Tanya Thompson MP has welcomed the $20million package for NSW aquaculture announced today, but cautioned that oyster farmers in the Myall Lakes are still waiting on a targeted support package after the floods more than six months ago. And support must be made available now, without unnecessary red tape.
“I have been asking the Minister for Agriculture where the tailored support package is for our oyster farmers for months. They have been completely left behind after the floods,” Mrs Thompson said.
“This package will provide support for future productivity, but it is disappointing that the government has really ignored the devastating impact the floods had on businesses this year.
“I also want to be clear that the NSW Government must make this support available immediately, and with a minimum of bureaucratic red tape. I want to see real support provided to our farmers now, not in six months’ time, after paper pushing and hoop jumping.
“Christmas time is really important for our oyster farmers, and for consumers,” as demand peaks, she said.
The contribution of Myall Lakes oysters to the NSW industry is significant, with the oyster sector being the fastest-growing seafood segment in NSW. In the 2022/23 period, the oyster industry increased its farm gate value by 30 percent to $78 million, contributing more than $30 million to the NSW economy and employing thousands of people across various sectors.
