Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM), located in the heart of Gold Coast Marine Precinct on the Coomera River, has once again announced an industry first. This week the Marina Industries Association (MIA) presented GCCM with their official International Clean Marina Level 3 re-accreditation and also announced that the Gold Coast boating mecca is the first and only facility in Queensland to achieve a perfect score (100%) for the official audit process that was carried out on site in late January 2017.
“The significant investment by the marina in environmental initiatives that exceed best practice allowed for this outstanding score to be achieved,” reported Site Auditor Jeremy Visser from BMT WBW Pty Ltd. “Particular commendation is given to the collaborative approach adopted by the marina and tenants in managing environmental issues across the entire site,” added Mr Visser.
Marina Industries Association Executive Officer, Colin Bransgrove stated, “The results from the independent environmental audit at GCCM are outstanding. They have certainly set a new benchmark for the industry in Queensland.”
The International Clean Marina Program is a voluntary accreditation system for marinas, yacht clubs, boat clubs, slipways, boatyards and associated industry operators. The program aims to raise the standard of environmental compliance in the marine industry and to promote clean water, clean air and thriving marina industry businesses. GCCM has held accreditation for the internationally recognized program since 2006.
“Given the size of our facility compared to other boatyards we are incredibly proud to receive the highest score ever in Queensland,” said GCCM CEO Trenton Gay. “The team have really put in an enormous effort to get the yard shipshape and to introduce some ground-breaking environmental initiatives. The customer and industry feedback that we have been receiving has been outstanding.”
“At GCCM we are all passionate boaties and so the last thing we want to see is dirty, polluted water. Protecting the environment is so important to the future sustainability and growth of our industry. As a team we take it seriously and whilst we are pleased with our latest achievements we will continue to look for innovative ways to do our bit and exceed best practice,” added Mr Gay.
Since opening the gates in early 2000, GCCM has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental improvements often setting the benchmark for Marina’s worldwide with initiatives including water treatment and recycling, rainwater harvesting and solar facilities. GCCM is the largest solar power marine facility in the world having invested approximately $500,000 in 2015 to install more than 1,500 solar panels onsite. More recently GCCM became the first Marina in Australia with a dedicated on-site recycling yard capable of recycling paper, cardboard, liquids, batteries, filters and all manner of electronic waste.
