Marine Qld forms Manufacturers Division

1:58 AM Wed 4 Feb 2009 GMT

'Charles Dickson, manager of Marine Gold Coast and Chairman of newly formed Manufacturers Division.' . Click Here to view large photo

A meeting of Queensland Boat Builders held on the Gold Coast on February 2 agreed to form a Manufacturers Division operating under the umbrella of the State's peak industry body, Marine Queensland.

The initiative aims to unify and coordinate the lobbying activities of the State's 100+ boat building companies and to develop strategic plans to assist the industry to remain competitive and profitable in the face of the current international recession.

Long time advocate of Australia's boat-building industry, Gold Coast Division Manager, Charles Dickson was elected as the new Division's Inaugural Chair. He will be supported by a committee comprising Rob Bright, Riviera Marine; Chris Heaton, Mustang Marine; Nathan Nicholls, Cruise Craft Boats and Bob James, Horizon Aluminium Boats.

Dickson says he has been overwhelmed by the industry's support for the formation of the new division. "The meeting was attended by a good cross section of boat builders ranging from inflatable and 'tinnie' manufacturers through to trailerable family boats and luxury cruisers," he said. "Companies from as far afield as Bundaberg and the Sunshine Coast joined a strong representation of boat builders from Brisbane and Gold Coast.'

The meeting unanimously agreed to support the introduction and development of appropriate Australian manufacturing standards and to seek Federal Government assistance to ensure that all imported boats comply with such standards prior to being registered for use in Australian waters.

To this end, the Division will be liaising with the Federal Government in conjunction with the National Marine Safety Council, Maritime Safety Queensland, Australian Standards and AMIF in respect of current and future revisions to Australian Standard AS1799.1 Small Craft - General Requirements for Powerboats.

The meeting also unanimously agreed to an industry-driven accreditation program for boat builders. "While this may take some time to implement, ultimately it will increase consumer confidence and support for Australian-built boats," Dickson said. "A follow up meeting with the NSW Boat Builders Association is scheduled for February 26. This will allow us to coordinate our approach in addressing national issues in conjunction with AMIF," Dickson said.

NMSC is also hosting a public forum on recreational boat standards applying both in Australia and overseas on May 21/22, to coincide with the ISO Committee on Small Craft Meeting in Australia.

This 'Summit Down Under' will be held on the Gold Coast in conjunction with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

A one-day seminar on May 22 will look at the latest developments in recreational boating standards around the world and what this means for Australian exporters looking to sell into international markets.

The ISO's goal is to achieve one set of safety standards that are acceptable in all countries. Dickson says the event will provide an opportunity to meet with the international experts who have developed the current ISO Standards.

For further information contact:
Charles Dickson, Chairman Manufacturers Division
Marine Queensland

Tel: 07 5526 6440 or email: info@goldcoastmarineindustry.org

by Jeni Bone

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