The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) is urging all levels of Australian government to strategically support the nation’s world-class marine manufacturing and recreational boating sector. This call to action is crucial due to a critical skills shortage threatening the industry’s economic potential.
Recent industry data highlights that the recreational marine sector significantly contributes to the national economy, with millions of Australians actively participating in recreational boating annually.
BIA CEO Andrew Fielding stated, “The message to Canberra and our State capitals is clear: Australia’s marine sector needs backing, not just recognition. We manufacture world-class boats and equipment right here on Australian shores, yet the sector often goes unrecognised for its significant economic and social value. Governments must view us as a strategic pillar of the Blue Economy, not simply as a transport safety issue.”
BIA Victoria CEO Steve Walker echoed these sentiments, warning that without government support for workforce development, the legacy of high-quality boat building in Victoria is at risk.
The BIA underscores the industry’s scale, which includes:
- Generating more than $10.2 billion in annual direct turnover.
- Employing over 35,000 people directly and indirectly across the nation.
- Hosting more than 2,000 businesses within recreational and commercial marine sectors.
- Anticipating over 1 million registered vessels by 2030, plus numerous unregistered craft.
- Expected total spending on watercraft activities reaching $20 billion annually.
Nevertheless, the BIA’s National Recreational Boating Statement 2025 identifies a significant skills shortage across the industry, particularly in key trades.
Fielding remarked, “Our most critical immediate priority is addressing the urgent skills shortage. We need skilled workers like boatbuilders, shipwrights, marine mechanics, and trimmers. Targeted government investment in apprenticeships and trade pathways is vital for our manufacturing capability.”
The BIA has outlined several strategic priorities for government support, including:
- Recognising the marine sector as a key component of Australia’s manufacturing base and Blue Economy.
- Investing in trade training to mitigate skill shortages.
- Supporting infrastructure for safe and convenient water access for all ages.
Fielding concluded, “We are a nation of water enthusiasts, with more than one in five Australian households owning a boat or some form of watercraft. Our industry’s potential is immense, but it depends on government support that allows for workforce expansion, appropriate policies, and infrastructure investment to secure our future.”
For more information, visit the National Recreational Boating Statement.
For details on BIA, visit www.bia.org.au.
Media contact: media@bia.org.au or 0418 279 465.
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