The NSW Government has announced a $5.7 million investment in the development of the state’s South Coast’s aquaculture industry.
The region will see the Government invest $3.79 million, with grant recipients co-funding $1.9 million, across the following four projects:
$2 million – NSW Marine Biorefinery: GMP Processing Scale-Up for Seaweed Extract Marine Bioproducts
- Venus Shell Systems will expand a seaweed processing facility to produce much larger volumes of high‑value ingredients used in skincare, nutrition and medical products. This will create local jobs, support other marine producers, and turn more seaweed and by‑products into useful goods instead of waste.
“This grant positions Venus Shell Operations as the missing production and technology between sustainable ocean aquaculture and Australia’s biotechnology opportunity, two worlds that have rarely been connected in a practical, scalable way,” said Venus Shell Operations Director, CEO & Chief Scientist, Dr Pia Winberg.
“With the Marine Products Biorefinery already proven in technology, we can scale sustainable ocean aquaculture into high-value, regenerative manufacturing, creating new crops, new industries, and a pipeline of benefits for partners across the state.
“It’s a major step in delivering the NSW vision for sustainable aquaculture through real infrastructure and real outcomes.”
$1.48 million – On-Country Value Creation Through Sustainable Sea Urchin Fisheries
- Joonga Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation to purchase new machinery to process sea urchins more efficiently, create new food products from urchins, and turn leftover shells into material that can improve soil. The grant builds on NSW Government support that enabled Joonga to develop feasibility and business plans to ascertain the validity of the business and build a robust and practical business plan.
“This project is about caring for Country and creating real opportunities for our people, and reflects strong cultural, environmental and economic aspirations for the community,” said Joonga Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation Director, Wally Stewart.
“Through the Aquaculture Industry Development Program grant, the project will see more jobs for our people on the South Coast and build a stronger platform for Aboriginal economic development connected to sea country.”
$166,612 – Improving Oyster Spat Survival and Nursery Productivity through Modernised Handling Equipment
- Goodnight Oysters will install new equipment that handles young oysters more gently, helping more of them survive and grow to full size, increasing yield. The upgrades will improve safety and increase the number of oysters available for other local farmers.
“This investment will increase productivity, reduce manual handling, and support the sustainable scaling of high-quality oyster production on the Shoalhaven River,” said Goodnight Oysters owner, Angela Riepsamen.
$145,895 – The Lake Conjola and Burrill Lake industry expansion project
- Southern Oyster Culture will obtain a new grading machine and install a new cool room which removes long transport trips and makes oyster handling faster and more efficient. This will support local jobs and increase production in Lake Conjola and Burrill Lake.
“Bringing this processing on site will improve efficiency by reducing transport to Eurobodalla and will make oyster handling faster and more cost-effective,” said Southern Oyster Culture owner, Martin Jackson.
With these projects domestic and international customers of NSW seafood will benefit from a reliable, year-round supply of high quality, and carbon reduced food products that taste fantastic, said Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty.
“Shoalhaven producers are driving a stronger and more innovative aquaculture sector. This investment will help local businesses grow, create jobs and lift production across the region. We’re backing an industry that is modern, sustainable and built for long‑term success,” she said.
“This funding program is new to the industry and demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to growing this coastal industry to support the joint industry and government NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement to grow the aquaculture sector to $300 million by 2030.
“It gives operators the tools they need to boost efficiency and reduce waste. By supporting practical upgrades and new technology, we’re helping businesses stay competitive. It’s a strong step forward for the future of aquaculture in the Shoalhaven.”
Further announcements of successful recipients under the NSW Government’s Aquaculture Industry Development Program will be made in the coming weeks.
For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust.
