Average occupancy reached 85.4%
The survey reports average marina occupancy of 85.4% nationally, with Western Australia at 88.3%, New South Wales at 87.4% and Queensland at 86.1%. The results suggest strong demand for berths across several of the country's major boating regions.
High occupancy can be good for marina investment but difficult for owners seeking seasonal or permanent berths. Small-boat buyers should therefore check local berth availability before assuming a marina place will be easy to secure.
The sector contributed an estimated $3.2bn
The Marina Industries Association estimates a $3.2 billion economic contribution and almost 24,000 supported jobs. The survey drew responses from around 40% of Australian marinas and extrapolated the wider national picture.
Marinas support far more than berth rental. Fuel, haul-out, maintenance, chandlery, hospitality and small marine businesses around each site turn boat ownership into a broader local economic activity.
Western Australia led on occupancy and services
Western Australia reported the highest occupancy and the greatest share of government-owned marinas. It also had the highest proportion of full-service facilities offering both fuel and haul-out, while about one in five had installed solar power.
Those services matter to leisure-boat owners because routine maintenance and refuelling are easier when they can be handled at the home marina. Solar investment also indicates how operators are beginning to manage their own energy demand.
New South Wales had the strongest small-business presence
New South Wales recorded the highest proportion of marinas leasing space to small-business tenants, while Queensland sites hosted the highest average number of business tenants. The pattern varies because ownership and boating markets differ by state.
For LBG readers, the survey shows that marina health has a direct effect on everyday boating. Reliable berths and local marine trades can be as important to ownership satisfaction as the boat itself, particularly for owners without home storage or trailering options.
Official sources: marinebusiness.news.