July 2026 WATERLINE | 7 MARINAS26 WRAP UP (HAMIS) — the industry's most comprehensive benchmarking tool, conducted by Michigan State University, and noted that marinas contribute an estimated $3.2B annually to the Australian economy. You can read more about the key findings of the survey on Page 34. MIA CEO Suzanne Davies followed with an update on how the Association is supporting the industry through education, certification and industry development, including new initiatives planned for 2026–27 and beyond. The afternoon turned to operational practice, with a panel discussion on Lessons Learned – Redevelopment of Ageing Marina Assets. With marinas built during the major expansion waves of the 1980s and 1990s reaching the end of their original design life, ageing pontoons, outdated utility infrastructure, undersized berths, and legacy layouts — combined with shifting environmental expectations — owners and operators are not just thinking replacement and reconfiguration, but full-scale redevelopment. The panel, chaired by James Burbury and panellists Brett James, Southport Yacht Club, Jayson McDonald CMM, Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay and Julien Pouteau d’Albora Marinas explored the greater opportunities that emerge from a comprehensive redevelopment approach, drawing on firsthand experience from three operators who have been through or are currently undertaking major works. The conference had several concurrent sessions running in parallel each afternoon, and delegates had to make the difficult decision of deciding which to attend. A continuation of Lessons Learned but this time focused on Development in the Middle East, this concurrent session, chaired by Farrokh Golchin StratComm LLC, alongside Adam Bruce M-Tech and Tamer Wadi Marine Structures recognised the Middle East as being one of the world's most ambitious and fast-growing marina markets. From the UAE to Saudi Arabia, world-class marina infrastructure is being planned, built and operated at a pace and scale unlike anywhere else. The session drew on the direct experience of marina professionals from across the region to share key lessons from planning, developing and operating marina infrastructure in a highly competitive, high-growth environment, while acknowledging the unique structural advantages the region enjoys. The alternate concurrent session was Marina Maintenance and Asset Management. Chaired by Les Binkin CMM, Shellharbour Marina and including three experienced industry practitioners in Bruce Birtwistle CMP Bellingham Marine, Martin Silk d’Albora Marinas, and Dave Whimp Pine Harbour Marinas – they shared real-world lessons from their own facilities, covering the full spectrum of marina maintenance — from routine works and dredging through to electrical systems, condition reporting, and strategies for extending asset life. The conference sessions of Day 1 closed with a keynote from futurist Gihan Perera, who delivered a highly entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of how artificial intelligence will impact the future of marinas and boatyards. The session drew on the convergence of AI, data analytics, automation, and the Internet Aunty Erica Lessons Learned - Redevelopment of Ageing Marina Assets L-R James Burbury, Julien Pouteau, Brett James, Jayson McDonald CMM "Marinas26 was expertly curated and has left a lasting impact on me with ideas and connections and more!" - WILL DEARDEN, MARINA MANAGER, HAMILTON ISLAND MARINA Marinas26 Sponsors and Partners
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