Committees & Associations

There are a number of different committees and associations involved with the NSW oyster industry, each with an important role to play. Know who represents your interests on these committees by viewing committee members here and by following the links below.

NSW shellfish committee

The NSW Shellfish Committee provides advice to the Minister for Primary Industries and the NSW Food Authority on the operation and administration of the NSW Shellfish Program, including local level operation. It includes representatives from the shellfish industry, the Aquaculture Manager from NSW DPI Fisheries, the CEO of the NSW Food Authority and the NSW Shellfish Program Manager. 

Website

aquaculture research advisory committee

The Aquaculture Research Advisory Committee (ARAC) is a statutory committee that advises the Minister on the amount of contributions payable by the NSW aquaculture industries into trust accounts for aquaculture research and development and the expenditure of those trust funds. 

Website

nsw oyster industry strategy implementation group

In 2015, oyster farmers in NSW worked with ACIL Consulting to produce an economic development strategy to halt the decline in profitability and focus industry development into the future. A group of interested growers are now focusing on putting the strategy into practice. The implementation group is a subgroup of the NSW Shellfish Committee. NSW DPI is supporting the group with a secretariat and telelink facilities and provided limited funding. 

Website

Nsw farmers association (oyster committee)

The NSW Farmers Oyster Committee is an important representative of the industry, engaging with government bodies to explore the significant issues affecting the oyster growers in NSW, including oyster theft, regulation of oyster industry infrastructure, impact of other water users and biosecurity.  The Committee also works together to develop strategies which identify priority issues needing action to help the industry develop and thrive.

​The committee is made of primary producers from estuaries up and down the NSW coast.

Website

​oysters australia - research & Development committee

The Australian Oyster industry collectively entered into an Industry Partnership Agreement (IPA) with Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) in 2014. Industry's collective decision making about R&D investment through the IPA follows a strategic plan that has been developed by the Oysters Australia R&D Committee that has industry representation from all States growing edible oysters.

The overarching goal to of the strategic R&D plan is to sustainably increase industry GVP to $146M through activities under the following areas
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• PRODUCTION - Sustainably increase production profitability through better techniques & technology
• BETTER OYSTERS - Develop a resilient & marketable oyster
• DEMAND - To increase oyster consumption & market satisfaction through the supply of consistently high quality oysters
• CAPACITY - Build capacity, leadership & confidence in the industry through the work that Oysters Australia does for growers and with its partners

Website

The Aquaculture committee

The Aquaculture Committee is a consultative group made up of representatives from each state and territory to consider key issues fundamental to policy, regulation, and governance of aquaculture in Australian waters. The Committee meets twice a year. 

Website