The Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) has announced it is bringing back the Marina of the Year Award in 2009. 

After a gap in the presentation of this award at last year's Australian Marine Awards, the MIAA is bringing the competition back "In House."  The competition is being administered by MIAA and winner trophies and excellence certificates for finalists will be presented as part of the Marinas 2009 Conference dinner 26 May 2009 on the Gold Coast.

Open to all marinas across Australia, the award bases its criteria on social, economic and environmental sustainability, taking into account marina design and presentation, scope of services and facilities, customer service, environmental programs, involvement in the industry and contribution to the local economy and tourism. 

Executive Officer of MIAA, Colin Bransgrove says that while the application process is far less onerous than in previous years, the integrity of the award will not be compromised.  He confirmed that a site visit by an independent and qualified assessor will be included as part of judging the short-listed marinas in each category (under 85 berths or 85 berths and over).

"In the challenging economic climate here is a chance for marinas to significantly boost their profile. It is a wonderful opportunity for marinas to review and assess their business performance through the entry process," he added. The application form for entry can be downloaded from the MIAA web site.

Previous winners of the award have been Southport Yacht Club (2000), d'Albora Marinas Akuna Bay (2002), The Marina Hindmarsh Island (2003), Mandurah Ocean Marina (2004), d'Albora Marinas Nelson Bay (2005), Mackay Marina Village and Shipyard (2006) and Soldiers Point Marina (2007). The awards were not held in 2001