Marina estates are diverse communities and it’s why a good body corporate management service can make all the difference. There are many stakeholders to keep happy ranging from residential property and berth owners to recreational boaties, liveaboards (i.e. people who live on their boats), commercial charter boat operators and holiday makers. A strong management partnership is vital to ensure the estate runs smoothly.

At Bayview Marina Estate in Darwin, Whittles works closely with the body corporate committee and on-site marina management team to oversee the estate. This three-way partnership is a great example of what can be achieved when management works towards the same goal. And it’s why Bayview is setting a strong benchmark for other Australian marina estates.

What is the body corporate manager’s role? 

Whittles Body Corporate Manager Cathy Orr has been providing administrative services to Bayview Marina Estate since January 2023. Cathy helps administer the estate, together with the body corporate committee and marina managers, so it’s run according to the relevant legislation and bylaws.

What does the body corporate manager do?

The body corporate services Whittles provide Bayview generally include:

• managing all correspondence requirements;
• convening and assisting in the chairing of meetings;
• reviewing and dispatching minutes of meetings;
• taking direction from the body corporate committee on how to manage issues;
• collecting fees e.g. liveaboard and body corporate costs;
• providing boardroom facilities for meetings at no additional cost; and
• completing necessary statements required for ownership transfer of units/lots.

Bayview is a unique environment and is home to 128 marina berths and 110 residential properties. For this reason, Whittles’ primary focus is to help ensure the estate’s finances are well-managed now and into the future.

What makes a great body corporate manager?

On-site marina managers John and Louise Ludbrook have been overseeing Bayview’s day to day operations since 2020 and are in regular contact with Body Corporate Manager Cathy. Both Louise and John agree Cathy’s great organisation and communication skills make life ‘easy’.

John says:

“We find Whittles’ communication is excellent. The system works well.

“Whittles are approachable and open to any changes that we think might help. They put practical solutions forward as to how we can make the system better too.”

What are the benefits of a body corporate manager?

Bayview Marina Estate resident Greg Ireland chairs the body corporate committee, which comprises six other volunteer members, and believes greater efficiency is a key benefit of the Whittles partnership.

Greg says:

“We’re all volunteers on the committee and most of us have other things to do so it tends to be something you get to in what’s left of your spare time. It’s important we’ve got all the documentation and we’ve had sufficient time to read, and absorb, the information so we can have discussions in the community with lot owners preferably before we get to a committee meeting.

“This way, we can make sure the decisions being made are appropriate and timely and don’t drag on. If we don’t make a decision at a committee meeting, it’s got to wait six weeks until we get around to it again unless we choose to deal with it out of session.”

How to choose a good body corporate manager?

Whittles was appointed body corporate managers at Bayview approximately three years ago after the committee decided it was time to change the way the marina was being managed.

Committee Chair Greg says:

“There was a full open tender process and we received more than half a dozen proposals. The committee went through quite an exhaustive process interviewing people and getting the right fit. We had some challenges with our previous management structure so we removed the lock and marina management responsibilities from body corporate management.

“Splitting the contract was key because it meant the new body corporate management company could get back to its core business. Our meetings with Whittles were outstanding and the company’s great references demonstrated its capabilities. We felt quite comfortable moving forward with Whittles and we’ve had no regrets.”

In summary

Co-operation, communication and a competent body corporate management company are central to successful mixed-use marina estates. Bayview Marina Estate shows what can be achieved when a body corporate management company, body corporate committee and marina management team have a shared vision.

Marina Manager John says:

“We’re all aiming toward the same goal which is making Bayview Marina Estate a better place to be. I think that’s the key for us: everyone is working together. There’s nobody trying to undermine any aspect of the three pillars that hold it together.”

Are you an owner or body corporate committee member? Is your community an enjoyable place to live and work? If you need help, contact your local Whittles team to learn more about our tailored body corporate management services for marina estates, residential buildings and commercial developments.

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You can also visit our Resources page for handy body corporate and strata management tips.

Updated: 22 Jan 2024