The Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda –
Promoting a regulatory and business environment that supports aquaculture

Opportunity
There is an opportunity for Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments to deliver an efficient regulatory environment that provides certainty to industry, government and communities to plan for the future growth of the industry, where it can grow, how it will grow, and maximising the benefits to rural and regional Australia.

Objective
To support the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry and deliver an efficient, effective and supportive regulatory environment.

Actions
The Commonwealth Government will work with the State and Territory Governments, through the Primary Industries Ministerial Council, to develop and implement nationally agreed best-practice principles for the development and management of aquaculture.

The Commonwealth Government will work with the State and Territory Governments and industry to streamline aquaculture regulation and management in Australia with the aim of ensuring an efficient and certain regulatory and planning environment for investors and industry.

The Commonwealth Government will continue to work with State and Territory Governments to accredit State and Territory environmental assessment processes where they meet the principles encompassed within the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Commonwealth Government has already put in place bilateral agreements with Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory and expects bilateral agreements with other States and Territories to be settled soon.

The Commonwealth Government will establish an Aquaculture Development Unit to provide an identity and focus for the Government’s existing activity and resources devoted to implementing the Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda, policy development and provide a single contact point in the Commonwealth Government for aquaculture issues and enquiries.

Success indicators
The success of this initiative will be measured by delivery of an efficient, effective and supportive regulatory environment that meets industry and investor needs.

Timeframe
Aim to:
• develop and implement best practice principles within two years;
• establish an Aquaculture Development Unit within AFFA within 6 months; and
• accredit State and Territory Government processes in line with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 within three years.

Back to the Action Agenda Home Page