The Tasmanian Government is standing side by side with the oyster industry, growers and workers to ensure the long term future of Tasmania’s oyster industry.
The Government will provide immediate fee relief for all Tasmanian Pacific Oyster growers as a result of the devastating impact of the Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome.
The fee relief includes waiving this year’s licence fees, due in April, the next lease rental fees and the Tasmanian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program levy too.
This assistance package totals more than $777,000, with lease rentals costing more than $135,000, licence fees $126,000 and the TSQAP levy worth more than $514,000.
The fee relief will assist every grower across Tasmania (104 lease holders) with an average assistance of approximately $7,500, though this will vary depending on lease size.
This is the result of ongoing discussions with the industry about the significant impact this virus is having on growers and workers.
But just as our understanding of the virus in the Tasmanian context is not yet complete, neither is our assistance.
We will continue to work with the industry on a long-term recovery plan involving further assistance that will ensure farmers can get back on their feet and secure the industry’s future.
Support for growers and workers is already in place, with the Department of State Growth’s Rapid Response Unit assisting workers, and a session is planned to outline the types of employment support services that are available to assist employers and employees.
I have also ensured that Rural Alive and Well is ready to provide one-on-one support to individuals who are struggling as a result of this situation.
Rural Business Tasmania also runs a Rural Financial Counselling Service that provides free, confidential and independent counsel to farmers and producers suffering hardship.
Biosecurity Tasmania is continuing to work with Oyster Tasmania and the industry to investigate oyster mortality and restrict the potential movement of the virus.
Surveillance has confirmed the presence of POMS in six growing areas, with a seventh likely to be confirmed by further tests. These include Pitt Water, Island Inlet, Pipe Clay Lagoon, Blackman Bay, Dunalley Bay and Little Swanport. High mortalities have also been recorded at Great Bay on Bruny Island, which is undergoing further testing.
I commend the industry for acting quickly and cooperatively, and commit to continuing to work with them to ensure a strong future for Tasmania’s oyster industry.
For the latest information on POMS go to: http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity/aquatic-pests-and-diseases/aquatic-biosecurity-threats/poms
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
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