Objective
Enhance the long-term sustainability and international competitiveness of the Australian marine industry.
Significance for Australia
Australia’s marine industry consists of shipbuilders and repairers, boat builders and repairers, retailers of marine products, marina service providers, marine equipment manufacturers, super yacht construction and services, and many related activities.
The industry employs approximately 30,000 people and has a turnover of around $5.5 billion per year. Parts of the industry, especially fast aluminium vessels, are highly export focused. The marine industry exports products valued at over $750 million annually. It is a major employer in regional Australia.
Departmental role and current achievements
The Department closely engages with industry to address impediments to growth and pursue development opportunities. The Department also works with the industry and science communities to help build a more innovative and globally successful marine industry.
Key achievements to date include the Marine Innovation Conference, held May 2008, which encouraged a higher level of innovation in the marine industry; and a publication of rolling calendar of marine events to assist companies in developing their export markets.
Given the importance of export growth to the marine industry’s future, the Department works closely with Austrade and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to develop new markets and address market access issues.
Targets for 2008-09
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Encourage innovation in marine industries.
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Enhance the Australian marine industry’s access to export markets.
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Address regulatory impediment issues.
For further information
Phone: +61 2 6213 7538
Email: marine@innovation.gov.au
Web: www.innovation.gov.au/marine
May 2008