Strategy to guide the land based aquaculture industry in NSW

The NSW Government has today launched a strategy to encourage the growth of a viable and environmentally sustainable land based aquaculture industry in NSW, Primary Industries Minister, Steve Whan, announced today.

The NSW Land Based Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy, aims to assist future aquaculture development by providing information on business planning, species and site selection, planning and design, and best practice guidelines for aquaculture.

“NSW provides the ideal setting for most forms of land based aquaculture,” Minister Whan said.

“The State offers a range of ideal species for culture, a clean growing environment, suitable infrastructure and ready access to local and overseas seafood markets.

“The strategy has been developed through a whole of government approach by the Department of Planning; Industry & Investment NSW; Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water; Department of Local Government; Department of Lands, and the NSW Food Authority, overseen by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.”

Industry & Investment NSW Aquaculture Manager Ian Lyall said it also simplifies the application and development processes by cutting through red tape, with all government agencies involved working co-operatively together. 

“This whole of government approach sends a clear message that NSW is open for aquaculture investment,” Mr Lyall said.

“The strategy applies to land-based aquaculture, including:

• Estuarine and marine pond and tank based aquaculture growing such species as prawns, mulloway, snapper and bream.
• Freshwater pond and tank based aquaculture growing such species silver perch, golden perch, Murray cod and yabbies.

“Aquaculture has been the fastest growing primary industry in Australia with growth of over 8% per year.

“In Australia, aquaculture production comprised over 30 per cent of the total gross value of production for Australian fisheries.

“In 2007-08 the NSW aquaculture industry contributed $52 million to the economy and provided over 1500 valuable jobs in regional NSW.

“The NSW Government is committed to encouraging the sustainable development of aquaculture through the preparation of sustainable aquaculture strategies, to protect the industry for generations to come,” Mr Lyall said.

Further reading

NSW land based sustainable aquaculture strategy