BIA MEDIA RELEASE TfNSW to tax Boaters Extra $Millions

[mrsswordfisherman]

MEDIA RELEASE   Transport for NSW to tax Boaters Extra $Millions       The boating sector is calling on the Minister for Transport to intervene and ask Transport for NSW to abandon its surprise plan to tax the boating public extra millions of dollars during a cost-of-living crisis.  Transport for NSW’s move to increase a wide range of boating fees from 1 July will deliver a windfall for the department in extra revenue according to the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA).  BIA spokesperson Neil Patchett says there are concerns about the way that Transport is claiming that these increases will only be modest for the majority and that they are necessary to fund the departments work in safety.  “Transport for NSW already charges the highest fees in the nation for people to go recreational boating,” he said. “Claims increases are mostly no more than $35 masks the fact that, as an example, a 3-year general boat driver licence will go up by 19 percent. This is more than triple what the CPI figure should be and some of the fee increases go as high as 88 per cent”.   “Compounding the concern is the lack of appropriate consultation. For the first time in more than 20 years, Transport for NSW has gone against its own policy which is to adjust fees in line with CPI (5.89%). The new fees will result in 10s of millions of dollars in extra revenue from the boating public, made up of every-day Australian families trying to make ends meet in a cost-of-living crises.”    When considering the above example, BIA notes that if the current number of boaters in NSW took up a 3-year General boat and PWC licence, revenue from these licences alone would climb to $53 million a year. These are just two fee items on a schedule of 13 fees changed to waterways users.  “The Boating Industry Association is the peak body which represents hundreds of small businesses across New South Wales. There are significant concerns coming from industry and public about the ramifications that these record-breaking fee increases will have on businesses and boating. The potential that people will be pushed out of leisure boating is very real. If families are priced out of this form of recreation, it will put jobs at risk across the boating sector.”  The industry employs more than 30,000 people in Australia with a substantial number in NSW.   Ethan, an apprentice marine mechanic employed at a marine business in North-West Sydney says: "I love being a marine mechanic and it is actually quite hard to get an apprenticeship in this area. If there is a downturn in the sales of boats and jetskis because of the higher fees, then there will be fewer opportunities for boat shops to employ apprentices like me."   Additional information available on the fees issue here.    About the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) The Boating Industry Association (BIA) is the peak marine industry body in Australia, representing the interests of the sector, businesses and the wider community of boating enthusiasts. BIA is an advocate for boaters and supports the safe and responsible enjoyment of recreational boating as a positive and rewarding lifestyle for Australians. A not-for-profit organisation, BIA aims to promote participation in recreational boating, strengthen government advocacy and support for members and expand the opportunities for professional growth and career pathways in the marine industry.

[big Neil]

Everything goes up and they seldom come back down!

When, where, and how did the consultation with end users take place?

The fact that NSW has the highest fees is the benchmark and needs to be re-examined. All States and Territories in this piscatorial paradise actively contribute to the well being of their end users. Why is NSW the highest priced? What criteria is used to make that a reasonable benchmark in the first place? Is it the fact that NSW has the highest population density? If so, maybe that should be grounds for it to be among the cheapest... Maybe we should look at how much space per end user ratio impacts the benchmark, that would certainly demote NSW to being way behind WA.

It seems only fair that the guidelines for every other price increase are directly relative to CPI, yet this NSW Government decision is definitely not. WHY? Where is the justification?

Presently, times are tough. So why now, when this directly impacts every family who has worked and contributed to the overall wealth of the State?

Disgusted,   bn

[Yowie]

Money hungry mongrels. Just renewed my boat and drivers licences, not cheap. Also trailer rego.

[zmk1962]

Just keeping this very valid topic alive ... Call to action for all Deckee boat/PWC owners ... please sign the BIA petition we need to get to 2500 votes.

https://boatingindustryassociationltd.cmail19.com/t/d-l-eihihkd-iisidjthu-j/

I have added the following to my petition.

"I am an active boater and see this increase in Boating fees as massive overreach which sets a dangerous precedent. It is a departure from a principled increase justified on CPI and sets a precedence of increases based purely on government departmental whim - without justification or accountability. It is wrong."

Cheers Zoran