The former Queensland industry association, Marine Queensland, was formally wound up at its final AGM last week.
This was immediately followed at the same meeting by the election of a new regional council to represent Queensland as part of an expanded Boating Industry Association.
Members of the former state body attending the AGM were invited to nominate for the 11 new council positions to represent Queensland until the next AGM which is expected to be held in April next year.
After voting on the nominations, the new council for Queensland was elected as follows:
- Matt Hodson (John Crawford Marine – Chairman)
- Andrew Fielding (Anchorline Yacht Brokers – Vice Chairman)
- Mark Suttle (Honda Australia)
- Nathan Nichols (Cruise Craft Boats)
- Steve Sammes (Gold Coast City Marina)
- Nick Kitchen (Yamaha Motor Australia)
- Paul Phelan (Telwater)
- Peter Ruhl (Boating & RV)
- Norman Ambrose (Ausail Marine Group)
- Ross Guerts (Brisbane Sea-doo & Can-am)
- Darryl Greentree (Allstate Boat Licensing & Training)
With the addition of Queensland, the former BIA of NSW and SA will now be known simply as the Boating Industry Association. New national CEO, Howard Glenn, who chaired the meeting, said the response of members at the meeting was very positive with participation from many of the major industry players in the region.
In its final year of operation, Marine Queensland posted significant financial losses due partly to a fall in membership numbers and lower boat show revenue. With the winding up of the association, all outstanding liabilities are expected to be met in full.
The new state branch currently has no permanent office nor staff although former staff member, Jenny Bellaver, has been acting as the point of contact for Queensland members.
Members at the meeting were also updated on plans for BIA-organised boat shows in 2016 which now include the Brisbane Boat Show alongside Sydney and Adelaide.
As a result, the Brisbane show will be given a complete make-over, including new dates and a new venue, in order to re-establish its position as a major regional drawcard for the local boating industry.
