4 | WATERLINE September 2025 CEO UPDATE September 2025 Over the last 20 years, through the careful management of the successive Boards, the Marina Industries Association (MIA) has retained small surpluses which were conservatively invested with a view to someday securing its future and investing in its own premises. Having been intimately involved in the management of the MIA for well over a decade, commencing in 2012 as a director & treasurer and its CEO since 2020, it was with tremendous pride that I could announce that the MIA had invested in its own office premises. This is an exciting milestone in the history of the MIA as this strategic investment provides the Association with a permanent home, a secure investment and reduces its on-going occupancy expenses by 57% annually, strengthening our ability to deliver enhanced services and support for our members. To remain connected to the businesses and industry we represent being located close to a major marine hub was essential. This also increases the likelihood of being able to attract and retain suitably qualified staff into the future. After thorough evaluation of the locational benefits, investment security, value and affordability, the Northern Beaches was selected as the precinct that could best position the MIA for long-term success. The office will be located in the vibrant hub of Mona Vale, 28km north of the Sydney CBD and the entry point to Pittwater, home to one of the largest marine precincts in NSW with over a dozen marinas and scores of marine businesses. At 125sqm, it will allow room to grow if needed and provides the amenity of a good meeting space. Members who are visiting the area are welcome to drop by, say hello, and grab a desk for a few hours if needed. While this has all been taking place, we march on. Lily has knocked out three Intermediate Marina Management courses this year (Dubai, Sydney, Phuket) and by the time this magazine hits your desk, the Advanced Marina Management course in Auckland will have concluded. It is great to see so many marinas investing in their people and the professionalism of our industry. The motivational and professional benefits of these courses is unquestionable. Delegates leave the course with greater confidence, visualising the industry as a long-term career choice and having made new industry connections, both with their counterparts and suppliers. Straddle Carrier courses have been popular and four have been delivered so far this year. Our online & virtual induction compliance courses focus on operational compliance and preparedness continue strongly. These courses have been designed to help marina operators and owners to easily carry out their obligations to train operational staff in a timely manner in areas such as WHS, environmental compliance and emergency preparedness and response (including weather events and spills). Marinas26 is shaping up well. The exhibition space is close to sold out and registrations are well over 100. The committee is engaged in designing an informative and motivational conference program and this year we are pleased to bring you a choice of two study tours: a local tour will take in the three new luxury marina facilities on The Spit and then up to Coomera to see the new undercover, in-water work berths at The Boatworks, followed by a large drystack facility and the Akzo Nobel Paint Training Centre at the Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard. Thank you to all members who completed our biennial Member Survey. The survey gives us important feedback to ensure we understand how members view the support we provide to industry and monitor shifting needs and expectations. It informs us on what we need to continue doing, how we can improve and keep an eye on services that we can provide to further assist members in managing their operations. There is a full rundown on the outcomes on page 26. We look forward to welcoming members to our new permanent home and continuing to work together in building a strong, vibrant future for the marina industry.
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