Minister Meeting
This week BIAV President Scott O’Hare and CEO Steve Walker caught up with Minister for Recreation, (Boating) Sonya Kilkenny at her East Melbourne Office.
The meeting was an opportunity to recognise how far BIAV have come in recent years, and to focus in on some key advocacy areas.
A glance at the Better Boating Victoria website will reveal a power of work that is going on in Victoria to improve things for boaters. Over 20 current boat ramp projects, as just one great example. This is all off the back of there being a Boating Minister, the formation of Better Boating Victoria, the setting up of the Better Boating Fund ($35MIL p.a), BBV’s Recreational Boating Strategy, and the Katherine Grech driven annual plan of infrastructure and related projects. This is all great news, straight from the BIAV advocacy wish list, over recent years.
The Minister this week was very receptive to the BIAV current advocacy aspirations. This included;
- A major focus on industry challenges in the skills and resourcing areas, and the development of our Boating Careers platform.
- Continuing government support for our premier boating and educational event, the Melbourne Boat Show was covered, as was the BIAV aspiration to see more women coming through into leadership and other industry roles. A master-planning concept for Lake Eildon and recreational boating was also covered.
- This will look at the potential for additional licences, a dedicated tourism authority, grey-water solutions, infrastructure improvements, and more.
- A continuing focus on boater needs, and in-particular infrastructure spending where it is most needed to boost access to the water, is ever-present in these meetings and this was again the case. Victoria’s 200k strong fleet is 95% trailer, boat ramp, parking, and weather protection reliant and BIAV are sure the Minister and team are highly alert and responsive to this.
Lake Eildon’s Roadshow
Last week the BIAV roadshow found its way to the picturesque shores of Lake Eildon.
They gathered at the Eildon Boat Club with LEHIA members to discuss the ongoing challenges in our sector. The BIAV Boating Careers initiative was very well received reaffirming that our collective efforts are resonating with the industry’s needs. This initiative’s potential to bridge the skills gap was met with genuine enthusiasm.
BIAV would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mike from High Country Houseboat Sales Lake Eildon. His unwavering commitment and pivotal role in orchestrating these industry events are testament to his commitment to Lake Eildon and its future.
Calling for Nominations: 2023 Apprentice of the Year
Are you ready to shine the spotlight on the future stars of the marine industry? It’s that time of the year again the “2023 Apprentice of the Year” awards! BIAV are calling upon all our members to nominate exceptional apprentices who have displayed outstanding performance in their roles.
To nominate simply visit our website where you’ll find all the information you need to put forth a deserving candidate.
Click here to nominate a candidate!Nominations are open until the 30th of September. Once all nominations are received, The BIAV panel of industry experts will evaluate and recognise the top apprentices. The winners will be celebrated and honoured at the Melbourne Boat Show in October.
Visit their website now and click “Nominate” to be a part of this celebration of excellence in the marine industry. Your participation can inspire the next generation of leaders and create a brighter future for our sector.
For more information visit www.biavic.com.au
To keep up to date with all marine industry news visit www.marinebusinessnews.com.au
