BIAQ Name Change Reflects Growing Role In Queensland Marine Sector

by Mary Swire, for LawAndTax-News.com, Hong Kong

15 August 2007

It emerged recently that the Boating Industry Association of Queensland (BIAQ) has changed its name to Marine Queensland, in a move that President, Barry Jenkins suggested would more accurately describe the organisation’s services and responsibilities to the marine industry and the boating public.

Mr Jenkins explained that, over the past 18 months, the organisation had expanded its activities beyond the narrow dimension of servicing the boating industry, which had been its core business since 1974.

“Governments of all levels requested the marine industry speak with a united voice and, as a result, a wide range of industry segments unified under the BIAQ umbrella,” revealed Mr Jenkins, continuing:

“The organisation now represents boat builders, distributors, retailers and repairers as well as brokers, surveyors, marina operators and allied services, such as finance and insurance providers."

He went on to add that:

“The BIAQ has also extended its services to the state’s boating public through the establishment of BoatClub and the creation of industry endorsed boat shows in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and Gold Coast."

“Given the broad spectrum of activity within the Queensland marine industry, the board decided it was time for a name change to Marine Queensland to reflect the organisation’s change in direction.”

Mr Jenkins further revealed that the new organisation was working on the accreditation of the member groups to ensure their procedures and services to the public were in line with the organisation’s Code of Conduct, which demands courteous and honest attention at all times and respect for the marine environment.

“Only organisations which follow the code of ethics will be ratified by Marine Queensland, giving the public confidence in dealing with its members,” he explained, adding that:

“The name change is not cosmetic - it’s got teeth.”

According to figures released by the organisation, recreational boating in Queensland has grown by 67% in the past decade, and the state now has 223,425 registered vessels and 500,000 licensed drivers.

The Queensland marine industry is also estimated to have created an annual turnover of $2.6 billion and 11,000 jobs.

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