COVID-19 / BETTER BOATING FUND UPDATE

COVID-19

2020 has no doubt been a tough year and there were stages when we wondered if/how the industry would survive. We are pleased now that many of the COVID restrictions have been lifted and business can get back to something like normal.

Demand for boats and boating is at very high levels, so normal business to support this is essential.

The remaining COVID restriction hurting boating is the 25km rule, which we expect to come off on Sunday. We wish all of our members all the best for the remainder of 2020 and congratulate them collectively for their 2020 survival and achievements.

BETTER BOATING FUND

BIAV continues to keep a very close eye on the passage of the Better Boating Fund Legislation. Two weeks ago we advised you of our concerns that the legislation doesn’t fully deliver on the 2018 election commitments. More specifically that the legislation provides that an amount of money will be placed into the fund, rather than “every cent” of registration and licence fees. BIAV had previously stated having been somewhat comforted by the Minister’s second reading speech, that clearly referred to “every cent”.

When the legislation passed through the Lower House ten days ago, following a four hour debate, BIAV was further encouraged by the dozen government members of the lower house, taking turns to commend the legislation to the house, and while doing so, re-affirming the “every cent” message.

We will continue to liaise with the Minister and the government and do everything we can to see every cent returned and then it being strategically spent to best serve the needs of Victorian boaters. Recent challenges around some of Melbourne’s most popular boat ramps, that have been prominent in social media feeds, have further highlighted the need for improved facilities, access and services, via the Better Boating Fund.