I would like to announce some significant news that will benefit many NRMA Members. Following constructive discussions over the last few months with NRMA Insurance, NRMA Motoring & Services’ Members will soon be able to use their NRMA membership to receive insurance benefits from NRMA Insurance. This is a significant milestone for our relationship and reflects the recognition NRMA Insurance now has for our Members. Watch out in the next issue of Open Road for details on how Members will benefit.

I recently announced NRMA’s results for the 2005/06 financial year and was pleased to report a strong net profit of $47 million.

This has come off the back of some tough decisions the company has been forced to make over the last three years to ensure we remain financially viable in the long term. I believe we are also beginning to see the benefits of the company’s strategy to diversify our investment portfolio.

One of the benefits of prudently managing NRMA’s financial future is the flexibility it gives us to seek new investment opportunities and deliver new benefits to you.

Our recent purchase of the Treasure Island Holiday Resort on the Gold Coast was in direct response to Members’ calls for more travel and holiday related benefits (see page 47).

The resort will provide NRMA with a solid income stream and has strong land values. It is a coastal location and provides you and your family with a great destination to enjoy your holidays.

NRMA has also acquired a 75% share in Thrifty Australia (see page 47). Thrifty holds many synergies to NRMA, in particular services in travel, touring and hospitality, including the Travelodge chain of hotels.

Buying a vehicle privately is no doubt exciting, but can be fraught with hassle and risk if it is not done properly. The recently established NRMA Car Loans fills a gap in the finance market – acquiring funds to purchase used cars on the private market (see page 60). This new service supports Members in the private-to-private used car market, complementing NRMA’s Vehicle Inspections.

NRMA vehicle inspectors help protect Members from buying a lemon – NRMA Car Loans can ensure you have access to finance.

It’s all part of ensuring that ‘it pays to belong’.

Tony Stuart, CEO