Described as an ‘information and assistance’ meeting, the talks at Manning Point Bowling Club will focus on the level of government assistance oyster farmers and fishermen may be entitled to, as they watch their incomes dwindle to zero through lack of marketable product.
The Times understands that among discussions to take place will be the possibility of the Manning being given a ‘natural disaster’ status, meaning those who depend on the river for their livelihood would be eligible for help such as low interest loans.
Because of the continuing freshes caused by summer rain, the Manning has been closed to oyster production since November, and now many leases have a 100 per cent death rate of the current crop.
Industry Crisis Meeting
AUSTRALIA - A meeting will be held at Manning Point tomorrow between oyster farmers, professional fishermen, council and government agencies, to discuss ways of assisting the local industries through the Manning Rivers current health problems.