The relocation of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation to Hobart would cement Tasmania’s reputation as the base for world-leading fisheries research.
I welcome the Federal Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce’s renewed commitment to the proposed move to decentralise Australia’s three research and development corporations.
The proposed relocation of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation to Hobart would be a logical addition to our already established and internationally recognised research organisations; the CSIRO and IMAS.
Tasmania has a strong and proud seafood industry that’s estimated to be valued at more than $760 million (2014-15). As at 2012, the Tasmanian seafood production was about 29 per cent of the national gross value of seafood production. This is by far the highest of any jurisdiction in Australia.
In addition, our salmonid marine farming sector is the fastest growing seafood industry in the nation.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to supporting our seafood industry, which supports thousands of jobs, and the very important role of research and development.
That’s why we have committed to matching the industry contributions to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, dollar for dollar, up to a maximum of $350,000 a year for the next three years.
We have also committed $500,000 to the Fish Health Centre of Excellence and a further $500,000 to IMAS for salmon industry research.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water