'Life's Better With A Boat' at the Geelong Festival

To celebrate the opening of new season and promote boating as a significant recreational lifestyle activity, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) is organising the inaugural 'Life’s Better With A Boat – Geelong Festival' from October 8-9, 2016, at Steampacket Gardens at the heart of the Geelong Foreshore.

President of the BIAV, Irene Hoe said the Geelong Boating Festival is aimed at bringing together the Geelong and Bellarine communities to celebrate the lifestyle boating provides.

The festivities will begin with a Gala Dinner at the Surf Coast Hotel in Torquay on Friday October 7 with the Festival at Steampacket Gardens opening on Saturday October 8, 2016.

Steven Potts,  Chief Executive of the BIAV, said the Life’s Better With A Boat – Boating Festival will provide current owners and those considering becoming involved in boating with a showcase of the latest boats and equipment together with information on all aspects of boating.

"There will also be a strong focus on promoting the tourism attractions of Greater Geelong and The Bellarine for destination boating tourism.

"Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are among the top most popular areas for boating," Mr Potts said.

The Boating Festival also provides an opportunity to showcase the contribution of local boating businesses, Clubs, the Geelong Coast Guard and Marine Search and Rescue units make to the community.

Mr Potts said the Festival is also family orientated with many activities for children including learning the basics of fishing, tips on the marine environment and water safety as part of safe boating.

VIC BOATING STATS
Currently there are 268,336 current Marine Licences, 172,805 registered boats and 996,000 boating participants in Victoria. (Morgan Poll 2012 – Victorian and Tasmanian)

Some 90 per cent of Victorian recreation vessels are trailered, less than eight metres in length, with 68 per cent of registered boats being operated on Port Phillip and Western Port Bays.

The projected increase of the population in the central coast area of Victoria, including Port Phillip and Western Port Bays, from 4.6 million to nearly 8 million by 2050, will see a doubling of boating activities which will require a boost Victoria’s economic development and employment.

Marine businesses and organisations will be exhibiting at this weekend-long event, which is expected to bring visitors from the Geelong and Bellarine communities and beyond. 

The event is expected to  draw a wide audience and will feature boat and watercraft displays, educational information, family fun, entertainment and food vans. More for visitors and exhbitors at www.lifesbetterwithaboat.com.au/geelong-festival.