across Queensland into an integrated and sustainable volunteer marine rescue service. |