December 2025 WATERLINE | 21 Development WA’s Ocean Reef Marina, near Perth, has set a powerful benchmark for our sector, becoming the first Australian marina development to achieve Enviro-Development certification at the highest level across all six categories: ecosystems, waste, water, energy, materials, and community. Its design integrates a renewable-energy microgrid, smart-city technologies and sustainable construction practices that are expected to cut energy use by up to 30% and deliver real-time efficiency in water and lighting systems. Beyond the headlines, Ocean Reef Marina shows what modern marina planning looks like when sustainability is embedded from the outset, not as an add-on, but as core infrastructure. This momentum underlines why the MIA’s Marine Sustainability Pledge (MSP) matters. The MSP broadens our focus well beyond recycling and single-use plastics, providing a practical framework for continuous improvement across the full spectrum of sustainability challenges. Replacing the earlier plastics pledge, it calls on marinas, boatyards and suppliers to commit publicly to eight pillars: Zero Single-Use Plastics; Carbon Neutrality and Renewable Energy; Water Conservation and Pollution Prevention; Air Quality and Pollution Control; Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency; Marine Habitat Protection and Restoration; Community Engagement and Education; and Accountability. ENVIRONMENT The MSP’s strength is that it unites diverse initiatives under one transparent commitment. It encourages operators to complete greenhouse-gas audits, invest in renewables, harvest and reuse water, upgrade dust and fume controls, and design out waste through circular-economy choices, think re-use of dock materials, recycled metals and longer-life assets. It also asks marinas to look outward: restore and protect habitats, engage local communities and clubs, and report progress openly. Across the industry, we’re seeing this shift take hold. Solar berth canopies and EV-ready infrastructure are becoming commonplace. Water recycling and filtration upgrades are reducing both costs and impacts. Programs like Clean Marina and Fish Friendly continue to lift operational practice, while MSP commitments elevate strategy, linking everyday improvements to climate resilience, resource efficiency and social licence. For more information about the Marine Sustainability Pledge visit: https://www.marinas.net.au/accreditation/marinesustainability-pledge/whats-it-about/ or contact MIA Operations Manager Chris Stone at manager@marinas.net.au LEADING THE SHIFT: OCEAN REEF SIGNALS A NEW ERA FOR MARINA SUSTAINABILITY By Chris Stone, Operations Manager Marina Industries Association Marine Sustainability Pledge Let’s work together for a cleaner, greener future. MARINA INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION Minimising the use of all plastics and eliminating single-use plastics Achieving carbon neutrality Utilising renewable energy resources Managing water resources and pollution Reducing air quality and pollution Enhancing resource efficiency through circular economy concepts Protecting and restoring marine habitats Engaging communities and educating customers about sustainability Core Principles marinas.net.au
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