GOLD COAST MARINE EXPO: A boat show for the people

Australia’s vibrant marine industry contributed more than 600 boats to the displays at Gold Coast International Marine Expo that opened from May 19-22.

Organisers say the economic impact of 2016’s largest-ever Expo – staged right in the heart of Australia’s Boating Industry Capital at Coomera – will be considerable given that it attributed more than $50 million in direct sales activity for exhibitors at last year's Expo.

Beyond boat sales, the event’s success fosters Australian jobs, growth, exports and marine industry opportunities.

Federal Trade & Investment Minister Steven Ciobo praised the foresight of the marine industry leaders for creating Expo in 2010 in the face of the Global Financial Crisis.

"There’s no doubt that Australia did it extremely tough through the GFC but the fact the marine industry has pulled itself through is a real credit to all those involved – the Gay, Longhurst and Phelan families, the Ackeries and everyone else involved in setting up this very impressive boat show," he said.

"Australians are very passionate about the water, and today we sharing this passion around the world – especially in China, Korea and Japan with our key free trade agreements … and as a Government we are continuing to focus on opening up new markets in the Gulf States, the European Union and the United States to drive market opportunities and ensure Australian business is globally as competitive as it can be."

Expo committee chairman Brett Thurley said the Expo was more than a timely boost for the marine industry, it was continuing to bring families closer together.

"The Expo is every bit as much about families as it is about our vibrant and determined marine industry," he said.

"Whether we are introducing people to their first jet ski or their fifth fishing boat, or their next luxury motor yacht, each year we are igniting the passion of a growing number of families for the relaxing and rewarding boating life.

"Boating gives families unity and strengthens bonds. The shared love of the water – whether new or reinvigorated – is creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

At Expo this year, there are more than 50 sea trial berths where visitors can try before they buy their new boats, 230 diverse marine displays, and days of family fun, with educational events
including a Fishing Masterclass series daily on the Expo Main Stage,
live entertainment and interactive demonstrations across a giant 3km
display circuit.

Founding Expo committee member Stephen Milne declared the Expo had ‘come of age in 2016’.

"The event was founded with little or no capital but a great deal of passion and determination for our marine industry hit by the GFC and a boat show industry that needed to change with the digital age, where people can research buying their new boats online," he said.

"However, we have stood up and created a completely new boat show experience – one which offers factory tours of the largest boat-building facilities and recreational shipyards in the Southern Hemisphere.

"Expo has free sailing lessons, free water ski instruction lessons, activities for the children and, of course, boats of all makes, models, shapes and sizes.

"Nowhere else in the world can you experience something like Expo – we look forward to a great Expo in 2016," declared Milne.

Everything you need to know about the Gold Coast Marine Expo at gcmarineexpo.com.au/.