$15 million injection part of new Queensland Aquaculture Strategy

• Queensland Aquaculture Strategy 2024-2034 launched today by Miles Government.
• Includes $15 million investment into growth of aquaculture industry.
• Strategy outlines how one of state’s fastest-growing industries will continue upward trajectory while prioritising sustainability.

GRABS

The Miles Government will invest $15 million into the continued growth of Queensland’s booming aquaculture industry.

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 program 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 supports additional research, development and extension, as well as support for new technologies and equipment, including a grants program.

The Miles Government will also work with industry to bolster marketing for Queensland seafood in order to take advantage of growing opportunities ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

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.

The Queensland aquaculture industry can support meeting growing consumer demand for high-quality seafood, complementing the wild-caught sector, while providing a boost to regional economies and jobs.

Funding for the strategy and its initiatives is part of the Miles Government’s consideration of the Future Fisheries Taskforce recommendation to support the phasing-out of gillnet fishing on the Great Barrier Reef to better protect threatened, endangered and protected species.

The Queensland Aquaculture Strategy 2024–2034 is available at: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/industry/aquaculture/strategy

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

“Queensland seafood is highly desired by consumers who value high-quality, great-tasting food that is sustainably produced.

“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 onto a winner — the industry continues to grow and has now hit a record high of $263 million.

“Meanwhile the LNP and David Crisafulli gutted Fisheries Queensland when last in power, cutting 28 per cent of jobs.

“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.”

ENDS

Media contact: Bryce Heaton 0427 781 920