2021-01-18 GC - Item 2 - Attachment 3 - Consultation Report River Plan Version 2 (2019-20)

Boating delivers social benefits for people of all ages, gender and ability; spanning the following: recreational and commercial participation in paddle, power and sail;
public health and well-being; employment; tourism; environment; and economic.
Boating in Australia has a connection with the Aboriginal people of this land who were using watercraft such as back canoes an estimated 8000 years ago. This was
for transport, exploration and food gathering. Those themes continue today for boating in all its forms across paddle, power and sail. It is recommended that the
Welcome and Introduction pages of the draft Plan better reflect Aboriginal cultural significance to this area. This should be addressed to seize upon an opportunity to
make a strong statement about Aboriginal stewardship and cultural significance. Perhaps the Plan can help better engage Aboriginal peoples into the Plan.
As it currently stands, and not to forget those in our community who are less fortunate, Australians are collectively wealthier, living longer and better educated than
ever before; and are settling in coastal areas for the lifestyle benefits which includes being on, in, under and by the water. The Federal Government says more than
85 per cent of the population live within 50km of the coast. Little wonder almost 1 in 5 households can have a boat or watercraft. Whilst metropolitan areas across the
nation do provide a concentration of population and therefore are areas where boating has a strong foothold, a significant amount of boating activity takes place in
rural and regional areas nationwide. Boating is a vibrant and significant part of the social (including cultural), economic and environmental fabric of the nation.
Health and Well Being
The marine biologist Dr Wallace Nichols is internationally renowned for his study which, though a scientific evidence-based approach, has shown getting out on the
water in a boat promotes rest, with significant physiological and psychological benefits. He has found that with our lives getting increasingly busy and stressed,
boating is the perfect way to unwind and relax. His research includes the vast cognitive, emotional, psychological, social, physical, and spiritual benefits that we can
all derive from healthy waters and oceans throughout our lives.
Through his research work, Dr. Nichols has identified that the mere sight and sound of water promotes wellness by lowering cortisol, increasing serotonin and
inducing relaxation. Being on the water promotes physiological and psychological benefits that help manage trauma, anxiety, sleep, autism, addiction, fitness,
attention/focus, stress, grief, PTSD, build personal resilience, and much more.
His study in the US has shown that 84% of parents think their kids would be more likely to unplug on a boat trip versus a road trip. On a boat, feel-good hormones
(dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin) go up, while stress (cortisol) goes down. Dr Nichols says: “Being on a boat is one of the best ways to access the wellness benefits of
the water”.
As just one example, the waterway has considerable potential to support the Sailability program which runs across Australia and provides people of all ages and
ability the opportunity to experience low-impact and safe enjoyment of the waterways.
Economic Benefit
In Australia, there are more than 910,000 registered vessels and a countless number of craft (such as paddle craft) which do not require registration or licensing.
New boat registrations number 15,000 a year.
The BIA represents more than 1100 businesses in Australia with members operating in manufacturing, wholesale and retail of products and services within the
boating industry. This includes commerce such as: new boat sales; charter operators; mooring and marina operators; yard/trade services; engine and aftermarket
products; used boat sales and services; retail and wholesale operators across all sectors; boat builders; component manufacturers and fabricators; professional
service providers such as insurers, lawyers etc.; media; education providers; boat storage operators; and kindred sporting groups such as sailing and boating clubs.
Whilst metropolitan areas across the nation do provide a concentration of population and therefore are areas where boating has a strong foothold, a significant
amount of boating takes place in rural and regional areas nationwide.
The boating economy generates significant social benefits through employment, much of which is supported by family businesses.
In 2018-19 the industry had a turnover of $8.65 billion, directly employed more than 28,000 people with more than 14,500 contractors. Seventy-five per cent are in
small businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.
Boating plays a significant role in tourism in Australia, through recreational and commercial activities ranging from hire boat operations in regional areas through to
events that register on an international scale such as yacht racing.
In total, tourism contributes more than $57 billion to the national economy with more than 640,000 tourism jobs with the boating sector a significant contributor.
Boating contributes to the tourism economy through both recreational and commercial activities ranging across fields such as recreation boating and fishing, through
to transport and charters.
Boating is significant for employment, communities, social wellbeing, culture and economy.
The Draft Noosa Plan often refers to increasing boating numbers but there is scant data presented to validate those claims. The BIA supports improvements in
collection of relevant and robust data to inform appropriate strategy and policy.
Environmental Benefit
The BIA supports the language in the Draft Noosa Plan that reads: ‘Noosa’s Local Economic Plan identifies rural enterprise as a priority sector moving forward. The
plan recognises that Noosa is already well known for food, and the increasing demand for clean, green, sustainably-produced local food and beverages suggests
there are opportunities to build on the local agriculture sector and establish a premier food and beverage brand.’
The BIA is committed to the care and sustainability of the aquatic environment which is fundamental to ensuring ongoing and improving economic, social and
environment benefits. Boating is best enjoyed in a clean and healthy environment, and the industry is a strong advocate of measures and controls to enhance the
quality of the environment.
The boating public observe the quality of the marine environment first-hand and are positioned to play an active role in protecting it.
The industry continues to move with the times and respond to market demand. Powerboats have increasingly lower carbon monoxide emissions and improved fuel
efficiency. Advances in technology have led to engines, such as the new breed of clean technology outboards that are increasingly quiet, with some producing barely
audible noise at idle. The market is responding to consumers who are looking to invest in clean and efficient technology; reducing their burden on the environment,
and which are inexpensive to run. There is also the emergence of electric-powered boats which produce zero emissions and virtually zero noise. This is all a far cry
from the old two-stroke outboards that were known to emit relatively high levels of noise and smoke.
Personal watercraft are the fastest growing sector of powered vessels with 76,000 now registered across Australia. These craft have also undergone a
transformation to 4 stroke engines which are much quieter, produce less emissions and the latest models facilitate on-water braking. Boats provide a relatively low-
impact opportunity to access and explore the environment when compared with the significantly higher impact (e.g., roads, pathways and rail corridors) necessitated
by the use of other modes of transport such as motor vehicles, trains, and even bicycles and foot traffic in popular areas.
Responsible use of paddle, power and sail boats can provide a unique opportunity to access the environment and to leave no visible signs when compared with
virtually any land-based mode of transport.
Vessel waste containment and treatment systems are improving all the time, especially with installation of sewage holding tanks and pump-out facilities for boats.
Marine coatings used for anti-fouling on the hulls of vessels are also improving all the time.
Marinas and slipways now employ environmental systems to prevent pollutants from entering the waterways. With contained hardstand facilities at marinas for boat
maintenance, rubbish collection and recycling facilities and the modernisation of boats with holding tanks to comply with environmental legislation there has been a
dramatic improvement in water quality and preventative environmental practices. In Australia, 89% of marinas, provide boaters with information about
environmentally responsible boating practices and 91% practice recycling of paper, plastic, glass, metal and batteries. The Marina Industry Association has also
committed to removing single-use plastics from its marina / shipyard / business by 2025 by encouraging members to take a pledge of action. BIA supports the
principle to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of single use plastics in our industry. This includes an understanding that we need to proactively address the
single use of plastics in our supply chain. Marinas also allow for boat storage and servicing facilities to be concentrated in the existing and accredited commercial
marina facilities which in turn help to manage environmental risk, improve environmental outcomes and public benefit. Marinas (including dry-boat storage) provide a
unique opportunity to manage environmental impact whilst delivering safe and convenient access for a growing population.

The Boating Industry Association (BIA) commend Noosa council for the opportunity to provide our input. The BIA is available to consult further on this subject.




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