In our last issue, I wrote about the continuing good fortunes being encountered by those of us who, on the back of strong demand and steadily increasing volumes of boats being sold in Australia, make our livings out of the marine industry. I also pondered the question of whether or not facilities and services for boat owners and other waterway users are keeping pace with the growth of the sector, and who – be it government, industry or the boating community – will fund future development of facilities. I also invited readers to e-mail me with their comments.

Well, the mail server at Brighton nearly melted down. Not since Ed (our Managing Editor, Chris Beattie) overloaded the system when he “struck gold” whilst downloading material he found on the net researching a story about Scandinavian supermodels who ride Harley-Davidsons, have we seen so much demand on our e-business resources.

Clearly, many readers share my concerns, as I received hundreds of e-mails from all around the country sharing stories of over-demand and under-supply on boat ramps, slipways, repair facilities, marina berths, car parks and fuel bowsers. Everyone, it seemed, wanted to know how issues such as licencing and regulation, environmental and natural resource management, waterfront land use, crown leases, population growth and “the naïve and dangerous agendas of some well-known, noisy, rat-bag, interest groups” will impact on this and future generations’ access to and enjoyment of our unique maritime environment.

Over coming issues, we will focus attention on this contentious issue and highlight some sensational examples that should give all of us some hope. From the small, cheap and easy solutions at a local level, we have seen exciting developments such as the wholesale re-development of the entire Port Adelaide foreshore and similar projects on vast tracts of land south of Perth.

Everyone at Club Marine is committed to helping the boating community be heard by government at all levels on this important issue. We will continue to push our agenda of promoting a safe, accessible and enjoyable boating life-style for all Australians.

The coming boat show season also gives cause for excitement as manufacturers, importers and retailers prepare to bring new products to market. And Club Marine will be intimately involved in the process this year, as we have joined forces with the Australian Marine Industry Federation to present the 2006 Australian Marine Awards. The awards will be presented at a 500-guest, black-tie gala ceremony on the Gold Coast in May as part of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

As Australia’s largest provider of insurance for pleasure craft, AMIF saw us as an obvious partner to support the awards, and our own Ed has been invited to join the judging panel. We wish all entrants well and commend every one of them to you when you are next looking to make a purchase. When the awards are announced, I’d urge you to take note of the winners and finalists in the relevant categories. They will have gone through an arduous testing process and will be truly representative of the best the market has to offer.

The Sanctuary Cove show is one of the highlights of the calendar for anyone who loves boats. It heralds the start of the boat show season in Australia and a busy schedule of boat show commitments for Club Marine this year. There would hardly be a boat show on the national calendar at which you will not find Club Marine, supporting both the industry as a major sponsor and the hordes of potential buyers looking to arrange or discuss their insurance needs. Take a look at our website at www.clubmarine.com.au or www.boatshows.com.au for details of boat shows in your state over coming months.
And when you visit your local show, please make a point of dropping by to say hello. My team and I appreciate your feedback and we always have something interesting going on at our stand.

Hope to see you at a boat show or out on the water.

Mark Bradley
Publisher and CEO
Club Marine Limited