Abell Point Marina, Australia, has taken further steps to demonstrate its efforts towards greener living by signing a pledge with the Marina Industries Association to eliminate single-use plastics within its facility.

The marina had already committed itself to being plastic free. Upon arrival visitors receive their own reusable shopping bag at check-in, Abell Point Marina also signed The Last Straw campaign pledge last July, making it the first marina in Australia where all food and drink outlets are committed to banning the use of plastic straws.

David Day's art from marine debris.

The marina, which is sponsoring the annual Great Barrier Reef Festival, is hosting a series of workshops in the lead up to the event, hosted by artist David Day, which provide the opportunity to upcycle marine debris into pieces of art which will be displayed throughout the festival in August.

The marina is demonstrating its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint in order to protect the beautiful environment surrounding the marina, which includes the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

“This signed pledge is acknowledgement of the need to proactively address the damaging reality of single use plastic and publicly show the genuine commitment the marina has towards initially reducing unnecessary waste, and ultimately eliminating it throughout the marina by 2025,” said a representative from Abell Point Marina.

Bubble map demonstrating number of unique yacht visits between 2015-2018.

Courtesy of Marine Traffic. 

The marina, located near Queensland, is one of the most popular yachting areas in the country. While Australia may not boast great numbers when it comes to superyacht activity, this, as is so often the case, has much to do with domestic policy and little to do with its quality as a destination. Indeed, it remains one of the most sought-after destinations for potential charter guests.

Courtesy of MarineTraffic.

However, with a huge amount of investment by way of marina and refit facilities, as well as a recent change to a pro-yachting government that supports attracting foreign flagged vessels to charter in the region, its superyacht market is set to go strength to strength. Looking at current migration data provided by Marine Traffic, it has increased in popularity as a superyacht destination between 2015 and 2018. The average number of unique yachts visiting Australia per quarter has increased from 43 to 64.75 since 2015. As the area develops as a superyacht destination, it is refreshing to see them taking ecologically mindful steps towards accommodating for this.

More information on Australia as a destination, alongside other less 'traditional'  superyacht locations can be found in The Superyacht Migration Report, which is out now. Click here to get hold of a copy.

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