The Committee

The Land Based Aquaculture Consultative Group is the key non-oyster industry consultative body for NSW. It comprises representatives from the different species groups or sectors, relevant industry associations, NSW DPI and the NSW Food Authority. It meets once per year face-to-face to discuss issues relevant to the NSW aquaculture industry. It is a non-statutory committee with an independent Chair and functions under a set of operational guidelines.

Notes from the latest meeting

The Land Based Aquaculture Consultative Group (LBACG) meeting was held by teleconference on the 30 November 2011. Key agenda items included:

1. A welcome to the new NSWLBACG members appointed following an expression of interest process involving all land based aquaculture permit holders and industry groups.  The NSW LBACG now comprises Helen Jenkins (Australian Prawn Farmers Association), Sue Carson (Aquasonic), Rob McCormack (NSW Aquaculture Association), Noel Penfold (Silver Perch Growers Association) and new member Malcolm Shelley (Ozsea).
2. An update on the current status of NSW DPI, appointment of key aquaculture compliance staff, Hatchery Quality Assurance Scheme and recently approved aquaculture developments.
3. An outline of the five year review of the NSW Oyster Industry Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy. NSW DPI is developing a NSW Marine Waters Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy.  Also NSW DPI is proposing to establish an experimental marine finfish lease off Port Stephens for a five year trial period.  The NSW Land Based Aquaculture Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy is to be updated to reflect the new status of NSW government agencies.
4. Information on proposed legislative amendments related mostly to oyster farming activities and the operation of ARAC.
5. Investigations regarding Minor Use Permits (MUPs) for aquaculture chemicals issued by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
6. Advice on negotiations with QLD for batch testing of stock to be undertaken prior to entry into NSW.  Once progressed, this would be recognised in an MOU along with the mutual recognition of the QLD Fish Health Certification Program.
7. Advice that the Nutrient Levels in Aquaculture Waters Project had been completed and the final report was now on the NSW DPI website.
8. Industry raised the issue of the need to seek continued improvement to the NSW Fish Stocking Program and recommended the Department develop a Freshwater Fish Stocking Strategic Plan similar to that developed in other States.
9. The Australasian Aquaculture Conference is to be held in Melbourne on the 1-4 May 2012.