Testimonials from South Australian Industry leaders on the benefits of Separate Aquaculture Act.

Brian Jefferies - Chair, Tuna Boat Association

I was apprehensive about the change to new laws and what it could deliver.  History, has convinced me. 

The separate bill has provided these four key things:

1. Provided a dedicated focus within government.  Aquaculture is fundamentally different from Fisheries, as such, needs to manage differently.
2. Provided a one stop shop.  This created 50% reduction in approval times.  The EPA, Department of Environment and the PIRSA aquaculture division cooperate.  The cooperation has created flexible arrangements.
3. Confidence to industry.  It is no accident that the investment in SA industry has occurred.  Eg. NZ mussel investment occurred due solely because of the certainty created by the framework that the Aquaculture Act created.
4. It has created a competitive advantage to other jurisdictions that the State government actively pushes to oversea investors.

 Martin Hernen, Executive Officer, SA Aquaculture Council

 The separate bill has provided these key things:

1. Improved Legal status of the industry.
2. The framework assisted with investment into the industry.
3.  Single government agency - PIRSA.  This agency looks after the industry's interests ie its pro-active, rather than reactive.  
4. resolved zoning Act issues regarding what is a "prescribed use"
5. Direct access to Minister's as aquaculture is a State development priority.
6. Certainty for site  access and business expansion.  This helps with investment.
7. Improved efficacy in the approval process.

 SA is about to embark on a review.  This would be important for WA to understand further improvements that can be made.

 Shane McLinden, Managing Director, Southseas Abalone Pty Ltd.

 The separate bill has provided these key things:

1.  The act has brought investor confidence to the industry - through greater certainty due to reduce regulatory risks and improved property rights.
2. The government policy is pro-aquaculture - Premier talks about aquaculture.
3. Now that it is out of Fisheries Dept it has a development focus, rather than NRM focus.
4. SA has created a development culture, This is facilitated as industry and Aquaculture Division report directly to the Minister.
5. The act brought about systemic changes in how the approval process is undertaken.  They are most both effective and efficient in Australia.  SA truly has a one stop shop with EPA, Dept of Environment & Aquaculture Division cooperating of conditions and the allocation of the aquaculture development zones.

 Laurie Ziatas, CEO, Aqafood Ltd, which owns 40% Australia Oyster production.  -

With WA focus on the resource sector and wild fishing, WA is not as advanced or as proactive as a State like South Australia that is totally committed to making aquaculture a major industry.  This is why we have moved our operation to SA. 

Aquafood has intentions to invest in WA, it would be better and easier, if the WA government could create a legal framework that is as supportive and encourages development like SA.

The SA government policy is supportive of aquaculture, and industry through PIRSA, has direct access to Minister without lengthy delays.

The legislation and the resultant framework is creates business certainty.  This is fundamental for business investment.  The key elements are pro-active Aquaculture section within government, improved efficiency in govt. regulatory and a bankable property right (leases).