The Committee

POAG is the key oyster industry consultative body for NSW. It comprises representatives from the oyster industry nominated by the NSW Farmers Association (Oyster Section) and representatives from NSW DPI and the NSW Food Authority. It meets three times per year to discuss relevant issues relating to the management and future development of the sector. It is a non-statutory committee (unpaid members) with an independent Chair. The Secretariat is shared between the NSW Food Authority and NSW DPI.

Update

NSW DPI and the NSW Food Authority are pleased to advise that a new independent Chair, Mr Terrence Healey Barrister-at-Law, has been appointed for a three year term to January 2010.  Mr Healey brings with him a background in agriculture and an interest in marketing to the Committee.

Notes from the latest POAG Meeting

POAG met on 6 May 2009 in Sydney.  Key items on the agenda included

Industry

• The oyster industry is planning to hold two field days late in Winter, possibly in Forster and Batemans Bay.
• POAG resolved to seek DECC representation on the committee given that 42% of Priority Oyster Aquaculture Area and 37% of current leases are in marine protected areas managed by DECC. Other DECC responsibilities of relevance to the industry include water quality and climate change.

NSW DPI Aquaculture Management

• The NSW DPI Aquaculture extension officer position will not be extended beyond June 30 2009. POAG supported the establishment of a new temporary position to manage clean-up and cost recovery action against former aquaculture lease holders who have abandoned derelict cultivation materials.
• A best practice guide for the construction and mooring of rafts is being prepared.

NSW DPI Science and Research

• An update on the restructure of the Science and Research Division was provided by Renata Brookes and reports on climate change research and the Sydney Rock Oyster Industry historical archive project were received.

NSW DPI Biosecurity

• The Pacific Oyster Closure has been renewed for two years with minor amendment. A full review if this closure is scheduled. The QX closure will be revised following QX negative results from Wooli which means the risk goes from medium to low for Wooli and Wonboyn.
• Animal health researchers at NSW DPIs Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) have a strong interest in furthering understanding of winter mortality following reports of significant mortalities in 2008. Submission of samples from affected estuaries to EAMI is requested.
• Hawkesbury Oyster growers in conjunction with NSW DPI, Hornsby Council and Rob Adlard are preparing to publish the results of QX window of infection data.
• Concern was expressed about ballast water impacts on the NSW oyster industry and Biosecurity agreed to provide an update on relevant initiatives.

NSW Food Authority

• The Kalang River has been closed since August 2008 due to the detection of Norovirus in oysters. Investigations of the source are on-going. The effects of this closure on the local industry were exacerbated by two major floods in six weeks in February and April 2009.
• A revision of NWQMS Guideline 4: Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality is underway.
• The NSW Food Authority conducted a survey of wild harvest bivalves including pipis and cockles harvested in NSW and sent to the Sydney Fish Markets during March and April 2009.  All E.coli returned results less than one and Salmonella was not detected in any samples. 
• A progress report on the CRC Vibrio / Time-Temperature Study was tabled.