Victoria's Aquaculture Strategy

The State Government’s Aquaculture Strategy was launched on November 26, with the primary objective of doubling Victoria’s aquaculture production to $36 million by 2001, within the context of a sound environmental policy.

At present, Victoria’s industry remains underdeveloped, with its annual output of $18 million representing only 3.5% of the national total. The State has an ideal range of resource opportunities for aquaculture, such as freehold coastal land with access to oceanic quality water, geothermal ground water in the LaTrobe Valley and Western District and offshore marine sites in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay. The Goulburn-Murray irrigation district also offers large opportunities by growing fish in the enormous quantities of water used to irrigate farms.

Victoria has already enjoyed significant commercial success in the industry, with its salmonoid farming, eels, mussels, yabbies, ornamental fish, native fish and abalone sectors having a strong foundation for further expansion.

To further encourage new investment, the Government has streamlined approval processes for aquaculture projects through the establishment of an interagency Aquaculture Development Committee. This committee will manage the assessment of applications that fall outside the established aquaculture zones. New sites will be identified and developed in consultation with the Environment Conservation Council, the Fisheries Co-management Council and the Victorian Aquaculture Council. The Strategy also recommends an Office of Regulation Reform review process to consider the legislative, policy and administrative framework under which aquaculture operates.

The Strategy is backed by the Government’s allocation of $1.5 million to assist the development of the industry and the investment of $13 million in revamped fish research facilities at Queenscliff and Snobs Creek. Planning is also underway for the development of a coastal aquaculture precinct near Lara where best practice farming will be established.

The Strategy also recommends an Office of Regulation Reform review process to consider the legislative, policy and administrative framework under which aquaculture operates.

(News Release, Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources, November 26, 1998)

See also the Department of Natural Resources and Environment's Fishing and Aquaculture site.