NEWS UPDATE15 December 2023 Publishers noteThe diversity of Australia's weather and conditions is certainly demonstrating its variability. Notably, Cyclone "Jasper," at the time of writing, was positioned over land just north of Cairns along the Queensland coast. It is expected to move into the Gulf of Carpentaria today and tomorrow, with authorities cautioning that it may redevelop and strengthen as it moves west across the country. This weather event has brought substantial wind, rain, flooding, and various other challenges, which only locals can describe with absolute sincerity. Nevertheless, in typical Aussie fashion, I am hearing from Cairns' locals that "all is good – back and running." On the east coast, writing from my hometown of Sydney, the heat and winds have been extraordinary. News services report random fires not only in the bush but also stranded burning vehicles on our roadways. Furthermore, authorities are urging people to consider their power usage to prevent overloading the system. Without wanting to provide a national weather report, most of us are experiencing the peculiarities and extremes of an Australian summer. Coupled with the heightened demand for people to go boating, timely calls from authorities emphasise the importance of being sensible on the water. Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner has urged boaters to avoid falling victim to preventable incidents, and NSW Maritime calls for a summer of safety. Similar calls have been made nationally. Boating is an exceptional pastime for many reasons, but safety must come first. If the weather is volatile in your area, take care; if in doubt, don't go out. Remember, safe boating is good boating, and a lifejacket never ruined a day on the water. 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. We invite you to look at the many more stories on our website not seen in this newsletter, as well as links to resources, photo libraries, reviews, our international events calendar, our jobs board, and now an eNews log of our past Friday newsletters. Stay safe on the water, d’Albora increases portfolio growth with two new marina assetsd’Albora, Australia’s largest premium marina and hospitality network’s owner, MA Financial Group has recently settled on the purchase of two new marinas. The acquisitions have increased the Group’s total marina portfolio to twelve locations across the eastern seaboard, solidifying its position as the largest marina group in the southern hemisphere. New TAFE Marine Centre of Excellence making waves on the Gold CoastThe TAFE Marine Centre of Excellence at Coomera will train up to 500 students each year in a range of qualifications from Marine Craft Construction to Marine Mechanical Technology. The state-of-the-art facility includes workshops for electrical and mechanical work, fibre glass and lamination, marine textiles and upholstery, and an outdoor boat workshop, welding facilities, as well as classrooms and computer rooms. Yamaha Motor to Exhibit Prototype Hydrogen Outboard Motor at 2024 Miami International Boat ShowYamaha Motor has announced that it will be exhibiting a prototype hydrogen-powered outboard motor at the Miami International Boat Show, one of the world’s largest boat shows, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 18, 2024 in Miami, Florida, USA. Marine Rescue NSW crews assist search after boat washes up on South Coast beachUpdates - Marine Rescue NSW vessels Bermagui 30 and Narooma 30 have returned to base after volunteer crews conducted more than five hours of searching for a boater believed missing on the South Coast after an unmanned boat washed up at Haywards Beach yesterday afternoon. NSW Maritime calls for a summer of safetySydney’s waterways are some of the best places on earth to spend the summer, but the surge in activity means people need to be extra careful in keeping an eye out for others. NSW Maritime ran Operation Stay Afloat – Summer Safe across the first weekend of the season, calling on boaters to play their part to make it the safest summer yet. New artificial reefs to benefit Central Coast and Forster fishersForster and Central Coast artificial reefs are now in and available for recreational fishers in NSW! Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in building artificial reefs in NSW? Two new artificial reefs have recently been deployed off Forster and the Central Coast. Each reef consists of two large steel structures with footprints of 16m x 16m and heights of 12m. Southern boat ramp opens ahead of summerThe upgraded O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp, south of Adelaide is now open, reducing traffic and boat congestion during peak periods, and improving safety and access for users. Improvements include the replacement of original pontoons and the installation of a new L-shaped pontoon, increasing boat launching capacity and capabilities. Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner urges boaters to avoid falling victim to preventable incidentsMarine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state completed 293 search and rescue missions in November, including 88 emergency responses. Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said 69% of missions in November were for mechanical or fuel issues which can quickly become life-threatening if a vessel runs aground or overturns. Future emergency response vessel secured for Torres Strait and Great Barrier ReefWith the signing of a contract, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has secured an enhanced future first response capability to protect the marine environment and mariners in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef. Smit Lamnalco, a world leader in marine towage and support services, and an employer of 340 Australian seafarers and shoreside workers, will provide that enhanced capability from July 2024, after the current contract ends. Networking event welcomed superyachts to NZSuperyacht crew and industry gathered in Auckland to celebrate New Zealand’s annual Superyacht Welcome Function last Thursday. The event, hosted by NZ Marine, is one of the largest superyacht networking events in the southern hemisphere and sees local industry companies host captains, crew and guests. Crew from more than 35 yachts were invited to the event, held on Auckland’s waterfront, with those celebrating their first season in New Zealand mingling with crew glad to be back. The countdown to boot Düsseldorf 2024 has started The countdown to the world’s largest water sports show is on. boot Düsseldorf 2024 is ready for take-off and will kick off on an area of 220,000 square metres in 16 exhibition halls. boot Director Petros Michelidakis said: “boot 2024 will be a show of superlatives. We have spectacular world premieres of motorboats and sailing yachts on board. Newcastle plans rockstar welcome for Clipper stopoverNewcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) will be pulling out all the stops to ensure its 2023-24 Clipper Round the World stopover will be memorable for crews, supporters and spectators alike when the fleet arrives in early January. Australia gets three bites of the cherry with the endurance race, Fremantle and Airlie Beach also gaining hosting rights, however it’s the biggest international yachting event to visit NSW’s second largest city. Marine heatwave predicted this summer – our scientist explains why we should be concernedDid you know a marine heatwave has been predicted for coastal NSW this summer? If you’re not sure what a marine heatwave is, or why it matters then read on. Across the south-eastern coast of Australia this summer, sea temperatures are predicted to be up to 2.5°C warmer than normal by the Bureau of Meteorology. |