Industry Overview
The Australian marine industry is a significant industry in its own right, as well as a major service provider to other industries and a major contributor to the economy through both manufactured products and services.
The industry is represented in all Australian States and Territories, and is particularly important to the economic sustainability and growth of many regions. The industry has demonstrated a strong capacity to successfully operate in both domestic and international markets.
Australia's marine industry consists of shipbuilders, boat builders, repairers, retailers of marine products, marina service providers, marine equipment manufacturers, super yacht construction and services, and many related activities. Australia is currently the world leader in the design and construction of large aluminium vessels.
The industry directly employs around 19,000 people across Australia in ship and boat building, ship repair and marine equipment retailing, and together with other parts of the industry including marinas, total employment has been estimated at up to 29,000 people. The industry had an annual turnover of $6.4 billion in 2008-09 and is export focussed, especially those parts related to manufacturing high-performance aluminium vessels, luxury yachts, and products and services used by the global marine industry. In 2008-09 the industry exported products valued at over $459 million.
Departmental Role
The department closely engages with industry to address impediments to growth and pursue development opportunities. The department also works with the industry and research communities to help build a more innovative and globally successful marine industry.
Marine Industry Working Group
The department supports the Marine Industry Working Group which brings together the various marine industry sectors to cooperatively address issues of concern, share information and provide a collective voice to government.
The Working Group includes:
- Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (Chair)
- Boating Industries Alliance (BIA)
- Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX)
- Superyacht Base Australia
- Australian Shipbuilders Association
- Australian Ship Repairers Group
- Marinas Industry Association of Australia
- Representatives of state and territory governments and Austrade also participate in Working Group meetings.
Contact
Peter Hancock
Manager
Aerospace & Marine Industries
Telephone: +61 2 6213 6292
Email: Peter.Hancock@innovation.gov.au
Related links
Industry association web sites: