The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has published findings from two industry research projects: the 2025 Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey (HAMIS) and the 2026 MIA Employment & Salary Survey.
Together, the surveys provide a detailed picture of Australia’s marina sector, covering areas including economic contribution, workforce trends, operating performance and future challenges.
The 2025 Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey, conducted with Michigan State University, gathered responses from 305 marinas. The survey estimates the sector contributes A$3.2bn (US$2.3bn) to the Australian economy, supports nearly 24,000 jobs and provides premises for more than 1,000 small businesses. Total gross revenue reached A$965m (US$685.2m), while wages accounted for A$171m (US$121.4m) and capital expenditure totalled A$115m (US$81.7m).
Forty per cent of Australian marinas took part in the survey. Andrew Chapman, MIA president, presented the findings at the Marinas26 International Conference & Trade Exhibition on the Gold Coast and says: “We are very proud of this ongoing research project, and its value to industry is underlined by the strong participation.”
The survey found that the average Australian marina has 188 vessel storage spaces, annual revenue of A$3.2m (US$2.3m), an occupancy rate of 85.4 per cent, 10 employees and 40 contractors. It also found that 61 per cent of marinas lease space to an average of eight business tenants.
Environmental initiatives continue to feature prominently in marina operations. According to the survey, 46 per cent of marinas plan to install solar energy systems within three years, while three-quarters of respondents rate proactive environmental measures as highly important.
The findings also highlight ongoing workforce and development pressures. Labour attraction and retention remain difficult across the sector, an issue explored further in the MIA Employment & Salary Survey.
Ed Mahoney, lead researcher for the HAMIS project, points to development approvals as one factor affecting future capacity. He says: “The recreational boating industry is currently facing a significant challenge related to storage and service capacity. The enhancement and expansion of the industry is being hindered due to bureaucratic hurdles that delay the necessary permitting and approval processes.”
Summary findings from the HAMIS report are available through the MIA. The full report can also be purchased separately.
Workforce challenges remain in focus
The 2026 MIA Employment & Salary Survey attracted responses from 96 marinas, boatyards and clubs across seven Australian states and territories, making it the largest edition of the survey to date.
The results suggest the sector continues to grow, although recruitment remains a challenge. Salary growth has eased following the inflationary period between 2022 and 2024. Pay freezes are now uncommon, while salary levels for key positions have increased steadily over the survey’s eight-year reporting period.
The marina manager position remains the hardest role to fill, a trend recorded in every survey. Vacancies for senior positions typically take between one and three months to fill. The findings point to a shortage of qualified candidates entering the sector, while an ageing workforce is adding further pressure. Succession planning, wage expectations and access to trained staff were also identified as ongoing concerns.
Even so, respondents remain generally positive about staffing levels. No participant forecast a significant reduction in headcount, with most expecting employee numbers to remain stable or increase.
The full Employment & Salary Survey report is available exclusively to participating facilities.
Suzanne Davies, CEO of the Marina Industries Association, says: “The conduct of credible, valid and reliable research is one of the key pillars of the MIA’s leadership support services. These two reports give the industry an unparalleled evidence base – for advocacy, for investment planning, and for everyday operational decision-making.”
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