An $888,000 grant to the seafood industry is expected to significantly boost the Sunshine Coast’s exporting potential.
The funding, from the Australian Government, was awarded to Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) to develop and expand markets.
Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said there were huge growth prospects for Sunshine Coast seafood.
“Not many people know that here on the Sunshine Coast we have the largest long-line tuna and prawn fishing fleets on the East Coast,” he said.
“Fishing on the Sunshine Coast generates $42.5 million in direct sales every year, with more than $30 million in exports, and I know that with fantastic local leaders like Walker Seafoods and Rockliff Seafoods we have the potential for so much more.”
“The Morrison Government understands the importance of this industry to Australia and our region, and we understand that by building up the Great Australian Seafood brand, we can tell the rest of the world what we already know – that Australian seafood, and Sunshine Coast seafood in particular, is the best in the world.
“By working in partnership with Austrade, SIA will assist in designing a promotion schedule for Australian seafood in export markets to get to the right people with the right message and the right time to make a difference for our local industry.”
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said there was a focus on “on expanding into new markets, and markets with high growth potential”.
“A key part of the plan is investigating and analysing new potential markets, such as North Asia, South Asia, the Pacific, Europe and the Americas with rock lobster and abalone a key focus.
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“SIA will engage two Trade Export Managers to build capacity for seafood exporters across Australia.”
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said the grant would allow for greater interaction with potential consumers.
“There are swathes of consumers out there who want to enjoy seafood that is sustainably caught, clean and green, and this is an opportunity to connect with them.”
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Seafood Industry Australia CEO Veronica Papacosta said a key piece of the program would be the creation of a one-stop-shop for seafood exporters.
“There is a plethora of information, resources and databases out there for seafood exporters, however it can be difficult for producers to keep track of them all and know how to find them,” Ms Papacosta said.
“We are planning to create a digital platform that will curate all the resources in one place. This will allow our producers to focus their time on delivering the world’s greatest seafood to all corners of the globe.
“Importantly, this funding will support whole of industry, regardless of sector or location. It will allow us to immediately put boots on the ground to quickly deliver much needed support to the sectors who need it most.
“We’re grateful for the continued support of the government, and look forward to developing new market opportunities to promote our Great Australian Seafood internationally under the umbrella of brand Australia.”
