Prawn-tastic news for Queensland’s booming aquaculture industry

• New report shows record aquaculture production of $263.2 million
• Minister announces 17% increase in gross value of production
• Mackay’s prawn industry experiences $45.8 million growth in 2022–23

Queensland’s Aquaculture industry has continued its upwards trajectory with the gross value of production increasing by 17% to reach a record high of $263.2 million in 2022-23.

The latest Ross Lobegeiger Report shows the Queensland Government’s strong support for aquaculture is paying dividends for North Queensland, with Mackay’s prawn industry leading the way.

The report also shows that the prawn sector experienced a 12.6 per cent production increase 2022–23, while the overall value of the sector increased by $45.8 million (from $167.1 million in 2021–22 to $212.9 million in 2022–23).

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner

“The Queensland Government’s support for the aquaculture industry has helped to make it one of Queensland‘s fastest-growing primary industries, with a surge in jobs and investment over the last five years, particularly in regional areas.

“We have seen strong growth in the prawn, freshwater, oyster and aquarium sectors with an impressive increase in production values.

“Mackay, Cairns, the Gold Coast, and Townsville remain the primary contributors to the industry's overall value and production.

“Mackay stands out as the largest sector, experiencing growth from $116.3 million in 2021–22 to $160.7 million in 2022–23.“

To read the Ross Lobegeiger Report, visit: https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/aquaculture/resource/d5603d18-096c-418c-883f-8f97c2b818c5