It includes companies such as Pacific Biotechnologies, which uses seaweed to remediate waste water from prawn farms © Ananda Arrieta
The Queensland Aquaculture Strategy 2024–2034, launched today by agricultural industry development and fisheries minister Mark Furner, outlines the plan "to put more premium Queensland seafood on plates in our state and across the globe”.
This investment is a further boost to the $7.5 million committed to aquaculture in March 2023.
Some of the key initiatives include:
- A research and development programme to support diversification in the industry, including additional support for the future development of tropical rock oysters in Queensland.
- Research into innovative and cost-effective waste treatment and management, farm automation and energy-efficient enterprises.
- Enhanced biosecurity initiatives to support industry.
- A limited grants program to support First Nation businesses and the adoption of new technologies to enhance business sustainability and resilience.
- Establishment of an Aquaculture Stakeholder Reference Group.
The strategy was developed with feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including industry associations, operators, First Nations traditional custodians and aquaculture businesses, as well as government and non-government organisations and universities.
The strategy seeks to enhance engagement and support for First Nations operators in the industry and responds to feedback from stakeholders on charting the next phase of development for Queensland’s aquaculture industry.
At the launch of the strategy, Minister Furner stated: “It’s important we’re continuing to invest in our aquaculture sector to give consumers choice, variety, and confidence that all Queensland seafood is sustainable and responsibly sourced.
“We’re backing Queensland’s aquaculture industry with a combined $22.5 million of investment and we are on to a winner — the industry continues to grow and has now hit a record high of $263 million.
“I’ve seen first-hand the jobs, community benefits and positive economic impact Queensland aquaculture can create, with businesses like Ornatas north of Townsville and Tassal in the Whitsunday region thriving.”
