Maritime Policy Agenda launched
After 12 months of consultation, the NSW government takes aimNSW Minister for Ports Duncan Gay recently launched the Maritime Policy Agenda to guide the work of Transport for NSW agencies over the next three years.
Minister Gay made the announcement at the Sydney International Boat Show before more than 500 boating and marine industry representatives.
"I’m pleased to be able to launch the Maritime Policy Agenda, which reflects 12 months of consultation and engagement with the maritime community," said Mr Gay.
The Maritime Policy Agenda has three main themes:
- Boating Safety
- Boat Storage and Safe Waterways Access Strategy
- Reducing Red Tape
"From all the feedback and advice, the outcome is a focus on boating safety, improving boat storage and waterways access, and cutting red tape in maritime property and planning.
"It is time to deliver a set of initiatives which reflect calls for support and for action," Mr Gay added.
Mr Gay said it’s estimated that more than 1.5 million people go boating each year, making the safe use of our waterways a priority.
"Over the past 10 years, 167 lives have been lost in boating incidents in NSW and while the overall trend in the fatality rate is improving, there remains much to do," he said.
"Too often the person who has lost their life while boating was not wearing a lifejacket. Our focus in the next few years will be to encourage more awareness of the difference a lifejacket can make."
Mr Gay said that boat ownership was forecast to increase at almost three per cent a year in NSW which created a challenge in vessel storage and access to our waterways.
"Transport for NSW agencies will focus on delivering new and improved vessel storage solutions and waterway access statewide," he said.
"Industry feedback suggests a frustration with some maritime regulations and policy.
"The NSW Government is determined to listen to industry and community on these sorts of issues.
"The State Government will review processes and work to deliver improvements in efficiency and responsiveness, especially in the maritime property area."
Mr Gay said the Maritime Policy Agenda consultation included feedback from a dedicated Maritime Stakeholder Forum in April and expert advice from the peak consultative group, the Maritime Advisory Council.
The NSW boating sector generates about $2 billion annually for the State’s economy and supports thousands of jobs and businesses which form the backbone of our communities.
The Maritime Policy Agenda identifies 16 specific actions which can be viewed at: http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/docs/maritime-policy-agenda.pdf
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