Parliament event showcases Sydney Rock Oysters

The State's best Sydney rock oysters have been showcased at the heart of government in a major promotion for the industry.

Oyster growers from seven NSW regions brought their produce to Parliament House for tasting by MPs and industry stakeholders in an event aimed at supporting the famous Sydney rock oyster.

The featured estuaries are Camden Haven, Wallis Lake, Port Stephens, Crookhaven and Shoalhaven rivers, Lake Conjola, Clyde River and Bermagui and Pambula Lake.

The Sydney rock oyster - widely regarded as the Grange of oysters worldwide - is the bacKBone of the State's thriving aquaculture industry.

For 2002/03 the State's aquaculture production value topped the $50 million mark for the first time, with the oyster industry value rising 9.6 per cent to $34.5 million.

This is great news for local growers, regional communities where the oysters are produced, as well as for consumers of Sydney rock oysters.

The NSW Government is supporting industry moves to export the Sydney rock oyster.

Last month Lyall's Oysters of Port Stephens sent a sample shipment of Sydney rock oysters to Hong Kong, and NSW Fisheries is working with Agsell and Austrade to investigate offshore markets for the oyster.

SafeFood NSW is currently classifying NSW oyster growing areas to meet international standards for export. Once this process is complete, there will be potential for large-scale export of NSW oysters.