Minister highlights growth potential of aquaculture

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Leanne Donaldson has highlighted the potential for Queensland’s aquaculture sector to create more jobs during a visit to one of the state’s leading fish farms.

“Aquaculture has great potential to expand as a sustainable and profitable industry in Queensland and the Palaszczuk Government is keen to support its growth,” the Minister said.

“We are paving the way for expansion not only to supply local seafood but also to support more jobs in regional Queensland.

“We are keen to encourage businesses to invest in aquaculture and want to reduce barriers to entry while balancing environmental protection with industry development.

“In recent months I have seen some impressive innovations in the industry and we are working towards the creation of terrestrial aquaculture development areas and investigating the potential for marine aquaculture development areas.

“In September the Palaszczuk Government announced funding for a major research project to improve the productivity of prawn farming as part of the first round of the $15 million Advance Queensland Innovation Partnerships.”

Minister Donaldson said Coral Coast Barramundi, north of Bowen, was showing the way forward for the industry.

“This is a company that is producing premium quality barramundi and is working with James Cook University on projects to improve genetic breeding values, find alternative sources of fishmeal and develop new technologies for their discharge waters,” the Minister said.

Coral Coast Barramundi employs 25 staff.

“Queensland’s aquaculture sector currently employs more than 450 full-time equivalents, has a gross value of production of more than $120 million and produces about 38% of the total state value of fisheries production.

“Farmed fish and seafood is a great product with potential to supply both the Queensland and Australian markets and the growing international demand for safe and sustainable protein,” the Minister said.

Minister Donaldson is in the region for the Palaszczuk Government’s Whitsunday Community Cabinet meeting.

Media contact:

Leanne Donaldson’s office – 0448 994 172