Forum to shape future of Queensland aquaculture boom

• $224 million aquaculture industry poised for massive growth
• Key stakeholders coming together to explore potential
• Industry value has grown more than 85 per cent since 2015

A forum in Brisbane has brought key aquaculture industry stakeholders together with Queensland Government department representatives to help shape the future of the industry in the state.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner opened the forum.

Queensland’s aquaculture industry has grown substantially in the past five years, adding $100 million to its gross value of production and lifting employment to almost 900 workers.

The Palaszczuk Government has created Aquaculture Development Areas in a bid to increase investment, and wants to hear from industry how an even brighter future can be achieved.

In March the Queensland Government invested a further $7.5 million into developing the industry, including $3.8m for research, development and extension services, $1.5m for industry development and $1.1m for improved regulation and technical guidance.

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

“I have long held the goal of making Queensland the aquaculture capital of the world, and the industry has made great strides already with Queensland Government support.

“Now it is time to partner even further with industry to design the next steps in the process, turning the potential of this industry into a global powerhouse.

“We know Queenslanders have the passion and the commitment to once again double aquaculture production in this state and create hundreds more good jobs while we’re at it.

“Today’s forum is an excellent chance for us to talk about the opportunities in front of us and the challenges we will need to overcome.”

ENDS

Media contact: Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116