More Industry for Hervey Bay?
As we all know Hervey Bay needs more industry to ease our reliance on tourism so the latest news from the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries looks hopeful.
Marine aquaculture is set to boom in Queensland following plans to accommodate some industry sectors in the new Marine Park zoning plan for the Great Sandy Strait, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said today.
“While the new zoning plan means there is significant potential to increase the size of Queensland’s aquaculture sector, DPI&F are committed to ensuring that it is done in a responsible and sustainable way,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Intensive sea cage aquaculture will be prohibited in the Great Sandy Marine Park however aquaculture in the area will include rack and line methods commonly used for oyster and pearl production, and ranching methods used for scallop and sea cucumber production.
“The potential benefits from the cultivation of these high-value, low-impact products are certainly something that the community in the region can look forward to.
“Queensland’s clean, unpolluted waters and its excellent proximity to major seafood markets in the Asia-Pacific region, means the State is in a prime position for building a strong marine aquaculture production and processing industry,” Mr Mulherin said.
“As a result, Queensland will be well-placed to help satisfy the growing global demand for sustainable seafood products well into the future.”
To ensure the industry’s sustainability, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, in conjunction with the Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation, will be developing a regional marine aquaculture management plan for the Great Sandy region.
“Considerable work has already been done to identify areas of significance so that aquaculture activities may be located in areas of minimal disturbance,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Technical investigations of short-listed areas will soon be undertaken to ensure that ecologically sustainable objectives are met.
“Stakeholder and public engagement will also be an integral part of the regional marine aquaculture planning process.
“The main objective of marine aquaculture planning is to balance aquaculture development with other interests.
“The Great Sandy area has unique values that are important to many different groups, including those who fish, go boating, whale watching, and of course the tourism industry. The area also has significant environmental values.
“DPI&F will be undertaking stakeholder and public consultation to determine the best locations for aquaculture sites and the most appropriate management controls.”
A concurrent planning program is also being developed for land-based aquaculture.
“A number of potential sites have been identified for coastal aquaculture such as land-based prawn and fish farms,” Mr Mulherin said.
