Queensland has over 222,000 registered recreational boats and with current growth rates is set to be Australia's leading recreational boating centre. Boat registrations have grown by approximately six per cent per annum over the last five years, with even greater growth in larger boat registrations. It is this interest in boating that is driving the development of world-class marine infrastructure and the capacity to build, maintain and refit in Queensland.

Queensland - a marine playground and powerhouse

Queensland has a strong reputation as a producer of quality marine vessels ranging from small recreational boats through to luxury cruisers and commercial vessels. Queensland also has a proven capability in superyacht building, maintenance and refit. The State's marine sector features world-class infrastructure and marine industry precincts, leading-edge technologies and a highly-skilled and service-oriented workforce. Combined with stunning cruising grounds, pristine waters, World Heritage natural assets such as the Great Barrier Reef, enviable climate, relaxed lifestyle and an international reputation as a superb tourist destination, it is no wonder Queensland has become synonymous with marine excellence.

Queensland's marine capabilities

World-class design and manufacture of boats, ships, superyachts and marinas
Maintenance and refit operations
Marine equipment and component manufacture
Marinas and marine precincts
Active regional marine industry clusters
Integrated skills and training provision.

Queensland's marine advantages

Strong reputation both nationally and internationally
Large pool of skilled tradespeople with a proven skills base
World-class infrastructure
Well-established marine industry clusters
Close proximity to Asian ports
World-renowned cruising destinations.

Location

Clusters of marine-related firms are located at strategic points along the State's coastline, providing a strong business networking and support framework for Queensland companies, and excellent product and service provision to users. The Gold Coast's Coomera marine precinct and Brisbane's Rivergate are two examples of world-class marina precinct facilities operating in Queensland. In addition, its innovative businesses, academic endeavour, leading education and research facilities, cost effectiveness and quality of life all contribute to the State's growth and make Queensland an attractive place to live and invest.

Where to from here?

In supporting these focus areas, the Queensland Government will continue to assist industry to provide the services necessary to remain globally competitive, and include the facilitation of:

Marine development strategies, which will be implemented in the Cairns and Mackay regions in 2008 to build on the Queensland Government's Centre of Enterprise initiatives
The Queensland Superyacht Strategy 2008-2013
Improved marine infrastructure
Transparent regulatory processes
Industry capability
Domestic and export market development
Emerging technologies
Cluster development
Skills development and training.

For more information

Download a copy of the Smart Industry Policy and Decision Making Framework

Download a copy of the Marine Sector Action Plan

For more information about the Smart Industry Policy and associated industry sector action plans please contact the Project Leader, Strategic Policy. Phone: +61 7 3227 7657.

Last updated 14 July 2009