As a result of cooperation between the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) and the Marina Industries Association (MIA) two North Coast NSW marinas have gained accreditation under MIA’s Clean Marinas Program. They are Coffs Harbour International Marina and Yamba Marina (pictured).
Both marinas underwent a 115 point environmental audit to assess mechanical activities, boat maintenance and storage; fuelling; facility management; mechanical, shipwright, boat repair and general workshops; emergency planning and equipment plus boaties education to ensure they were compliant with the Clean Marina Program.
As a result of the independent audit, both marinas undertook some minor upgrades to environmental related infrastructure and on further verification passed the Clean Marinas Program Level 3 accreditation criteria.
MIA Executive Officer Colin Bransgrove said MIA was particularly pleased with this outcome. “It is the first time MIA has partnered with a Catchment Management Authority to achieve an outcome that is good for the all parties involved. It is also good for marina users, local communities and most importantly, the environment. These two marinas are the first marinas in the region to become Clean Marina accredited”.
Peter Sutton from Yamba Marina said he has appreciated the support on this important environmental program. “We are very pleased to be officially recognised as a Clean Marina under the MIA program. As a 90 berth marina we provide important services and facilities to local and visiting boats. Being able to fly the Clean Marina flag is an important signal that we are committed to high environmental standards.”
