Industry Profile - Marine Industry page image

Industry Profile - Marine Industry

The Tweed Economic Development Corporation has initiated a number of projects to assist and promote growth of the Tweed marine industry which incorporates a range of activities including boat manufacturing, river-based tourism, commercial fishing and other marine based business.

The Tweed’s strategic location, climate and physical attributes including its navigable waterways, ocean accessibility, and proximity to the port of Brisbane as well as the linkages to the Gold Coast’s marine industry, make it a natural choice for businesses wanting to invest in the rapidly growing Tweed marine industry.

The Tweed’s marine industry currently contributes in excess of $35 million per annum to the Tweed economy and offers significant employment and financial multipliers.

The TEDC initiated the establishment of the Tweed Marine Industry Association Inc. which represents and promote the varied interests of commercial stakeholders involved in the Tweed marine industry.

The Tweed River Marine Industries Development Plan and the Tweed Marine industry Association Draft Business Plan are strategic documents which are guiding growth of this significant Tweed industry sector.

The Australian marine industry sector has an estimated 2700 firms who employ 29,000 staff and have a $5.5 billion turnover including $750 million in exports which demonstrates the significant contribution of the industry to the Australian economy.

TEDC Marine Industry Achievements to date:

  • Development of the Tweed River Marine Industries Development Plan – May 2004 and the Tweed Marine Industry Association Draft Business Plan – September 2004;
  • Establishment of the Tweed Marine Industry Association Inc. to represent and promote the varied interests of commercial stakeholders involved in the Tweed marine industry;
  • Raising funds for the Tweed Heads Slipway Refurbishment;
  • Facilitation of the funding and construction of a concrete launching pad at Condong in 2002;
  • Facilitation of the construction of a pontoon by Tweed Shire Council at Condong in 2007 to provide a launching facility for multi-million dollar catamarans by the local boat manufacturers as well as enabling the industry’s to capitalize on the lucrative vessel refurbishment market;
  • Completion of the first stage of the regional Marine Supply Chain Project, resulting in an industry capability analysis and recommendations (for implementation in stage II), with the aim of increasing marine industry collaboration, sales, employment and access to opportunities for local manufacturers, subsequently improving profitability of all supply chain contributors to this growing regional sector.