On Wednesday, industry participants met with representatives from Primary Industries and Regions South Australia and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), to discuss the pressures faced by operators in relation to licence approval processes.
Announced last week, PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture Executive Director, Professor Mehdi Doroudi, said the project is part of the Premier’s Public Sector Renewal Programme which will help to shape a dynamic and productive public sector focused on the needs of all South Australians.
“Southern Bluefin Tuna is the State’s single largest aquaculture sector, accounting for A$125m of South Australia’s total aquaculture production and directly employing more than 170 employees in the Eyre Peninsula region,“ Professor Doroudi said.
“By streamlining legislative and administrative processes between government agencies, licence holders will benefit from shorter approval times which in turn will improve farming operations and market opportunities for this valuable sector.”
EPA Director of Science and Assessment Peter Dolan said the project would have productivity benefits across the board.
"This is an important project which has the potential for significant benefits to all parties involved, whilst protecting the environment," Mr Dolan said.
Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association (ASBTIA) President, Brian Jeffriess, has welcomed the announcement.
“We look forward to the opportunity to provide input into governmental procedures that will improve business efficiencies for the industry as well as long term sustainability,” Mr Jeffriess said.
The Streamlining regulation of South Australia’s Tuna industry project is a new industry/government initiative, with participants comprising ASBTIA, PIRSA, the EPA, Public Sector Renewal Program (PSRP) and consultancy firm KPMG.
The project is part of the State Government’s strategic priority of Premium Food and Wine for our Clean Environment.
