・Conduct a review, in conjunction with the WASA, to assess the application, use and effectiveness of the 125 per cent tax concession in the marine industry in Western Australia
・Determine, with the industry, if construction finance for light weight fast ferries is a universal problem and if so, approach EFIC to determine if changes in the financing packages could be made to release funding at an earlier stage in the build program.
・Participate with the industry in international trade shows best suited to the industry.
・Review the outcomes of the Australian Indonesian Development Agreement (AIDA) study and determine what actions DCT should formulate in terms of facilitating industry development and marketing and track each of the stages for this study, namely
1. Demand analysis and potential ferry routes;
2. Industrial aspects; and
3. Issue of operating licenses.
OBJECTIBE 3: Review the potential and current level of activity of the local steel ship construction and repair industry
Construction of steel vessels depends mainly on the domestic market at present and is driven by the need to replace an aging tug and trawler fleet. The industry should prepare itself to take advantage of market opportunities as labour and environmental costs increase in Asia relative to Australia. It should also respond to demand for construction and maintenance of vessels to service the offshore gas and petroleum industry.
ACTION
・Facilitate an in-depth market survey similar to the style of the High Speed Ocean Freight (HSOF) report to determine the potential market for large ship repairs and the type of docking facility required in Western Australia.
・Assess the likely environmental pressures in Singapore for the shipbuilding and repair industry to close over the next 20 years, and the likelihood of increasing investment in the Australian industry.
・Review the potential market for tugs, workboats, trawlers and the like, the economic impact and aspects of industry development, and how the market can more readily consider Western Australia as a source of supply.
OBJECTIVE 4: Assist in the promotion of the recreational and light commercial boat building industry in WA
The recreational and light commercial boat building industry relies mainly on the local market and imports a large proportion of its parts and materials. The Department's strategy is to encourage cooperative exports and import substitution wherever practicable.
ACTION
・Sponsor a promotional video for the recreational and light commercial boat building industry in Western Australia together with the BIA (WA) covering the various aspects of the industry sectors.
