Boating Industry Takes Priorities to NSW Parliament
Pictured from top left, clockwise are: BIA’s Neil Patchett with Kylie Wilkinson MP and Roy Butler MP talking to the Sydney Heritage Fleet; Neil Patchett talking to Tracy Souris and Parliamentary Secretary (Maritime) Anna Watson MP; Phil Donato MP with Sailability NSW; Neil Patchett, Minister Sophie Cotsis, BIA CEO Andrew Fielding and BIA President Tracy Souris. Credit: BIA
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) hosted its inaugural Boating Industry Drop-In Day at NSW Parliament House, bringing together 16 Members of Parliament, including Ministers, to discuss opportunities to enhance boating across New South Wales.
Held in partnership with the NSW Parliamentary Group for Aquatic Recreation and co-hosted by Roy Butler MP and Clayton Barr MP, the event provided a valuable opportunity for the boating industry to engage directly with policymakers in the heart of Parliament.
BIA invited key members and stakeholder groups to brief parliamentarians on priority issues affecting recreational boating and the marine industry across NSW. The event also provided a platform for BIA to formally present its pre-election Enhance Boating NSW Policy Manifesto, outlining practical initiatives to improve boating access, infrastructure, safety and participation across the state. The manifesto is available to members here.
The strong level of parliamentary engagement highlighted the significant contribution boating makes to the NSW economy, tourism sector and local communities. The inaugural Drop-In Day reinforced the importance of ongoing dialogue between industry and government to ensure boating priorities remain front of mind in future policy discussions.
For more Australian boating industry developments and marine news, visit AFLOAT News.
