Spotlight on Mid West Aquaculture at inaugural - Aquaculture Western Australia State Forum

The inaugural Aquaculture Western Australia State Forum to be held in Perth on Thursday, 26 May 2016 has had an overwhelming response with the Mid West Aquaculture Industry being featured.

The Forum is a collaboration between eight Regional Development Commissions, each of which identified aquaculture as a transformational economic growth opportunity in their respective Regional Investment Blueprints released over the last 12 months.

This follows the State Government’s landmark Statement of Commitment released in August 2015 to develop aquaculture in Western Australia.

Hosted with support from the Aquaculture Council of Western Australia and the Department of Fisheries, Forum attendees will learn from the experiences of existing commercial operators and investigate opportunities for the industry’s development in Western Australia. The event will conclude with a workshop that will inform an industry development strategy and identify priority areas for investment.

The Mid West and Pilbara Development Commissions are working on behalf of the Forum partners to manage the inaugural industry event.

Chairman of the Mid West Development Commission Murray Criddlesaid a state-wide strategic approach to aquaculture development was a smart move in a competitive market.

“The Forum is a great example of the Regional Development Portfolio working in partnership with industryto maximise economic outcomes for regional WA,” Mr Criddle said.

“To be competitive in the global market and provide the best return on investment we need to work together to make strategic investment decisions.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Pilbara Development Commission Terry Hill said aquaculture offered an important economic diversification opportunity that would bring new skills, jobs and investment to the regions.

“With its pristine environment, disease-free status and research expertise, Western Australia is well-placed to develop a sector that can supply a major share of high-value seafood and other products to world markets,” Mr Hill said.”

The State Aquaculture Forum is presented by Western Australia’s Regional Development Commissions, in partnership with the Aquaculture Council of Western Australia and the Department of Fisheries.