NEWS UPDATE19 July 2024 Publishers noteFor those of you with children or younger team members, you will be familiar with that “side-eye” glare you get when you say or do something they perceive to be wrong. Well, I certainly got plenty of that after last week’s publisher note when I mentioned that “this week was a bit quieter than the last few weeks” in relation to news. I haven’t been able to live that down, with the team at Marine Business News not only having plenty to do last week, but this week preparing well over 30 stories for our readers. The volume of news was such that many stories in production have only landed on our website today (Friday), missing our eNews Thursday night production deadline. Why am I saying this? I see it as a reminder that our industry has its highs and lows. It can be fickle, seasonal, and highly sensitive to sentiment created by external factors, but ultimately, it always bounces back. We all must be able to see through these highs and lows. I know that some sectors of our industry are having a tough time, so being tenacious in these times is something we should strive for if we are not already there. 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, ACMG launches program for inaugural Australian Commercial Marine ConferenceThe Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) has announced the program for the inaugural ‘Australian Commercial Marine Conference’ set to take place in Sydney on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Sydney Boat Show organisers share depth of Fishing at the showFor those who relish in casting a line into the open coastal waters, or perhaps prefer exploring the vast inland waterways, the 55th Sydney International Boat Show will be the ultimate one-stop-shop to discover all of the latest and greatest equipment and accessories suitable for any fishing adventure. “Understandably, many folks love the idea of catching a fish, killing it humanely, preparing it properly and feeding it to their families”One of the aspects I find fascinating about my deep dive into the world of YouTube is taking note of the fishing videos that attract the greatest number of views. They’re not always focussed on the subjects, locations or target species you might expect. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!I have always liked old outboards and have just begun to collect them, as I reckon that, whilst it’s possibly a bit sad and reflective of the fact that I should maybe get a life (although I would keep buying classic cars if I had any money), it’s not the worst interest one could have while inching towards eventual retirement. Highfield Boats and ZeroJet Unveil EJET330Highfield Boats and ZeroJet Unveil EJET330: The First Production Battery-Powered, Jet Tender. After receiving recognition for the collaboration at the Boat Builder Awards at METS 2023, Highfield Boats, with ZeroJet, announces the production release of the Highfield EJET330, an electric, jet tender. The Wharf welcomes prestigious yachting experts!“The Wharf” is the latest development at The Boat Works, architecturally designed, premium office premises that will accommodate up to eight yachting businesses in the heart of the superyacht facility. Locals United in Concerns Over Marine ParksAn Esperance (W.A.) community association, Oceans For Everyone Association, is raising strong objections to the proposed South Coast Marine Park, denouncing it as a political manoeuvre lacking scientific justification. Greenpeace Oceania refit for purposeGreenpeace unveiled its first vessel dedicated to campaigning in Australia-Pacific waters in a jubilant naming ceremony at The Boat Works. The relaunch of the 24-metre ketch, Oceania, a cruising vessel refit for the specific purpose of environmental campaigning, was held Monday 15 July at The Boat Works. Sea snake bite victim airlifted from trawler in NT At 9:15 am (NT time) Monday morning, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) was contacted by CareFlight Northern Territory (NT) and informed that a crew member on a fishing vessel had been bitten by a sea snake and was in urgent need of medical evacuation. “Opening up one’s creation to potential criticism is the epitome of courages vulnerability. It is a beautiful gift to the rest of us.”I’m fascinated by the many and varied crafts, skills, artistic disciplines, creative innovations — and the inspired artisans who wield them — in the world of recreational fishing. One such true craftsman is Mark Fisher. Australian Marinas Make Significant Economic Contribution, HAMIS Report ShowsThe recently released report, funded by the Marina Industries Association (MIA) and International Marina Consultants, conducted independently and confidentially by Michigan State University (MSU), has shed light on the significant economic contribution of Australian marinas to the economy. Safe Work Australia Proposal to License Straddle Carrier OperatorsMinisters responsible for work health and safety have tasked Safe Work Australia (SWA) with reviewing the high-risk work (HRW) license framework for cranes. This review aims to ensure the framework aligns with contemporary work practices and equipment. How ‘America’s Cup’ came to be the pinnacle of yacht racingThe oldest international sporting contest in the world has a rich and glorious history that spans over 173 years with a silver ewer, crafted by master silversmith Edmund Cotterill at the design studio of R&S Garrards, in Panton Street, London at its very heart. Discover how Riviera’s timber offcuts are being recycled into hand-crafted masterpiecesRiviera is gifting its timber offcuts to the Labrador Men’s Shed. Find out how they are recycling them to make toys, Santa sleighs and cubby houses that put smiles on sick children’s faces. “You look at this timber in terms of waste,’’ says Labrador Men’s Shed secretary Len Thomson. “We look at this same timber as gold.’’ New High-Flow Premium Diesel Available at Mackay MarinaThe team at Mackay Marina have introduced ultra high-flow premium diesel to their services. It delivers a flow rate exceeding 300 litres per minute to enhance efficiency and convenience for vessel owners and operators. Alongside their existing premium unleaded fuel, this new offering meets the diverse needs of marine enthusiasts in North Queensland. Iconic lighthouse at Point Danger stands proud after $6.5 million upgradeThe iconic heritage-listed lighthouse at Point Danger stands ready to serve as a beacon to mariners for decades to come following an extensive $6.5 million upgrade to the ageing structure. Straddling the NSW and Queensland border, the refurbished Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse was officially opened. Shellharbour’s new marina shines – even in frisky weatherRiviera owners joined R Marine Sydney for a superb weekend at Shellharbour, the gateway to the spectacular and often overlooked New South Wales South Coast. The Shellharbour Marina, just a couple of hours south of Sydney, offers boat owners great facilities and plenty of land-based activities. SailGP announces 2024/2025 Season calendarRacing full-circle around the globe, SailGP’s fifth season will feature a host of new teams and locations, as well as the return of fan-favourite venues. It all gets underway November 2024. |