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TRANSCRIPT
Queensland Parliamentary Library
Prospects for Aquaculture and amendments to the Fisheries Act under the Primary Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld)
At least two recent developments have put the spotlight on aquaculture in Queensland. The first is the proposal for the development of a fish farm in Moreton Bay. Secondly, there has been an escalation in regulatory controls on recreational and commercial wild fish catches to guard against overexploitation. Aquaculture is a developing and promising Queensland industry that may have the potential to fill the gap between the public’s demand for fish and shellfish and theemerging shortage in wild fish supplies. However, there are a number of factors that impact upon the development of the aquacultureindustry with environmental impacts of projects being a primary issue for producers. A number of regulatory controls on aquaculture developments are aimed at minimising environmental harm, including a development assessment process under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (Qld). In recognition of the problems created for producers by duplication of planning and assessment processes, the Primary Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld) has been introduced to amend the Fisheries Act 1994 (Qld) to require that certain fisheries development proposals are assessed under the Integrated Planning Act 1997.
Wayne Jarred
Research Brief No 2003/26
Queensland Parliamentary Library Research Publications and Resources Section
Ms Karen Sampford, Director (07) 3406 7116 Ms Nicolee Dixon, Senior Parliamentary Research Officer (07) 3406 7409
© Queensland Parliamentary Library, 2003
ISSN 1443-7902 ISBN 0 7345 2873 6 SEPTEMBER 2003
Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act 1968, reproduction by whatever means is prohibited, other than by Members of the Queensland Parliament in the course of their official duties, without the prior written permission of the Clerk of the Parliament on behalf of the Parliament of Queensland.
Inquiries should be addressed to: Director, Research Publications & Resources Queensland Parliamentary Library Parliament House George Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 Ms Karen Sampford. (Tel: 07 3406 7116) Email: [email protected]
Information about Research Publications can be found on the Internet at: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Parlib/Publications/publications.htm
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................1
2 BRIEF BACKGROUND TO AQUACULTURE ...........................................3
3 OPPORTUNITIES FOR AQUACULTURE - RESTRICTIONS ON THE TAKING OF WILD FISH ...............................................................................4
4 THE ECONOMIC IMPERATIVE..................................................................7
5 THE EXTENT OF AQUACULTURE IN QUEENSLAND ........................10
6 THE DEVELOPMENT OF AQUACULTURE POLICIES AND CODES OF CONDUCT................................................................................................13
6.1 THE NATIONAL AQUACULTURE STRATEGY.................................................13
6.2 THE NATIONAL AQUACULTURE CODE OF CONDUCT...................................13
6.3 QUEENSLAND ..............................................................................................14
7 THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE FRESHWATER FINFISH INDUSTRY IN QUEENSLAND ...................................................................16
7.1 INDUSTRY VISION 2007 ...............................................................................17
7.2 INDUSTRY GOALS ........................................................................................17
7.3 STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS .........................................................................17
8 QUEENSLAND’S STATE COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ..............17
9 SPECIFIC AQUACULTURE LEGISLATION FOR QUEENSLAND?...19
10 FACTORS AFFECTING AQUACULTURE...............................................20
10.1 SITE ASSESSMENT – THE ALL IMPORTANT GROUNDWORK ......................20
10.2 THE EFFECTS OF INTENSIVE FARMING ON FISH........................................21
10.3 THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE FACING AQUACULTURE ...................22
10.4 TYPES OF AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS .........................................................23
10.4.1 Open Aquaculture Systems ..............................................................23
10.4.2 Closed Aquaculture Systems............................................................24
10.5 THE FUTURE.............................................................................................25
11 THE CURRENT APPROVAL PROCESS FOR AQUACULTURE ENTERPRISES IN QUEENSLAND.......................................................... 25
11.1 TYPES OF AUTHORISATIONS CURRENTLY REQUIRED............................... 26
11.2 ASSESSMENT AND APPROVAL OF AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENTS UNDER THE INTEGRATED PLANNING ACT 1997 ...................................................... 27
11.2.1 Application Stage ............................................................................. 27
11.2.2 Information and Referral Stage ........................................................ 27
11.2.3 Notification Stage............................................................................. 27
11.2.4 Decision Stage.................................................................................. 27
11.3 PROPOSED CHANGES UNDER THE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2003 .................................................... 27
11.4 ENVIRONMENTAL LICENCE MUST BE OBTAINED..................................... 27
11.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS........................................................................ 27
11.6 MARICULTURE ......................................................................................... 27
11.7 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS NEAR BOWEN .............................................. 27
11.8 COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATION .............................................................. 27
11.9 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 200327
12 GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR AQUACULTURE ............................ 27
13 COULD AQUACULTURE MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE LESSENING OF INLAND SALINITY? ................................................... 27
14 PROSPECTS FOR INTEGRATING AQUACULTURE AND AGRICULTURE.......................................................................................... 27
15 SUCCEEDING IN AQUACULTURE....................................................... 27
16 THE MORETON BAY MARICULTURE PROPOSAL......................... 27
17 SCALLOP RANCHING TRIAL ............................................................... 27
18 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................ 27
APPENDIX A......................................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX B......................................................................................................... 27
RECENT QPL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS 2003........................................ 27
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 1
1 INTRODUCTION
Australia has the third largest declared fishing zone in the world. Despite this, the commercial catch ranks 55th in the world because the scope of wild fisheries is very limited.1 Australia is also a low producer of food through aquaculture (ie the cultivation of marine and freshwater resources to provide food and other products)2 but it is a rapidly growing industry. In recent times there have been a number of positive predictions for the future of aquaculture in Australia and, indeed, in many other countries. The basis for the encouraging outlook is the perception that world-wide wild fish stocks are declining as a source of food for human consumption. Indeed, it is acknowledged throughout the world that wild fish supplies are dwindling and are unlikely to meet sustained levels of demand in the future. Thus, aquaculture represents a means by which fisheries production can be increased sufficiently to meet demand both in Australia and overseas.3
The value of Australia’s aquaculture production in 2001/02 was $733 million, accounting for 30% of the total gross value of Australian fisheries production in that period. The aquaculture industry hopes to triple its annual sales to $2.5 billion by 2010 if it manages to exploit its competitive advantages to meet consumer demand.4 Aquaculture has recently become Queensland’s fastest growing primary industry sector, with growth in value averaging 10% per annum for the last decade. During 2001/02, production was 4,603 tonnes and valued at $71.65 million.5 Most of the industry operates in regional areas of the State.6
However, concerns about environmental damage and ecological sustainability have placed great pressure on the aquaculture industry, both in Australia and world-
1 Stuart Rowland, ‘Silver Perch: Potential, Research and Industry Development’, Natfish, p 1,
http://www.natfish.tafensw.edu.au/industryinfo/SilverPerch.htm Downloaded 3 December 2002.
2 John Button, A Dictionary of Green Ideas, Routledge, London, 1988, p 26.
3 Stuart Rowland, ‘Silver Perch: Potential, Research and Industry Development’, Natfish, p 1.
4 G Love & D Langenkamp, ‘Australian Aquaculture: Industry Profiles for Related Species’, Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, ABARE Report 03.8, Prepared for the Fisheries Resources Research Fund, May 2003, p iii, http://www.abareconomics.com/
5 ABARE 2003, Australian Fisheries Statistics 2002.
6 Queensland. Department of State Development, ‘Queensland’s Policy for Sustainable Land-Based Aquaculture Industry Development’, Discussion Paper, p 5, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/extra/pdf/fishweb/AquaPolicy.pdf
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wide, to justify itself particularly in the face of competition from alternative resource uses.
For instance, the theme of a June 2002 Conference of Norwegian producers and processors was ‘How will politicians deal with future fish farming?’ indicating the sensitive nature of the industry even in a country where it is well established as that country’s second largest export earner.7
In 1995, the Canadian Province of British Columbia placed an indefinite moratorium on the commencement of new aquaculture projects using sea cages until an environmental review could be conducted.
Closer to home, the New Zealand Government announced, in November 2001, the introduction of a two year moratorium on new coastal permits for marine farming from March 2002. The moratorium was necessary to allow regional councils time to conduct research to identify areas within their jurisdiction where aquaculture could be allowed in preparation for the Resource Management (Aquaculture Reform) Bill, expected to be passed during 2003. The Bill will require councils to provide Aquaculture Management Areas in regional coastal plans.8
Environmental matters are not the only barriers or constraints facing the aquaculture industry. With the exception of pearls and ornamental fish species, aquaculture producers in Australia are stakeholders in the food industry which is one of the largest and most competitive industries across the globe. In the domestic market (which absorbs about 40% of production) aquaculture products compete with imported seafood and wild seafood captured in Australian waters as well as other meat products such as beef, poultry and pork.9
On the positive side, aquaculture producers in Australia have a number of competitive advantages:
• A reputation for producing high quality safe seafood and other fisheries products from a ‘clean and green’ environment;
• Close proximity to major markets in Asia;
7 Svein Ludvigsen, ‘How will politicians deal with future fish farming?’, Address to the
AquaVision 2002 Conference 11 June 2002 at Stavanger, http://odin.dep.no/fid/engelsk/p10001957/p10001958/008031-090015/index-dok000-b-n-a.html Downloaded 30 August 2002.
8 New Zealand Ministry for the Environment, Aquaculture Reform, http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/resource/aquaculture/#content Downloaded 29 July 2003
9 Australia. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, ‘Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda’, Discussion Paper, June 2001, p 8.
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• Fisheries products that are relatively disease free;
• Excellent eating quality of Australian native species;
• Counter seasonal production compared to Northern Hemisphere aquaculture producers and wild capture fisheries.10
2 BRIEF BACKGROUND TO AQUACULTURE
The main aquaculture species are southern bluefin tuna, pearls, Atlantic salmon, prawns, and edible oysters and these 5 species make up 91% of aquaculture gross value of Australian aquaculture production. The remainder comes from other finfish (barramundi, trout, silver perch, Murray cod, and golden perch), crayfish and mussels.11
Location, government regulation and markets are determining factors of where aquaculture sites are to be found. Australia’s diverse climate enables a wide variety of aquaculture production from barramundi, prawns etc in the tropical north to mussels, Atlantic salmon, oysters etc in the cooler southern waters. Inland areas in the south produce trout, silver perch, yabbies, Murray cod and marron. While each state and territory produces a range of aquaculture species, there is usually one main type for each. In Queensland, prawns are the main type of aquaculture.12
There are a number of different types of aquaculture production systems. Cages can be used in ponds, lakes, rivers, estuaries, and the sea and are usually quite intensive. Sea cages are used for marine farming. Raceways (also called open systems) are enclosures through which water moves rapidly to carry away wastes and allows oxygenation. Ponds are used for most aquaculture production all over the world and are best suited to farm fish of a specific size and shape (eg silver perch, crayfish). They have to be regularly monitored and maintained. While dams are sometimes used for aquaculture (eg for yabbies in Western Australia), they are not really suited to it because their shape does not allow for adequate drainage. Tanks can be used as flow through systems, like with raceways, or in a static system like pond culture. They are mostly used in closed systems that involve recirculation of water and are quite expensive to establish and operate. Other systems include ropes for mussels and racks mainly for rock oyster
10 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, ‘Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda’,
Discussion Paper, p 11.
11 ABARE 2003, Australian Fisheries Statistics 2002.
12 ABARE, ‘Australian Aquaculture: Industry Profiles for Related Species’, pp 2-3.
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farming.13 The environmental impacts and other matters associated with aquaculture systems will be considered later in this Brief.
3 OPPORTUNITIES FOR AQUACULTURE - RESTRICTIONS ON THE TAKING OF WILD FISH
The Queensland Premier, the Hon Peter Beattie MP, and the Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon Henry Palaszczuk MP, called for public comment, by 16 December 2002, on a government proposal to limit the level of catch of certain species of finfish that licensed fishermen would be able to take from within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The proposals sought to:
• reduce the commercial coral reef fish catch from 4,400 tonnes taken in 2001/2002 to the 1996 level of 3,061 tonnes;
• reduce the recreational bag limit for coral reef fish from 30 to 20;
• ban the taking of potato cod, humphead maori wrasse and barramundi cod; and
• place a limit on the size of all species except parrot fish, surgeon fish, fusiliers and some wrasses.
In announcing the proposals, the Premier said that the Government was serious about protecting highly valued reef fish for the enjoyment of future generations.14
The proposals came against the backdrop of a 45% rise in the commercial catch since 1997 and a rise in effort over that period of 35%, both pointing to increased investment in the industry.15
The Government announced further restrictions on 6 December 2002 relating to spotted mackerel, imposing a netting ban as well as a commercial annual harvest limit. Spotted mackerel can only be taken by line and annual commercial harvests are capped at 140 tonnes per year for targeted catches, with a commercial in
13 ABARE, ‘Australian Aquaculture: Industry Profiles for Related Species’, pp 14-19.
14 Hon Peter Beattie MP, Premier and Minister for Trade, ‘Reef fish proposals offer greater protection’, Media Statement, 2 October 2002.
15 Hon Peter Beattie MP, ’Govt seeks comment on proposals to safeguard reef fish’, Media Statement, 20 September 2003.
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 5
possession limit of 150. Recreational fishers can only take (by line) five spotted mackerel which must be a minimum length of 60 centimetres.16
Restrictions were also extended to recreational fishers of other types of fish who are restricted to a bag limit of 5 for flathead, pearl perch, teraglin jew and snapper, all of which must comply with the minimum fish size.
In the past 5 years, various measures have been taken by the Queensland Government to protect fisheries from overexploitation and reduce conflict between and within fishing sectors, including:
• the East Coast Trawl Management Plan to reduce and cap trawling;
• new management arrangements for freshwater fisheries;
• a permit scheme to help stock impoundment;
• commercial and recreational catch limits on tailor and bag limits for other fish (see above);
• ban on commercial netting of spotted mackerel and restricting trawl and possession of sand crabs;
• ban on ‘shark finning’ and trawling for sharks;
• advanced fisheries enforcement efforts, including on-the-spot fines.17
In May 2003, the Premier and the Primary Industries (DPI) Minister announced a number of proposed reforms contained in a Regulatory Impact Statement, exposed for public comment, which include the closure of some popular recreational fishing areas to commercial fishing. The Regulation takes effect in September 2003. Measures include –
• a full ban on commercial netting for tailor on Fraser Island and, from September to April, on some North Stradbroke Island beaches;
• an April-September ban on all nets within 200m out to sea at low water at a particular site at Fraser Island;
• a weekend ban on commercial netting throughout the Fitzroy River and Casuarina Creek;
16 Hon Peter Beattie MP, Premier and Minister for Trade, Ministerial Statement, ‘Fish’
Queensland Parliamentary Debates, 5 December 2002, p 5433.
17 Hon H Palaszczuk MP, Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Communities, ‘Compliance with Queensland fish laws improves’, Media Statement, 23 July 2003.
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• tighter regulations on commercial and recreational fishing for Spanish mackerel;
• making the unauthorised use of or damage to marine plants a ‘serious fisheries offence’;
• a new way of measuring sand crabs to target the practice of breaking tips of undersized crabs to get around the current measuring requirements;
• prescribing the use of by-catch reduction devices that a fishery must use to reduce incidental catch;
• commercial vessel marking requirements in legislation;
• closures of certain waters to trawl fishery in the Hervey Bay region to allow for a scallop ranching trial.18
A Federal Review of Commonwealth Fisheries Policy is pending. The DPI Minister has indicated that the review has implications for states and territories. The Review is intended to assess the effectiveness of the first Commonwealth policy, New Directions for Fisheries Management.19
The Commonwealth Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has released for public comment a draft Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003 which, when finalised, will be the primary planning instrument for conservation and management of the Marine Park in accordance with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Cth). There are various zones that operate at different degrees of protection, with some zones not allowing net fishing and trawling in them and a ‘green zone’ banning all fishing. At present, the latter represents 4.6% of the Park. Due to deficiencies in the system, a complete rezoning is being undertaken based on scientific research.20 Local commercial and recreational fishers are concerned that many more areas will be off limits for fishing.
If consumer demand remains constant or increases, restrictions on the level of catches that can be taken from the Great Barrier Reef and other areas will mean
18 Hon P Beattie MP, Premier and Minister for Trade, ‘Beattie, Palaszczuk invite Queenslanders
to have a say on future of fisheries’, Media Statement, 14 May 2003; Hon P Beattie MP, ‘New rules protect fish stocks and reduce conflict’, Media Statement, 17 August 2003.
19 Hon H Palaszczuk MP, Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Communities, ‘Feds’ fisheries policy review – the one that got away’, Media Statement, 23 June 2003.
20 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: Basis for zoning decisions report consultation draft, June 2003; Gerald Tooth, ‘The Angry Angler: Protecting the Great Barrier Reef ‘, Background Briefing – Radio National, 13 April 2003.
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 7
that consumer demand may need to be met in one or both of two ways – increased imports of reef fish or increased production from aquaculture.
4 THE ECONOMIC IMPERATIVE
A successful aquaculture venture requires an appropriate mix of physical and financial resources, technical and marketing skills management, expertise, and entrepreneurial flair. It also needs a supportive regulatory framework.
The possession of the technical ability to husband an aquatic species is imperative but, nonetheless, such an enterprise will not survive if it is not commercially viable.21 An industry that is ecologically unsustainable will not, in the long term, be economically viable.22 Viewed from a wider perspective, the profitability of an industry does not necessarily translate into an economic benefit if, for instance, there are adverse environmental consequences and this may certainly be the case with aquaculture.
A Working Group of the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council highlighted aquaculture as an emerging industry in Australia that, if managed well, would provide economic returns as well as growth in regional employment.23 Diversified agricultural industries such as aquaculture have been identified as positive factors for growth in the Cairns region.24
The contribution of aquaculture to the economies of regional Australia will depend upon the size and scope of the activities and the types of inputs required for the different species that may be farmed.25 Estimates of the extent to which
21 Clem Tisdell, ‘Aquaculture Economics and marketing: An Overview’, Working Papers on
Economics, Ecology and the Environment, Working Paper No 63, University of Queensland, October 2001, p 1.
22 Clem Tisdell, ‘Aquaculture, Environmental Spillovers and Sustainable Development: Links and Policy Choices’, Working Papers on Economics, Ecology and the Environment, Working Paper No 61, University of Queensland, October 2001, p 1.
23 Australia. Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council, Sustainable Aquaculture, A paper prepared by an independent working group for the 8th meeting of the Council, 31 May 2002, p 33.
24 Mark Alexander, ‘Cairns hopes to close the gap’, Cairns Post, 20 August 2002, p 7.
25 A Cox, L Davies, L Hardcastle and M Stubbs, Aquaculture Development in Australia: A Review of Key Economic Issues, Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, ABARE Project 1529, Report for the Fisheries Resources Research Fund, May 2001, p 68.
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employment has been generated by the growth of aquaculture on a State basis are shown in Table 1:
Table 126
Estimated direct and indirect aquaculture employment by State in 1997-1998
State/Territory Direct Indirect Total
New South Wales 2 800 8 700 11 500
Victoria 440 1 250 1 690
Queensland 800 2 000 2 800
West Aust 550 900 1 450
South Aust 1 200 3 600 4 800
Tasmania 1 150 4 600 5 750
Northern Territory 350 1 050 1 400
The estimated employment figures represent the diversity of the industry and subsequent labour requirements. Most of the 3,000 or more licence holders across the country are small owner-operators indicating that it is an industry in which small producers can compete against larger producers within their own costs structures.
A former plumber and cane farmer described how he became involved in aquaculture on the banks of the Clarence River near Yamba in Northern New South Wales:
Everyone seemed to be a plumber up here so I decided to buy a sugar cane farm. The property we purchased happened to have a deep water frontage to the Clarence River.
Cane farming proved to be a terrific way of life if you didn’t like money. When I realised that a kilo of prawns had the same value as a tonne of cane, I started work on building a 57 foot steel prawn trawler. Before it was finished, we noticed a small article in the local paper saying that NSW Fisheries were starting a pilot study in a one hectare pond at Brooms Head, fattening school prawns.
The rest, as they say, is history. The trawler was sold, the cane ripped out, prawn ponds were built.
…
26 A Cox, et al, p 68.
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A farm this size would cost approximately $4-$5 million to build now with a running cost for each crop of about $1 million.
The returns are very good – I would think better than for any other form of agriculture. There are numerous markets and demand far exceeds supply.27
However, existing primary producers are not the only ones attracted to aquaculture. A merchant banker established the first snapper farm in New South Wales offshore from Brooms Head in the north of that State:
During my time in the banking industry, I had identified aquaculture as an area of growth and tremendous opportunity. It has sound economic fundamentals, a growing world population, declining wild fisheries. 19% of the world’s population already relies on fish as its primary source of protein. I made the jump.28
The scale of this venture is larger than that implemented by the average primary producer attempting to diversify. In this instance it is expected that an investment of $5.5 million will be required before income is at the break-even point. There was a five year lead time within which site selection and proposal assessment/approval was completed.
A barramundi farm was established at Port Stephens in New South Wales by 12 shareholders from various occupations/professions. The day to day running of the farm is done by a former builder who is a shareholder along with a marine biologist, a project engineer, a marketing manager and an electrician.29
However, markets for most aquaculture products are, as noted earlier, rather competitive. If a substantial investment is needed, it may, as the abovementioned merchant banker found, take some time to break even. Economies of scale are likely to be marked in relation to land-based aquaculture which involves the pumping of water to tanks and the continual circulation of water. Some producers may have difficulty in surviving.
Small producers are not the only ones at risk, as the recent example of TASSAL Limited attests to. TASSAL is a Tasmanian salmon producer which commenced operations in 1987 as a public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. TASSAL produces approximately 4,500 tonnes of salmon a year for export and domestic use - approximately 65% of all salmon produced in Tasmania under farming conditions. Salmon is marketed by TASSAL under the ‘Royal Tasmanian’
27 New South Wales. Department of State and Regional Development, First for Aquaculture:
Case Studies, November 2002, http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/aquaculture/reports/pdf/firstcase.pdf
28 NSW Department of State and Regional Development, First for Aquaculture: Case Studies.
29 NSW Department of State and Regional Development, First for Aquaculture: Case Studies.
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brand. The company is vertically integrated having financial involvement in hatchery operations, farming, processing, distributing and marketing. Seven differentiated salmon products are marketed domestically and internationally.30
The company opened an office in Japan in 1994 to primarily handle the export orders to that country but has since expanded to include the marketing of salmon products into Japan from other countries such as Norway, Canada, Scotland and Chile as well as kuruma prawns and abalone from Australia.31
However, the scale of the company’s operations, although large, did not protect it from financial failure. In June 2002 the Australian and New Zealand Bank Ltd appointed receivers and managers because of default on the payment of $30 million TASSAL owed to that bank.32 The most substantial shareholder at the time was the Commonwealth Bank of Australia which owned 4.5 million ordinary shares.33 The receivers are hopeful of selling the company’s operations as a going concern in 2003.
5 THE EXTENT OF AQUACULTURE IN QUEENSLAND
Much information on the industry is obtained from existing operators. This is because all holders of aquaculture licences are required, as a condition of their licence, to complete Annual Statistical Returns on their operations.
The growth of Queensland aquaculture is noticeable from production figures over recent times. As noted earlier, aquaculture has recently become Queensland’s fastest growing primary industry sector, with growth in value averaging 10% per annum for the last decade. Most of the industry operates in regional areas of the State.34 In 1993/1994 the value of production was $23.4 million which represented 10.1% of total fisheries value. By 1996/1997 this figure had risen to $36.1 million
30 ‘The Royal Tasmanian Salmon Story’, TASSAL Limited, p 2, http://www.tassal.com.au/
31 ‘Tassal Japan’, http://www.tassal.com.au/japan.html Downloaded 27 November 2002.
32 ‘ASX Announcement’, TASSAL website at http://www.tassal.com.au/ Downloaded 27 November 2002.
33 ‘Turnaround Tassal is back in the swim’, News Article, 6 November 2002. http://www.tassal.com.au/ Downloaded 27 November 2002.
34 Queensland. Department of State Development, ‘Queensland’s Policy for Sustainable Land-Based Aquaculture Industry Development’, Discussion Paper, p 5.
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or 15.6% of total fisheries value and by 1999/2000 the values were $56.3 million or 24.1% of total fisheries value.35
Within the aquaculture sector, the farming of species of prawns is by far the biggest earner and Queensland is a leader in Australian prawn production – black tiger, brown tiger, banana and kuruma prawns. In 1999/2000 the approximate value of prawns farmed in Queensland was $35 million, followed by barramundi at $5 million, then redclaw crayfish, oysters, freshwater perch at $1 million each, whilst aquarium species and fingerlings were worth $1.3 million.36 By 2000/2001, prawns accounted for a total annual value of $37.3 million.37
The mainstay of Queensland aquaculture is the production of prawns. In 2000/2001, aquaculture accounted for 589 direct full-time and part-time employment positions.38 By the year 2000, there were approximately 600 pond hectares across Australia dedicated to the production of prawns and 85% of the ponds are located in Queensland, 10% are in New South Wales, whilst the Northern Territory and Western Australia combined account for 5% of the national total.
Queensland DPI viewed the increase in the value of prawn production in 2000/2001 over 1999/2000 as poor in the light of the fact that the area harvested had increased by 18% whilst farm gate prices increased by 3%. Despite these increases, the average yield per hectare decreased by 13%. The result was attributed to a seasonal effect on the availability of breeding stock from the wild. Optimal conditions are essential for maximum production and to ensure that optimal conditions are maintained, technical knowledge is essential.
Japan has opened up as a market for premium prawns whilst barramundi is gaining a toe-hold in the American market by replacing the Patagonian tooth fish on restaurant plates in Florida.39
Similar to the trend noted earlier, some licensees are rural producers who have either diversified into aquaculture in addition to existing agricultural pursuits, or
35 Queensland. Department of State Development, Aquaculture Industry Development:
Information Manual, August 2001, p 4.
36 Aquaculture Industry Development: Information Manual, pp 5-6.
37 Queensland. Department of Primary Industries, Report to Farmers: Queensland Aquaculture Production Survey 2000-2001 April 2002, p 1, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb/9306.html
38 Department of Primary Industries, Report to Farmers: Queensland Aquaculture Production Survey 2000-2001, p 3.
39 ‘Barra takes off in Florida’, North Queensland Register, January 23, 2003, p 9.
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have changed over completely. For instance, in the early 1980s, a former sugar cane farmer from Innisfail dedicated his cane lands to the production of barramundi whilst a former grazier established a fish hatchery business near Murgon, supplying aquaculturalists with fingerlings of silver and jade perch and barramundi.40
Another former cane farmer at Rocky Point, south of Brisbane, switched to prawn farming and now provides prawns for export. In this instance, the former cane land houses 31 ponds producing 90 tonnes of prawns per annum. The bulldozing of fruit trees on a property just north of Brisbane made way for another prawn farm venture (only 2 ponds) aiming to satisfy the local market. Queensland DPI, in conjunction with the owners, uses the farm as a trial site for using mullet in the managing of effluent.41
In Queensland, aquaculture is one of a list of new innovative primary industries still in its infancy stage but expected to grow in the future. Along with the aquaculture sector in the other Australian states, Queensland does have a competitive advantage on the international market because of access to a wide breadth of genetic stock and a perceived ‘clean green’ environment.42
DPI recognises that it has a role to play in providing research that leads to the adoption of appropriate technologies and associated infrastructure to complement private investment willing to identify and exploit markets.43
The regional distribution of aquaculture activities in Queensland is depicted in Appendix A attached to this Research Brief.
40 David Bentley, ‘Wild thing’, Courier Mail, 12 November 2002, pp 8-9.
41 Rebecca Armstrong, ‘Aquaculture seeks effluent solution’, Land Line, 9 July 2000, http://www.abc.net.au/landline/stories/s148004.htm Downloaded 19 November 2002.
42 Clive Jones, ‘Overview of Australian Crayfish Production’, Paper Delivered to the 3rd Annual Redclaw Aquaculture Conference Proceedings held at Rockhampton 9th-10th March 2001, p 6.
43 Queensland. Department of Primary Industries, Fishing and Aquaculture Industries Priorities Towards 2000, 1996.
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6 THE DEVELOPMENT OF AQUACULTURE POLICIES AND CODES OF CONDUCT
6.1 THE NATIONAL AQUACULTURE STRATEGY
The Standing Committee of Fisheries and Aquaculture, whose membership is made up of State, Territory and Commonwealth representatives, developed a National Strategy on Aquaculture which became operational in 1994. The Strategy provided a framework for the formalisation of cooperation between industry and government for the aquaculture sector.
The Strategy acknowledged the importance of industry structure and organisation, environmental management, product development and marketing, as well as research and development and quarantine.
The implementation of the Strategy resulted in the establishment of the National Aquaculture Council as a peak industry body. In 1997/1998, the National Aquaculture Code of Conduct was developed with Australia also becoming a member of the Network of Aquaculture Centres in the Asia-Pacific.
In 1999 the Commonwealth Government convened an industry workshop to examine the future direction that the industry should take in the light of past developments. The result was the development of a National Action Plan.44
6.2 THE NATIONAL AQUACULTURE CODE OF CONDUCT
The aquaculture industry has developed a National Code of Conduct based on a set of principles aimed at maintaining ecological and economic sustainability for the industry.
The principles upon which the Code of Conduct is based are:
• ecological sustainable development
• economic viability
• long term protection of the environment
• compliance with regulations and the Code
• resource sharing and consideration of other users of the environment; and
44 ‘Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda’, June 2001, pp 5-6.
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• research and development to advance the industry.45
Within Australia, the aquaculture industry takes a leading role in its own expansion. For instance, in Western Australia and Tasmania there is the peak industry group known as the Aquaculture Council. The Council’s mission in both States is to create a secure environment for the development of a sustainable aquaculture industry.46
In 2002, the former Aquaculture Council of Queensland was incorporated as the Queensland Aquaculture Industries Federation Inc. It has representatives from all the main aquaculture associations in Queensland, including from the Aquaculture Association of Queensland.
6.3 QUEENSLAND
In November 2000, the Queensland Government identified aquaculture as a priority industry, being one that potentially provides a number of opportunities for employment and economic development in regional areas. With the latest employment figures indicating a dramatic drop in rural employment across the country, any endeavour that can offer hope in this regard is welcome. Nationally, rural employment in 2002 was down 15.6% on the 2001 figure which represented a loss of 69,600 positions in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector.47
The recognition that aquaculture could be a growth industry prompted a re-assessment of the interaction between government and industry to identify issues that may be hindering optimal development of the aquaculture industry. The Government began seeking ways of facilitating the ecologically sustainable development of that industry.48
The Department of State Development is the lead agency responsible for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry in Queensland. Generally, the Department contributes to economic growth by fostering a positive business environment for industry whilst promoting sustainable regional development.
45 ‘Australian Aquaculture Code of Conduct’,
http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/pages/aquaculture/farm_practice/code_of_conduct.pdf Downloaded 9 September 2002.
46 Aquaculture Council of Western Australia, ‘Mission Statement’, http://www.aquaculturecouncilwa.com/ Downloaded 15 October, 2002.
47 David Bassanese, ‘Economy has more surprises in store’, The Australian Financial Review, 17 January, 2003, p 19.
48 Queensland’s Policy for Sustainable Land-Based Aquaculture Industry Development’, p 3.
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 15
The Department’s initiatives in aquaculture industry development are directed at –
• the promotion of client services for potential aquaculture investors.
• streamlining assessment and approval processes and procedures.
• development of a whole-of-government industry policy; and
• streamlining of Commonwealth/State protocols relating to the assessment and approval of aquaculture projects.49
An inter-departmental committee, comprising representatives from State Development, Primary Industries, Environmental Protection Agency, Premiers, Health, Natural Resources, and Local Government and Planning, was established to co-ordinate this review and evaluation process.50
In late 2001, the Government began development of a land-based aquaculture policy to form the basis for the development of assessment benchmarks for ecologically sustainable development of the industry. A marine-based policy will be developed separately during 2003.51 This process coincided with the Commonwealth Government’s Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda. Commonwealth and State initiatives will help industry develop aquaculture projects within a regulatory environment.
The Department of State Development sought public and industry comment, by 31 January 2003, on a draft Discussion Paper on the establishment of the abovementioned policy for sustainable land-based aquaculture.
Common policy objectives for both aquaculture and mariculture have been identified:
• the establishment of a transparent development assessment process for ecologically sustainable aquaculture development;
• to address barriers to planning for industry growth through the identification of suitable locations for aquaculture activities; and
49 R Lobefeiger & C Sale, ‘Queensland aquaculture – an overview of 2000/2001, in Aquaculture
Production Yearbook 2002, National Aquaculture Council, Executive Media, pp 8-12.
50 Jim Gillespie, ‘Aquaculture initiatives by Queensland Government’, Aquaculture News, Issue 18, June 2001, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/aquaculturenews/6745.html Downloaded 20 November 2002.
51 ‘Queensland’s Policy for Sustainable Land-Based Aquaculture Industry Development’, p 5.
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• the implementation of a regulatory impact assessment and approval process containing monitoring and compliance provisions for the minimisation of negative environmental impact.52
Environmental concerns run pervasively through these policy objectives as they can be identified as a major obstacle to the growth of the industry. However, on a positive note, the environmental concerns should ensure that development occurs as a result of an orderly and sustainable process. Planning for future development will occur in the context of existing State, regional and local planning processes. The Government is working to develop whole-of-government assessment and approval processes. Whole of government assessment triggers for aquaculture developments shall be in accordance with the level of risk associated with potential impacts of the proposed activity, consistent with the approach taken in identification of “environmentally relevant activities” under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.53
7 THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE FRESHWATER FINFISH INDUSTRY IN QUEENSLAND
The Aquaculture Association of Queensland (a peak industry group of some 35 table fish producers and 11 fish hatchery operators) produced a Development Plan for the industry in August 2002. The Plan describes the industry environment in the following way –
Numerous and important sources and forces of change likely to influence the industry during the next five years were identified during the planning process. Rapid change is likely to continue and must be recognised, anticipated, initiated and used. For businesses to grow and prosper ‘business as usual’ is not an option.54
The Plan is made up of:
• an industry vision to the year 2007;
• industry goals; and
• strategies and actions.
52 ‘Queensland’s Policy for Sustainable Land-Based Aquaculture Industry Development’, p 4.
53 Queensland’s Policy for Sustainable Land-Based Aquaculture Industry Development’, p 6.
54 Aquaculture Association of Queensland, Pathways to the Future, A Development Plan for the Queensland Native Freshwater Finfish Industry, September 2002, p 1, http://www.aaq.com.au/industry_development_plan.doc Downloaded 25 November 2002.
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 17
7.1 INDUSTRY VISION 2007
The vision for the industry to the year 2007 is one of profitability and environmental sustainability with 10,000 tonnes of native freshwater finfish being produced annually for the satisfaction of domestic and international markets.55
7.2 INDUSTRY GOALS
Identified future goals for the industry are:
• improved product marketing;
• successful and progressive business strategies;
• environmental sustainability and social responsibility; and
• cooperating to achieve results.
7.3 STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
The strategies and actions are linked to the industry goals. For each of the goals listed above there are strategies and actions under the three stakeholder headings of ‘business operators’, ‘industry bodies’, and ‘government’ to indicate what can properly be expected of those stakeholders in the fulfilment of the industry goals.56
8 QUEENSLAND’S STATE COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Queensland Environmental Protection Agency’s State Coastal Management Plan commenced operation in February 2002. In April 2002 the Australian Planning Institute gave the Plan a national award for environmental planning excellence. The Environment Minister, the Hon Dean Wells MP, described the Management Plan as a ‘comprehensive planning tool that provides direction for both local government and industry groups in the use and development of coastal areas’.57
55 Aquaculture Association of Queensland, Pathways to the Future, p 2.
56 Aquaculture Association of Queensland, Pathways to the Future, p 3.
57 Queensland. Environment Protection Agency and Parks and Wildlife Service, ‘State Coastal Plan wins National Award’, EQ, April 2002, (13), p 2.
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The State Coastal Management Plan is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency and is underpinned by a number of policies. The objective of the Plan is the protection of the State’s coastal resources.
The Plan applies to the ‘coastal zone’ which is defined in the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 as ‘coastal waters and all areas to the landward side of coastal waters in which there are physical features, ecological or natural processes or human activities that affect, or potentially affect, the coast or coastal resources’. As a statutory instrument, the Plan has effect under that Act. Whilst the Act does not provide enforcement provisions where breaches of the Plan occur, there are mechanisms for ensuring that the Plan is appropriately considered in relevant decisions made by the State and Local Governments and by the Planning and Environment Court.58
Local authorities are expected to incorporate the Plan’s principles and policies into planning schemes that are developed under the Integrated Planning Act 1997. The policy on coastal protection provides that land-based aquaculture is to be conducted in such a manner that does not result in significant adverse impact on coastal resources and their values by –
• maintaining water quality
• ensuring that wastewater discharge meets relevant standards
• maintaining the quality and levels of groundwater
• maintaining the integrity of coastal habitats by protecting them from adverse effects
• ensuring that aquaculture has no significant adverse impacts on fishery habitats
• maintaining natural coastal processes
• ensuring that such activities are compatible with coastal landscape values and recreational amenity.59
58 Queensland. Environmental Protection Agency, State Coastal Management Plan –
Queensland’s Coastal Policy, August 2001, p 2.
59 State Coastal Management Plan – Queensland’s Coastal Policy, August 2001, p 26.
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9 SPECIFIC AQUACULTURE LEGISLATION FOR QUEENSLAND?
In November 2002, the Minister for Primary Industries announced the establishment of a committee of government MPs to examine the need and benefits of enacting specific legislation for the aquaculture industry in Queensland. Both Tasmania and South Australia have enacted industry specific legislation and the committee members will be visiting those States to see if a similar approach would benefit the industry here.60
The Australian Prawn Farmers Association believes that a proposal by a company with aquaculture interests in South Australia and Tasmania to establish a fish farm in Moreton Bay highlights the need for an examination of relevant legislation covering the industry in Queensland.61
In the meantime, amendments are being made to the Fisheries Act 1994 to provide for greater co-ordination with the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) under the Integrated Planning Act 1997. The Primary Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld), introduced into the Queensland Legislative Assembly on 21 August 2003 by the Hon Henry Palaszczcuk MP, Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Communities, applies IDAS to certain developments currently falling under the Fisheries Act 1994. Those will now be dealt with under the Integrated Planning Act 1997.
A modified public notification and appeal process under IDAS will be introduced in relation to land-based aquaculture adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to reduce duplication in the assessment of developments under State and Commonwealth laws.
The measures to be introduced by this Bill will be considered later in this Brief.
60 R Lobegeiger, ‘Special aquaculture Act under consideration’, Aquaculture News, (21)
November 2002, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/aquaculturenews/11112.html Downloaded 24 January 2003.
61 ‘Fish farm highlights need for change’, Media Release, 2 June 2002, Australian Prawn Farmers Association, http://www.apfa.com.au/prawnfarmers.cfm?inc=media Downloaded 22 January 2003.
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10 FACTORS AFFECTING AQUACULTURE
10.1 SITE ASSESSMENT – THE ALL IMPORTANT GROUNDWORK
The location of an aquaculture business will have a significant influence on production costs and therefore profitability. Location affects the cost of access to markets as well as the costs of inputs required for production.62
Whilst Australia has vast areas of coastline, the number of appropriate sites for the establishment of aquaculture is limited. Due to environmental prerequisites, it has become clear that a program of mapping is required so that the most appropriate sites can be identified. Such a program would shorten the length of time it takes to select sites and would, consequently, facilitate the approval process.
An Independent Working Group of the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council identified site assessment as an industry weakness suggesting that there is a need for a mapping plan to be implemented nationally to facilitate the approval process.63
The CSIRO’s Marine Research’s Spatial Analysis and Modelling Group, located in Brisbane, is developing techniques to assist in optimising aquaculture site selection.
The CSIRO Group combines specialist skills in environmental statistics and modelling for the construction of models containing inputs identifying environmental constraints on coastal aquaculture. The ability of a fine scale mapping tool, known as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to reliably predict outcomes was tested against the location and performance of existing prawn farms on the banks of the Logan River adjacent to Moreton Bay (already the site for 6 prawn farms). An air photo mosaic of the Logan River was prepared to ascertain the suitability of establishing further farms in that area.
The GIS technique incorporates information such as proximity to water, elevation and slope, mangrove/wetland occurrence, distance from urban areas, land tenure, land use, and government planning limitations. The results obtained show that this type of mapping provides an effective first-stage screen for farm site suitability in
62 Clem Tisdell, Working Paper No 63, October 2001, p 15.
63 Australia. Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council, 8th Meeting – 31 May 2002, Agenda Item 4, p 20, http://www.dest.gov.au/science/pmseic/documents/Sustainable_Aquaculture.pdf
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 21
coastal areas.64 A majority of existing farms in the Logan River area are located within the ‘optimal zone’ predicted by the GIS.
In 1995, a Coastal Review was conducted for the purpose of nominating possible sites along the Queensland coast that may be suitable for prawn farm development. There were only six sites identified as possible locations for large scale prawn farming but approximately 50 sites for small to medium scale farming.65
10.2 THE EFFECTS OF INTENSIVE FARMING ON FISH66
Fish farming shares many of the problems of other intensive animal farming practices. Problems such as the fish experiencing stress, environmental pollution, and the possible destruction of existing wildlife are possible consequences of aquaculture. The rearing of farmed fish can be as intensive as egg production using battery hens. Depending on the species of fish being grown they may be kept in land-based hatcheries for 12 to 18 months before being transferred to sea cages. This transfer can result in a high mortality rate of the fingerlings as they adjust to their new conditions. If the species happens to be migratory by nature, then the fish will be stressed as a result of being confined to cages.
The mortality rate can be a result of a number of things such as disease, stress caused by overcrowding and the physical grading process, toxic algae bloom and oxygen starvation in hot weather. Competition for food in the cages results in damage to individual fish. Different growth rates requiring the fish in the tanks to be graded by size, with the subsequent culling of undersized fish, also results in damage.
Diseases can be heavily associated with stress levels. For instance bacterial septicaemia, bacterial skin and gill infections and infectious pancreatic necrosis can all be contributed to by stress in populations of cultivated fish.
As in any other branch of intensive animal husbandry, antibiotics are used to combat the spread of disease. Generally, the main method of administering
64 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Mapping the future of
aquaculture, http://www.marine.csiro.au/LeaflestFolder/aquamap.html Downloaded 4 December 2002, pp 1-2.
65 Carl Young, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, ‘A Preliminary Investigation to Identify Queensland Coastal Areas Suitable for Prawn Farm Development’, Aquaculture Information Series, August 1995.
66 The matters considered under this heading are discussed in publications including A Cox et al, pp 31ff; Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, Draft Aquaculture Policy, http://www.cafnec.org.au/policies/AquaCulturePolicy.htm Downloaded 4 September 2002.
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antibiotics is through the food supply. Through the use of antibiotics, resistance to disease-creating organisms among farmed stock may increase. When this is coupled with stock escaping into, and breeding with, the wild population, there may be a lowering of natural resistance of the wild population to disease.
When antibiotics are routinely administered in feed rather than being used for the treatment associated with the outbreak of diseases, the result could be an increase in bacteria resistant to antibiotics that may then be transferred up the food chain to humans. Inadequate drug withdrawal periods from fish before slaughter for consumption may result in drug residues being present in the food chain.
In addition to artificial intervention for disease control, chemicals are used to produce table fish that are acceptable to the taste of consumers. Pigments may be added to influence the colour of the fish and hormone growth promoters may also be used to shorten production time. Chemicals may be used to disinfect equipment whilst anti-foulants may be used on cages. The addition of pesticides can occur to control the spread of sea lice.
10.3 THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE FACING AQUACULTURE
Producers are fully aware of the environmental constraints confronting them. A Rocky Point prawn farmer described the effect of environmental constraints on business expansion in this way:
Expansion is restricted by our licence constraints. If DPI and CSIRO, with research they are doing, continue to find ways to reduce our discharges then that will help us to remain within our licence constraints. When that technology becomes available, then we’ll be able to expand our farm. But with present data at the moment we are basically limited to farm capacity.67
Some commentators see aquaculture as a positive force for the conservation of wild stocks whilst others regard it as a serious threat.
Whilst a particular aquaculture business may be profitable within a sector that is thriving economically, this does not necessarily indicate its social value. A high social value is reflected when the social net benefits outweigh the private gains enjoyed by the particular aquaculture business. If the operation of the aquaculture industry results in unfavourable environmental consequences that impose costs on others for which they are not compensated, then the social benefits are outweighed by the private gains.
67 ‘Aquaculture seeks effluent solution’, Landline, 9 July 2000.
http://www.abc.net.au/landline/stories/s148004.htm Downloaded 23 January 2003.
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An economist who has researched the issues relating to the economic efficiency of the aquaculture sector vis-à-vis its relationship to the greater public interest has argued that the achievement of an ideal solution for the control of environmental spillovers from such activity is impossible.68
From an environmental perspective, aquaculture, by its very nature, represents the application of an artificial system on the natural environment and is high risk. Consequently, for aquaculture to carve out a productive long term future, high priority will have to be given to ongoing sound environmental management.
On the other hand, some aquaculture activity may give rise to favourable environmental consequences. For instance, waste from fish farms causes nutrient-enrichment of surrounding waters. Up to some level, this may enhance the growth of surrounding wild fish stocks but beyond that point, diminishing returns may set in.
10.4 TYPES OF AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS
The varying nature of aquaculture practices means that the potential for external impacts will also differ. Systems that are used range from ‘closed systems’ where tight control can be exerted over the movement of water, organisms and waste, to ‘open systems’ where little or no control can be exerted. Within open systems where, for instance, net cages are used to hold fish, external costs are generally encountered because of the entry of feed and waste into the surrounding natural environment.69
10.4.1 Open Aquaculture Systems
Open systems located in coastal waters are perceived as more risky ventures in terms of environmental threat because of: the concentration of nutrients and waste products leading to algae blooms; the destruction of fauna and flora; the problem of by-catch snared in nets; conflicts with recreational use; the spread of diseases to the wild fish population; and loss of visual amenity.70
68 Clem Tisdell, Working Paper No 61, October 2001, p 18.
69 A Cox et al, pp 33-35.
70 Victorian National Parks Association, ‘Aquaculture’, http://www.vnpa.org.au/marine/marine0802.html Downloaded 4 September 2002, p 5.
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Fish Waste
Fish farming carries with it an acute problem of environmental harm from fish food pellets and fish waste. If the cages are located in waters where there is insufficient current to disperse the waste, it will accumulate below the cages. This can result in a toxic build up as well as physical smothering which causes de-oxygenation. This has negative effects for natural organisms and may change the biological makeup of the adjacent environment. The levels of nitrates and phosphates in the water will also rise along with the increase in waste deposits.
Fish Escaping Into the Wild Population
The escape of farmed fish can also be detrimental to natural fish stocks. They compete for food and, if they mate with the natural population, the offspring may be less genetically fit for survival. The newly established Invasive Species Council points out that, in the late 1990s, noxious tilapia fish were washed out of a small aquaculture farm into the Barron River in North Queensland where they have bred strongly and are now competing with native fish for food and habitat.71
Attraction of Natural Predators to the Cages
Resident predator populations may be affected by the establishment of fish cages. Whilst non-lethal methods, such as top nets and side nets, can be employed for keeping predators at bay, overseas experience has shown that natural predators are still trapped and entangled by equipment that causes death.
10.4.2 Closed Aquaculture Systems
Closed aquaculture systems (ie one that recycles all waste) are said to have the potential to be less polluting than open systems. However, these systems still have inherent environmental concerns regarding the effects of pond discharge, feed used, site selection, and diseases.72 There are those who predict that in years to come, most aquaculture operations will be closed systems which produce a high density of finfish and shellfish with no resulting wastewater reaching streams and rivers.73
71 Amanda Hodge, ‘Invasion of pests a $3.3bn disaster’, Australian, 27 August 2002, p 6.
72 Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, Draft Aquaculture Policy. p 3.
73 ‘Seafood demand can only be satisfied with aquaculture says scientist’, Earthvision Environmental News, 2 October 2000, http://www.seafoodol.com.au/pr28.shtm
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Negative environmental impacts can be minimised with the use of closed systems because more control can be exercised. However, such operations tend to also come at a higher financial cost. Open systems, on the other hand, will attract a greater level of risk in relation to resource use issues.74
10.5 THE FUTURE
The industry will need to develop a culture that seeks out the best available production methods and technologies to enable it to minimise its impact on the natural environment to achieve the overriding goal of environmental sustainability.
The aquaculture sector will need to create a vision of where it wants to be in the future and this does appear to be happening. Vision-building can help the industry create a flexible culture to accommodate innovative strategies that allow the identification of new technologies aimed at solving industry problems.
11 THE CURRENT APPROVAL PROCESS FOR AQUACULTURE ENTERPRISES IN QUEENSLAND
In 2000, the Chairperson of the Australian Prawn Farmers Association criticised the approval process as being too slow and costly. He argued that a whole-of-government approach was required to avoid pushing additional investment away from Queensland to other states.75 The Mayor of the Shire of Bowen intended to use the sitting of the Regional Parliament in Townsville in September 2002 as an opportunity to press for easier access to unallocated Crown land for projects such as aquaculture, as the existing process for converting Crown land to freehold was cumbersome.76
The Integrated Planning Act 1997 is the principal planning Act in Queensland which combines the approval processes of local authorities with State legislation. The Act introduced the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) which is a system designed to integrate State and Local Government assessment and approval requirements for proposed development.
74 A Cox, et al, p 10.
75 Duncan Patersan, ‘Laws block prawn farms’, Cairns Post, 29 July 2000, http://www.seafoodol.com.au/pr44.shtm Downloaded 29 November 2002.
76 Tony Raggatt, ‘Our Big Chance – City supremos to pitch North’, Townsville Bulletin, 31 August, 2002, p 1.
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The discussion below concerns the existing system for assessment and approval of aquaculture development under the Integrated Planning Act 1997. As noted earlier the new Primary Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld) will integrate the process for approving certain fisheries developments under the Integrated Planning Act 1997. Consequential amendments will be made to the Integrated Planning Act so that those fisheries developments to which IDAS applies will be clearly stated.
11.1 TYPES OF AUTHORISATIONS CURRENTLY REQUIRED
Developers must address a range of environmental issues when seeking approval for proposed developments. Specifically, with respect to aquaculture development applications, approvals may also be necessary under the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974 (Cth) where the proposed development is located within or adjacent to such areas as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This is discussed further, below.
Generally, the following authorisations may currently be required to establish and operate aquaculture facilities:
• An aquaculture licence in accordance with the Fisheries Act 1994 (Qld).
• Land use approval for the use of private land is required under the Integrated Planning Act 1997. Where the proposed site is Crown land, such approval must be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (NRM).
• An environmental licence is required under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
• The construction of works on tidal lands (eg structures for aquaculture) requires approval to be obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Transport Infrastructure Act 1995, s 86.
• The removal, destruction or damage of marine plants or the construction of works in fish habitat areas requires a licence from the Department of Primary Industries.
• The establishment of aquaculture within the boundaries of declared Marine Parks under the Marine Parks Act 1982 requires a permit issued by the EPA.
• The use of foreshores that are Crown land needs approval from the NRM.
• Freshwater aquaculture projects may require approval for the use of water supplies from natural waterways and/or licensing for the construction of dams from the NRM.
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• Where marine and freshwater brood stock is to be collected, a general fisheries permit will be required from the Fisheries Management Authority.
• A proposal may also be subject to the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (Qld) if it is declared to be a ‘significant project’.
• If the aquaculture activity is prescribed as an ‘environmentally relevant activity’ under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld), a Regulation, an environmental licence or approval may have to be obtained from the EPA. This is explained further, below.
Freshwater aquaculture activities are mainly located on private freehold land and leasehold land. The actual granting of an aquaculture licence is directly related to a specific activity to be conducted at a specific site. Consequently, the site and type of activity sought to be conducted on it have to be identifiable to the chief executive of the Department of Primary Industries.
11.2 ASSESSMENT AND APPROVAL OF AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENTS UNDER THE INTEGRATED PLANNING ACT 1997
Development approval must be obtained under the provisions of the Integrated Planning Act 1997. Because the establishment and management of aquaculture ventures are designated ‘environmentally relevant activities’ under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (see below) such activities are classified as assessable development under schedule 8 of the Integrated Planning Act 1997.
‘Assessable development’ requires a development permit to be issued in accordance with s 3.1.4(1). The proposed development must be assessed via the application of IDAS provided for under s 3.1.1.
Generally IDAS consists of the following stages: • application stage • information and referral stage • notification stage; and • decision stage.
Note that under the new Primary Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003, certain fisheries development will be covered by IDAS. Fisheries development to which IDAS will apply are –
• making a material change of premises for aquaculture;
• building work or operational works in a declared fish habitat area;
• removal, damage or destruction of marine plants; and
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• waterway barrier works: proposed new s 1.3.5 of the Integrated Planning Act 1997 inserted by cl 72.
Smaller developments (eg small, low impact aquaculture projects) will no longer require approval by the Queensland Fisheries Service and may be ‘self-assessable’ by the developer through relevant codes under the Integrated Planning Act.
11.2.1 Application Stage
Applications for approval must be made to the assessment manager, generally the local authority. As part of the application process, the application to develop may require the involvement of one or more referral agencies which may be concurrence agencies or advice agencies. Concurrence agencies are those entities from which approval or permission for particular activities is required to be obtained before those activities can be commenced. Advice agencies are those entities from which the assessment manager may require advice in relation to matters concerning the development application.
Under s 3.2.8, the assessment manager is required to keep copies of the application and supporting material for inspection and purchase by the public.
11.2.2 Information and Referral Stage
The Integrated Planning Act 1997 (s 3.3.2) does not preclude referral agencies from giving advice to an applicant for development approval before an application is submitted to the assessment manager. Applicants must give a copy of their application to each referral agency (s 3.3.3) and advise the assessment manager that this has occurred (s 3.3.4).
Under s 3.3.15, referral agencies assess the application for development against the laws administered and policies applied by the referral agency.
Under s 3.3.18, a concurrence agency is, within the limits of its jurisdiction, authorised to inform the assessment manager about:
• conditions that are to be attached to the development approval • whether part approval only should be granted • whether preliminary approval only should be granted • whether the application should be refused; or • a statement that there are no requirements to be complied with by the
applicant.
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11.2.3 Notification Stage
The notification stage of the IDAS process (s 3.4.9) allows the public to lodge written submissions and objections to be considered by the assessment manager before a final decision is made on the application. Applicants must publicly acknowledge their applications by way of a notice in a newspaper circulating in the locality of the relevant land, erect a notice on the land, and give a notice to the owners of adjoining land (s 3.4.4). The notification period may vary from 15 to 30 business days (s 3.4.5).
11.2.4 Decision Stage
Even if a concurrence agency involved in the assessment of the development application informs the assessment manager that it requires the development application to be refused, the assessment manager is still required to assess the application and make a decision himself or herself.
11.3 PROPOSED CHANGES UNDER THE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2003
The Primary Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 amends the Fisheries Act 1994 and the Integrated Planning Act 1997 to enable IDAS to apply to certain fisheries developments currently administered under the Fisheries Act. Thus, the development related approvals process will be removed from the Fisheries Act and placed under the Integrated Planning Act IDAS regime.
Fisheries development to which IDAS will apply are –
• making a material change of premises for aquaculture;
• building work or operational works in a declared fish habitat area;
• removal, damage or destruction of marine plants; and
• waterway barrier works: proposed new s 1.3.5 of the Integrated Planning Act 1997 inserted by cl 72.
IDAS will apply to the ‘development’ itself. If the activity contemplated also involves the use or interference with State land, water or fisheries resources, the applicant will have to obtain a ‘resource allocation authority’ under the Fisheries Act before obtaining a development approval under the Integrated Planning Act 1997. The types of fisheries developments are building or operational work in a declared fish habitat area; removing/damaging marine plants in a declared fish habitat area; and a material change in use for aquaculture proposed to be carried
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out on State land/in Queensland waters (proposed new s 76A inserted by cl 32). The example given in the Explanatory Notes to cl 22 of the Bill (amending s 52 of the Fisheries Act) is that a licence to engage in aquaculture involving oysters in tidal waters (which is ‘development’ as certain aquaculture furniture will be used) means that that area of tidal waters and fish habitats must be used for this purpose (ie resource allocation).77 The resource allocation authority must be obtained before an application for development approval is made.
The resource allocation decision made by the DPI chief executive will involve assessment of the appropriate use of and access to resources, including long term and broader impacts before granting a resource allocation authority. The chief executive must keep a register of authorities issued under the Act: cl 31 amending s 73 of the Act.
The resource allocation authority is essentially a precondition to the right to make a development application. The allocation does not confer a development right and when both a resource allocation and development approval are required to undertake a development, the issue of resource allocation must be determined first as a threshold question. The combined effect of proposed new s 76B of the Fisheries Act and existing s 3.2.1(5A) of the Integrated Planning Act seeks to ensure that a development application is accompanied by evidence of the resource allocation.
Under proposed new s 60A (inserted by cl 24 of the Bill), in making a decision abut whether or not to grant a resource allocation authority, the chief executive must take into account the impact of any future development on the resource considered against the factors specified in that provision (eg coastal management under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995, protection of waters under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, and management of marine parks under the Marine Parks Act 1982). The references to other relevant legislation ensure a consideration of broader impacts of the activity on state resources protected under those pieces of legislation, including taking advice from other agencies.
A proposed new Division 3A, subdivision 2 of the Fisheries Act sets out the matters the chief executive has to consider in determining applications for assessable fisheries developments under the Integrated Planning Act. There are provisions in the new Division 3 relating to conditions on approval (see also proposed new s 76J relating to appropriate conditions for aquaculture), making amendments to conditions etc.
77 Primary Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld), Explanatory Notes,
p 24. A number of transitional provisions are made to accommodate exiting authorities: see cl 44.
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Once a development approval is granted, it can be exercised only by the holder of a resource allocation authority. In addition, the development approval will not, contrary to the general case under the Integrated Planning Act, attach to the land: proposed new s 76C inserted by cl 32.
11.4 ENVIRONMENTAL LICENCE MUST BE OBTAINED
Under s 19 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, the Governor in Council is authorised to prescribe an activity as ‘an environmentally relevant activity’ and in the case of aquaculture, this has been done under Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 1998. Entities wishing to establish and run aquaculture facilities are required to obtain an environmental authority in the form of a licence. Generally, an environmental authority application is required to be furnished to the chief executive but if the issue of such environmental authorities has been devolved to a local authority under s 514(1)(b) of the Act, then the application is to be made to the relevant local authority.
An application may be made either before or after development approval has been obtained under the Integrated Planning Act 1997. If the application is made before, then the process is in its early stages. If, however, the application is submitted after development approval has been obtained, then the process is nearly completed.
Under s 83 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, the entity to which the application is made has 28 days within which to grant or refuse a licence. If the application is made after development approval has been obtained then, generally, the documentation submitted in support of the development approval application will be sufficient to allow a decision to be made on the environmental authority application but additional information can be considered.
An application for an environmental authority licence that is made before development approval has been obtained under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 must (under s 89) contain the following information to allow the application to be properly considered:
• information about the level of risk to the environment • details of waste that will be generated • waste minimisation strategies that are to be employed.
A licence may be issued (under s 92) with conditions attached, such as: • the taking of measures to minimise the likelihood of environmental harm
being caused. • the carrying out and reporting on monitoring programs. • the preparation and carrying out of an environmental management program.
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• the carrying out and reporting on rehabilitation or remediation work required to be undertaken.
Environmental licences prescribe the manner of waste water disposal. Preference is given to the recycling of waste water wherever possible but wherever effluent discharge is allowed, the environmental licence may prescribe the rate of allowable discharge into the environment, the implementation of a site based management plan, and the use of pollution control equipment as well as other conditions. Generally, licences are issued for a 15 year period and are transferable.
11.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS
The Environment Protection Agency conducts environmental audits on aquaculture activities. Sites that do not comply with recognised standards are made subject to Environmental Protection Orders for rectification with respect to specific issues. For example, in 2000, such an order was issued against the operators of a site at Armstrong Beach located in the Sarina Shire78 and, in 2001, another site at Rocky Point located in the Gold Coast area was also issued with an Environmental Protection Order.79
11.6 MARICULTURE
Under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 the approvals required for the establishment of mariculture facilities (ie facilities for cultivating marine plants and animals for human use)80 are similar to those required when aquaculture facilities are sought to be established.
11.7 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS NEAR BOWEN
Aquaculture developments are being attracted to the Bowen area. Pacific Reef Fisheries, Aquacrab Pty Ltd, Pacific Aquaculture and Seafood on Line operate, or are in the process of developing or seeking approval for, aquaculture ventures.
78 Queensland. Environmental Protection Agency and Parks and Wildlife Service, ‘EPA tackles
aquaculture issues to protect coastal zone’, EQ, April 2000, (1), p 8.
79 Queensland. Environmental Protection Agency and Parks and Wildlife Service, ‘EPA peels away prawn farm’s problems’, EQ, February 2001, (6), p 6.
80 John Button, A Dictionary of Green Ideas, p 262.
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 33
Construction of the Abbot Bay aquaculture farm by Seafood on Line began in 1997 before the Integrated Planning Act 1997 came into force. However, expansion post 2002 is subject to the provisions of the Act. The Abbot Bay applicant was required to produce an Environmental Impact Assessment in relation to the environmental impacts of the proposed development on the selected site. For development to proceed, the following approvals, licences and permits were required -
• An environmental authority issued by the NRM
• Approval of an integrated Environmental Management Plan
• An aquaculture licence
• Permit to disturb mangrove/marine plants
• Permit for the clearing of trees
• Permit to occupy beach land from the Beach Protection Authority
• Licence for the construction of intake works and foreshore structures from the Beach Protection Authority
• Development approval from the Bowen Shire Council
• Permit to construct entrance works from Main Roads
• Native Title clearance.81
Unfortunately, Seafood on Line went into voluntary administration in 2002 with the construction stage of the farm almost completed but never having exported any live fish to Asia. Approximately $15 million had been raised in equity and this was spent on the construction stage that was over budget. The assets of the company were purchased by Townsville interests who intend to continue the farming venture but with different species of fish intended for the domestic market.
11.8 COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATION
A number of pieces of Commonwealth legislation may apply to an aquaculture development. Commonwealth legislation is of importance with respect to areas covered by, and which have an effect on, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 authorises the Commonwealth to
81 SEAFOOD online.com Ltd http://www.seafoodol.com.au/cpb10.shtm Downloaded 18
September 2002.
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prepare zoning plans and issue permits for activities within the Marine Park and to make regulations for ‘off park’ activities. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Aquaculture) Regulation 2000 contains a requirement that aquatic ponds covering an area greater than 5 hectares, or ponds of any size which contain a hatchery and discharge waste into the prescribed zone, may only do so under the authority of a permit.
The Commonwealth Regulation has had an effect on the marine prawn sector of the aquaculture industry. Queensland agreed with the Commonwealth that, through the Environmental Protection Agency, it would develop new discharge limits for marine prawn operations at coastal locations adjacent to the Marine Park.82
The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) will also apply to an aquaculture project if the Commonwealth Environment Minister deems a proposed development to be a ‘controlled action’.
11.9 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2003
The existing regime for aquaculture development adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef has two separate approval systems, a matter which is regarded as a constraint on the industry.83
The Primary Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 will amend the Fisheries Act 1994 (Qld) to implement an agreement between the Commonwealth and State Governments that will enable the accreditation of Queensland law under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Aquaculture) Regulation 2000. The changes will address process-related discrepancies between Queensland and Commonwealth law in relation to land-based aquaculture development and will provide the legal framework to eliminate duplications between approvals from the State and Commonwealth. The proposed amendments reflect recognition by the Commonwealth Minister that Queensland law provides the necessary degree of protection for the Reef from the impact of land-based aquaculture. Unnecessary duplication between Commonwealth and State
82 Queensland. Environmental Protection Agency, ‘Review of Queensland Marine Prawn
Aquaculture Licensing under the Environmental Protection Act’, Discussion Paper, May 2000, pp 6 &11.
83 Hon H Palaszczuk MP, Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Communities, Primary Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld), Second Reading Speech, Queensland Parliamentary Debates, pp 3181-3184, p 3183.
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 35
requirements will be removed while providing rigorous assessment and community involvement.84
A proposed new Chapter 5, Part 8A is inserted into the Integrated Planning Act 1997 by cl 79 of the Bill to introduce a modified notification process and extended appeal rights for certain aquaculture developments in a specified zone area adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
12 GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR AQUACULTURE
The Queensland Government is committed to the future sustainable development of the State’s aquaculture industry85 whose 2002-2003 level of production is expected to be worth $75 million.86 The Aquaculture Industry Development Initiative has been established, through which the Government will contribute $6.1 million over three years.87 Encompassed within the initiative are the following four programs:
• A sustainable water use and remediation of discharge program, aimed at the development of systems using aquatic plants and animals for the remediation of waste water from aquaculture.
• Application of biotechnology to the breeding of high value aquaculture species to ensure the maintenance, management and utilisation of genetic diversity.
• Development of alternative feeds for the aquaculture industry through the development of larval diets for high value species such as reef fish, scallops and lobsters, aimed at ensuring the cost competitiveness of Queensland producers
• Development of soft-shell crustacean production technology using a combination of traditional and biotechnology techniques, aimed at establishing an export industry for soft-shell crustaceans.
84 Primary Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld), Explanatory Notes, p
65.
85 Hon H Palaszczuk MP, Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Communities, ‘Qld aquaculture growth targeted under Budget’, Media Statement, 19 June 2001.
86 Queensland. Department of Primary Industries, Prospects December 2002 – Fisheries, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/bsu/11350.html Downloaded 22 January 2002.
87 Paul Grieve, ‘Aquaculture Industry Development Initiative’, Aquaculture News, Issue 19, December 2001, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/aquaculturenews/8030.html
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The high technology component of these programs shows that the emerging aquaculture industry is not being left out of the Smart State Strategy. Indeed, programs such as these are required if the production challenges confronting the industry are to be solved.
Generally, Government support for the establishment and development of industry is best served by the creation of physical infrastructure such as roads, rail and ports and the provision of intellectual capital through educational facilities.
In Queensland, intellectual capital is created through the offering of aquaculture certificate courses by specific Technical and Further Education Colleges. For instance, the State Government provided $270,000 in funding for the Cooloola Sunshine Institute of TAFE to offer a course in aquaculture. The North Point TAFE College in Brisbane also provides a certificate course.
James Cook University in Townsville has a Department of Aquaculture offering courses of study leading to Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate degrees in science.
Under the Food and Fibres Science’s Aquaculture program, the State Government funded the establishment of the Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement Facility at the Northern Fisheries Centre located in Cairns.
The Department of Primary Industries also operates the Freshwater Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre at Walkamin, 70 km west of Cairns. It is the only dedicated freshwater aquaculture research facility in northern Australia. The Centre conducts original research and provides advice to the freshwater aquaculture sector. The Centre has been at the forefront in research on the production of barramundi and redclaw crayfish. The knowledge gained from this research is now being turned toward the production of eels, sleepy cod, and golden perch. Research is also conducted into hatchery and nursery procedures, nutrition and genetics, disease diagnosis, and aquaculture systems design. The research has a strong commercial focus.88
13 COULD AQUACULTURE MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE LESSENING OF INLAND SALINITY?
Salinity has been identified as the greatest environmental threat facing Australia. One contributing factor to this situation in rural areas has been the clearing of native vegetation and its replacement with shallow rooted crops and pastures that use less water. Planted crops and pastures do not use as much of the incoming rainfall and this unused water either runs off or infiltrates below the root zone
88 Queensland. Department of Primary Industries, ‘Freshwater Fisheries & Aquaculture Centre,
Walkamin, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb/3386.html Downloaded 31 July 2002.
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 37
where it accumulates as groundwater.89 Vast areas of agricultural and grazing land are under threat and Western Australia’s wheat belt is already feeling the impact.
In July 2002, the Commonwealth and the States jointly committed to the funding of the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality. Nationally, there will be $147 million of combined funding for development of regional plans in priority areas to combat the salinity problem. It is currently estimated that in Queensland there are approximately 630,000 hectares of land that are at high risk of salinity with this level expected to grow to over 3 million hectares by 2050.90 This estimate was reached on the basis of field observations made in the early 1990s. A report prepared since that time estimates that by 2050, there will be just over 3 million hectares throughout the State that will be categorised as land potentially at risk of developing salinity.91
There are those who argue for the investment of time and money in new industries such as aquaculture projects for the management of salinity levels.92 The Queensland Department of Primary Industries is investigating the technical and economic feasibility of the use of saline groundwater for aquaculture.93 Although aquaculture does have the potential to contribute to salinity management, its overall contribution must be kept in perspective and not be exaggerated.94 It is unlikely that aquaculture will ever provide a complete answer but it may have the
89 Western Australia. Murdoch University, Salinity Management Solutions,
http://numbat.murdoch.edu.au/research/aquaculture/salmagmt.htm Downloaded 19 November 2002.
90 ‘Commonwealth and Queensland commit to war against salinity’, Joint Statement, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Federal Minister for the Environment and Heritage and the Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, 3 July 2002, http://www.affa.gov.au/ministers/truss/releases/02/02164wtj.html Downloaded 2 December 2002.
91 Land and Water Australia, National Land and Water Resources Audit, Australian, Dryland Salinity Assessment 2000, http://audit.ea.gov.au/ANRA/land/docs/national/Salinity_QLD.html Downloaded 17 October 2002.
92 Australia. National Dryland Salinity Program, Regional development opportunities-building new industries around salinity management, http://www.ndsp.gov.au/salinity/salinity_information/basin_sheets/E8.html Downloaded 2 December 2002.
93 Ross Lobegeiger, ‘Senior Executives tour aquaculture farms’, Aquaculture News, Issue 19, December 2001, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/aquaculturenews/8035.html Downloaded 20 November 2002.
94 Hon H Palaszczuk MP, Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Communities, ‘Trial aims to create an inland prawn industry’, Media Release, 12 December 2002.
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potential to be part of the answer if it is incorporated into salinity plans as a productive land use.
A trial project was established in December 2002 in the Wide Bay region near Maryborough for the growing of Black Tiger prawns using bore water. The project is the result of a co-operative effort between the DPI, Tiaro Shire Council, and the particular land owner. The complex consists of four production ponds, a holding dam, and a water treatment dam. The water is contained, treated, and recycled through the ponds which remove the salt before it is returned to the environment. The objective of the two year project is to ascertain the viability of using salinity affected farmlands for the production of prawns while delivering positive environmental and economic outcomes.
The Australian Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (AFRDC) has identified the possible use of saline groundwater for the establishment and development of inland aquaculture of marine species.95 Underground saltwater is plentiful in Australia and there are many permanent saline lakes that have potential for aquaculture. The attractiveness of such enterprises is increased in the light of there being a limited number of marine sites available for cage or land based aquaculture.
The development of a national research and development strategy for inland saline aquaculture by AFRDC is also relevant to the establishment of integrated aquaculture in Australia, particularly in relation to the aquaculture utilisation of saline groundwater in association with irrigation farming.96
A saline groundwater interception trial is being conducted in South Australia to breed black bream, whiting, and snapper. The trial is being funded under the National Dryland Salinity Program and the coordinator acknowledged that the project was still in the research and development stage with many obstacles yet to be overcome before there is any successful competition with traditional fishing and freshwater aquaculture.97
More than 70% of Australia’s salt-affected land lies in Western Australia and there is a recognition that the future of primary production in that State lies in the
95 Australia. Fisheries Research Development Corporation, Five Year Research and Development
Plan, http://www.frdc.com.au/pub/plan/00%2D05/bus%2Denvironment2.htm Downloaded 12 September 2002.
96 G Gooley, L McKinnon, B Ingham and R Gasior, Multiple Use of Farm Water to Produce Fish, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Publication No 00/182, p 4.
97 Australia. National Dryland Salinity Program, ‘Premier to launch SA Salinity Strategy’, Media Release, 1 November 2001, http://www.ndsp.gov.au/45_media_centre/15_media_releases/_mr_20011101.html
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 39
development of new production systems that allows producers to better utilise water and diversify their economic base. This recognition has lead to research on ways and means of incorporating aquaculture using saline groundwater as an integral part of the State’s Salinity Strategy.98 Farmers are trialling the use of established infrastructure, such as dams, to stock fish including rainbow trout, black bream, and snapper. Despite a high level of interest in the development of an inland aquaculture industry, it has been acknowledged that Western Australia lacks a coherent public policy to encourage or regulate the development of an inland saline aquaculture industry.99
An underground water atlas has also been produced in Western Australia. It contains information that will assist in the identification of rural sites where aquaculture activities may be successfully conducted on a cost-effective scale.100
The New South Wales Fisheries Department is also involved in a research project to assess the suitability of saline groundwater for aquaculture purposes at Wakool, near Deniliquin in the south-west of the State, where ponds managed by Murray Irrigation Limited are used to evaporate saline water pumped to the surface from shallow water tables below.101 The project may allow for the development of management strategies for large-scale inland marine fish culture in saline groundwater.
14 PROSPECTS FOR INTEGRATING AQUACULTURE AND AGRICULTURE
It is clear that better management of water resources is needed to address the degradation of aquatic environments in Australia. There is a growing trend in
98 Western Australia. Murdoch University, Dryland Salinity,
http://numbat.murdoch.edu.au/research/aquaculture/homepage.htm Downloaded 12 September 2002.
99 Western Australia. Murdoch University, Public policy for the development of inland saline aquaculture, http://numbat.murdoch.edu.au/research/aquaculture/currentresearch.htm Downloaded 12 September 2002.
100 Aquaculture Council of Western Australia, ‘Aquaculture Development Receives a Boost from Groundwater Atlas’, 26 October 2001.
101 New South Wales Fisheries, Inland saline research project, http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/aquaculture/saltwater/saltfish.htm Downloaded 12 September 2002.
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managing the total water cycle so that all water is managed to include the efficient reuse, and minimisation, of wastewater.102
The integration of aquaculture and agriculture is practiced in Asia, particularly China, and in Israel. Whilst much of the integration practiced in Asia is for subsistence purposes, the approach taken in Israel is designed for farm diversification into higher value, export quality products. Where irrigation water in Israel is harnessed for aquaculture, the water leaving the fish culture system is used on crops such as tomatoes, melons, wheat, cotton and olives.103
The approach taken toward the multiple use of water in rural areas of Israel formed the basis of a project established by the Queensland DPI in cooperation with the Richmond Shire Council and the Mount Isa-Townsville Economic Development Zone.
The project located at Richmond, in the north-west of the State, will be used as a demonstration and training facility to highlight the ability of the aquaculture sector to be a serious diversification option for rural areas. The project, when fully developed, will produce aquatic species, hydroponic vegetables and a plantation crop. Approximately $200,000 of State and Federal funding is to be invested over a three year period.104
A Laidley small crop farmer travelled to Israel to see first-hand the techniques used for the integration of aquaculture and agriculture. At the Laidley site, from January 2003, irrigation water is being pumped into tanks where it will used to grow fish to table size. The water will be progressively pumped from these tanks onto the small crops, resulting in two livelihoods being derived from the same quantity of water that was once only used to generate one income. Funding assistance from both the State and Commonwealth will be used to assist with the capital costs associated with the project.105 The operator no longer regards himself as a dirt farmer but a water farmer:
Water dictates everything we do here, and we have to learn how best to use the available water to be able to continue.106
102 M S Kumar & M Sierp, ‘Integrated Wastewater Treatment and Aquaculture Production’,
Report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Pub No 03/026, May 2003, p iii.
103 G Gooley, et al, Multiple Use of Farm Water to Produce Fish, p 3.
104 Henry Palaszczuk, Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Communities, ‘Multiple use of water broadens options in pastoral zone’, Ministerial Media Statements, 4 May 2001.
105 Tony Koch, ‘Dry country’, Courier Mail, 5 October 2002, p 29.
106 Tony Koch, ‘Dry country’.
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 41
In the Shire of Hinchinbrook, one cane farmer has ventured into prawn farming; the Shire Mayor hopes that, if the project is successful, it will encourage other cane farmers to follow suit.107
The Mossman Central Sugar Mill owns and operates a prawn farm situated at Port Douglas. The farm produces approximately 100 tonnes of prawns per annum frozen and cooked, chilled and cooked, and chilled and green for the domestic market. The business is situated on a special lease land which is being converted into freehold in readiness for the sale of the business.108
A 1999 study conducted on behalf of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) investigated the application of integrated aquaculture principles to areas of irrigated farming.109 The objectives of the study were to:
• Demonstrate the viability of integrating practical aquaculture into existing irrigated farming systems to enhance productivity, water-use efficiency and overall sustainability;
• Demonstrate that appropriate husbandry, production and post-harvest handling and marketing methodologies could be developed and adapted to enable viable, cost-effective, commercial fish production to be integrated into such systems; and
• Demonstrate that the adoption of integrated farming practices, to include aquaculture as a component, will enhance overall farming system performance.110
Three integrated systems were used in the evaluation:
1. Floating cages located in irrigation channels.
2. Floating cages in on-farm water storage dams.
3. Floating cages in round prefabricated above-ground tanks.
These were compared with the results achieved from fish grown in purpose-built earthen fish ponds.
107 Andrew Fraser, ‘Just not sweet enough’, Courier Mail, 1 October 2002, p 11.
108 Courier Mail, 6 December 2002, p 41.
109 G Gooley, et al, Multiple Use of Farm Water to Produce Fish, p vii.
110 G Gooley, et al, Multiple Use of Farm Water to Produce Fish, p 4.
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Results recorded for the 1995-1998 trials, which involved the stocking of silver perch in sites located in the Central Goulburn Irrigation Area, include:
• The establishment of integrated aquaculture systems is technically viable.
• Usable systems could be low cost and constructed of non-specialist materials that are readily available.
• The variety of fish grown will depend upon the ambient water temperature.
• The availability of seed stock is a critical factor to the success of integrated aquaculture systems.
• Integrated aquaculture is a low cost form of light industry which is conducive to participation from all family members.
• Economic viability is at its highest where an integrated system uses existing infrastructure and water allocation (so no extra water has to be bought) and savings through on-farm fertiliser applications, with no net negative environmental impact.
• Where existing infrastructure is not being used, where additional water has to be paid for, and where costs may be incurred in combating environmental impacts, the economic viability is likely to be marginal at best.
• As with any other endeavour, decreased costs of production such as lower feed costs, along with higher stocking levels and higher survival rates, will increase economic viability.
• It may be that economic viability will be dependent upon the establishment of regional business clusters that will allow networking through which a number of producers cooperate to create a critical mass of production.111
From a producer’s perspective, the following comments were made in the Report: The amount of time allocated to daily maintenance was not considered to be excessive by the operators and in most cases was accommodated as a matter of routine into the respective daily schedules. In most instances, each system was in close proximity to either the family house or area of daily work, such as the farm’s dairy. In such instances an aquaculture operation can be incorporated into the daily routine with minimal extra labour cost.112
The silver perch farming sector encompasses about 70 licensed operators in Queensland and is characterised by small family companies and partnerships with
111 G Gooley, et al, Multiple Use of Farm Water to Produce Fish, pp viii-ix.
112 G Gooley, et al, Multiple Use of Farm Water to Produce Fish, p 61.
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 43
access to limited funds and little experience in aquatic animal husbandry or marketing. Few of these growers are solely reliant upon income from silver perch production but, rather, upon various additional agricultural or horticultural activities.113
Future projection of the demand for silver perch is 780 tonnes by 2003/2004, which is less than the anticipated output by growers and more than twice the current production level. Demand is expected to rise due to an increasing demand for fish in general, coupled with the attractive white, boneless fillets sought after by domestic consumers.114
In April 2002, a second round of Commonwealth grants was announced under the Farm Innovation Program. Among the 177 Australia-wide applicants, a Goulburn Valley dairy farmer was granted $98,000 for the development of an integrated aquaculture and agro-forestry venture. The project involves the growing of marine fish in saline groundwater that is pumped from below the property. Waste water from the fish ponds is then reused on site for the growing of trees for commercial sale. The dairy farmer concerned explained the choices confronting him in the following way:
Up until three years ago, we ran a traditional dairy farm, but the increasing levels of salinity made farming less productive. After being involved with the Department of Natural Resources and Energy projects assessing ways of addressing the salinity problem, I discovered that agro-forestry and aquaculture could be combined to make a commercially and environmentally sustainable venture.115
15 SUCCEEDING IN AQUACULTURE
The average aquaculture operation is run as a small business, usually in conjunction with another rural enterprise, as most producers are from a farming background. Of barramundi producers it has been said:
113 Ruello & Associates Pty Ltd, Silver Perch Market Assessment, Report Prepared for NSW
Fisheries, NSW Aquaculture Management & Research Advisory Committee and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, 26 October 1999, p 6, http://aaq.com.au/downloads/sp9911re.doc Downloaded 28 November 2002.
114 Ruello & Associates Pty Ltd, Silver Perch Market Assessment, p 36.
115 ‘Eight Victorian rural businesses to share in $674,000 Farm Innovation Program funding’, Media Release 19 April 2002, Judith Troeth, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, http://netenergy.dpie.gov.au/ministers/troeth/releases/02/0201t.html Downloaded 2 December 2002.
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The successful ones share several personal attributes, such as the ability to learn new skills associated with fish husbandry and marketing, a commitment to building a new business in the face of early difficulties and unprofitable periods, a willingness to take financial risks, and the possession of adequate capital to support the initial establishment phase.116
These characteristics are also pertinent to other producers within the aquaculture sector who farm prawns, redclaw crayfish, perch and other species.
16 THE MORETON BAY MARICULTURE PROPOSAL
Generally, the establishment of sea cage operations requires moderate currents, security from storm damage and from vandalism, proximity to shore-based support operations, adequate water depth, and excellent water quality.
SunAqua Pty Ltd, a fish farming operator with interests in Tasmania and South Australia, has applied to the State Government for a licence to operate a $7 million sea cage mariculture operation in Moreton Bay in which, eventually, around 2,400 tonnes of snapper and kingfish would be farmed to consumption size at 4 sites in a sequence that forms a nautical mile square. The location is shown in the map of Moreton Bay included in Appendix B to this Research Brief.
The project will be sited in the General Use zone of the Moreton Bay Marine Park under the Moreton Bay Marine Park Act. Each of the 4 sites would carry a maximum of 8 cages no larger than 30 metres in diameter for housing the fish. It is proposed that a stocking density of 10-12 kilograms per cubic metre will allow an annual harvesting level of approximately 2,400 tonnes per annum.117 Stage 1 (the one currently under examination) involves the development of 2 operational sites of 8 cages over a 5 year timeframe, subject to intensive monitoring. Stage 2 will involve the development of a further 2 sites and will be subject to a separate application and approval process.
A land-based service centre is also proposed to be established either in the vicinity of Manly or the Port of Brisbane. A floating barge would be required to be moored beside the farm for the storage of equipment.
Direct employment by the operation could reach 50 jobs, with an unspecified level of indirect employment in hatcheries and post-harvest processing. As part of its
116 Chris Barlow, ‘Barramundi’, The New Rural Industries: A Handbook for Farmers and
Investors, K W Hyde (ed), Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, 1998, pp 93-100, p 93.
117 SunAqua, The Proposal, http://www.sunaqua.com/proposal.htm Downloaded 29 November 2002.
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economic feasibility assumptions, the applicant’s projection is that a farm gate price of $8 per kilogram for whole fish will be received with annual revenue being in the vicinity of $20 million. That figure could be higher when value-adding is taken into consideration.118 The wild fisheries sector of Moreton Bay is also estimated to have an annual value of $20 million.
SunAqua has been heartened by the announcement from the DPI Minister that Moreton Bay oysters are being exported to Japan with the Director commenting that this shows that aquaculture can operate in an environmentally responsible manner and be economically beneficial to the State.119
In October 2001, the project was declared to be a ‘significant project’ under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 and, under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Regulation 1999, is subject to an accredited assessment process. Sun Aqua has, under the laws, had to prepare a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be assessed by the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments. The Queensland Department of State Development (the Department) is responsible for the coordination of the Government approach to the process. The EIS Terms of Reference were finalised by December 2001, after receiving public comment. During 2002, SunAqua undertook the necessary work and analysis, and a leading marine scientist and his team were brought in to examine and report on potential adverse environmental impacts of the project and to prepare the EIS. A draft EIS was submitted to the Department but it was found that further information was required before an assessment could be done.120
The EIS was finally released for public comment by Dr Julian Amos, SunAqua Director, on 8 July 2003. Dr Amos acknowledged that the proposal had generated some concern in the community and commented that the company had spent over 18 months engaged in extensive consultation with commercial industries, green groups, and other stakeholders which had influenced the development of the company’s proposal.
He commented that the independent EIS showed there to be no detrimental environmental effects on Moreton Bay. There would be no predator nets so as to risk the entanglement of turtles or dugongs; the fish will be genetically sound and disease free and drawn from native stock in the Bay; escapes will be made virtually impossible; high quality feed will be used; waste will be virtually eliminated through a patented world-leading feed sensor technology (which would detect when fish have stopped feeding); nitrogen outflow would be readily assimilated in
118 SunAqua, Some Social and Economic Issues, http://www.sunaqua.com/SocEcIssues.htm
119 SunAqua, ‘Marine Parks and aquaculture “not mutually exclusive”, says SunAqua’, July 2003.
120 SunAqua, ‘News’, 30 April 2003, http://www.sunaqua.com/PojShedule.htm .
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the farm area; there would be no restrictions on recreational use of the bay around the farm.121 Dr Amos proposed that there would be rigorous and independent monitoring of a pilot program of operations to ensure that there is no adverse impact on the marine environment and the company would only move to develop further sites (which would be subject to a separate EIS) subject to the outcome of such monitoring.
The next phase involves a State Government review of the EIS, once the time for public submissions have been closed. Further information may need to be provided by SunAqua. It is anticipated that the approval process by the State and Commonwealth Governments will occur in September-November 2003. It may not be until early 2004 that the company can begin farm construction, with production commencing later in that year.
The proposal has met with a level of community and local government opposition with 17 local councils reportedly opposing the proposal.122 Lord Mayor, Tim Quinn, claims that the proposal, once large numbers of fish were being farmed, would release vast amounts of nutrients into the Bay.123 However, SunAqua believes that the farm would contribute only an additional 0.6% of nitrogen in its initial phase.124 A petition against the proposal was also presented to State Parliament on 6 November 2002. The National-Liberal Coalition supports the development of the aquaculture industry but is opposed to this intensive fish farm in the Marine Park.125 Other opponents include the Queensland Conservation Council and the Queensland Seafood Industry Association. The QCC claims that SunAqua had already admitted that 100 tonnes of nitrogen would be released from its operations. Environmentalists also fear that nearby seagrasses and the dugongs and dolphins feeding on them will be harmed by waste.126
121 SunAqua, ‘Speech – Launch of the SunAqua Environmental Impact Statement’, 8 July 2003.
122 Leisa Scott, ‘Locals hoping fish farm is one that gets away’, Australian, 15 August, 2002, p 4.
123 ‘Brendan O’Malley, Rosemary Odgers, ‘Quinn says fish farm is too risky’, Courier Mail, 9 July 2003, p 6.
124 Leisa Scott, ‘Marine park fish farm condemned’, Australian, 9 July 2003, p 5.
125 Letter to SunAqua from Mr L Springborg MP, Opposition Leader, ‘Re Fish Farm Development for Moreton Bay’, 15 July 2003. Downloaded from http://www.sunaqua.com/springborg.jpg
126 Brendan O’Malley, ‘Developer swallows waste argument’, Courier Mail, 8 July 2003, p 6.
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 47
17 SCALLOP RANCHING TRIAL
A company, Queensland Sea Scallops Limited, has been granted a licence covering two limited areas of 25 square km within Hervey Bay to develop a commercial scallop ranching business. The areas are proposed to be closed to trawling operations.127 Whale watch operators are opposed to the development, arguing that it could destroy reefs and affect fish upon which whales feed, and are seeking its relocation to other areas of the bay. However, the company argues that Hervey Bay is the best site because the water is shallow enough to allow monitoring, has fewer restrictions than the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is protected from high seas. In addition, because scallops are native to the area, there are no associated pollutants or nutrients.128
18 CONCLUSION
Aquaculture and mariculture both demonstrate that they have the potential to contribute to the Queensland economy in a significant way in the future. However, their full potential will take time to materialise. There have been expectations of aquaculture and mariculture in the past that have not materialised. For example in 1996, the Queensland DPI stated, in a priorities publication for the aquaculture and mariculture sectors, that production could reach a value of $125 million per year by the year 2000.129 This was not realised as the annual value of such production in 2000/2001 only reached $56.1 million.130
As with any industry sector, the expansion of aquaculture and mariculture activities will depend heavily on the minimisation of harm to the natural environment. The employment opportunities and export dollars earned will be welcomed if environmental concerns can be addressed. From a legislative perspective, the planning process provided for under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 is conducive to a thorough examination of the environmental issues known to be involved in the establishment of such activities.
127 Hon P Beattie MP, Premier and Minister for Trade, ‘Beattie, Palaszczuk invite Queenslanders
to have a say on future of fisheries’, Media Statement, 14 May 2003.
128 Brendan O’Malley, ‘Whale watch operators battle scallop farm’, Courier Mail, 17 July 2003, p 7.
129 Queensland. Department of Primary Industries, Fishing and Aquaculture Industries Priorities Towards 2000, 1996.
130 Queensland. Department of Primary Industries, ‘Aquaculture Information Report to Farmers’, Queensland Aquaculture Production Survey 2000-2001. April 2002, Information Series QI 02031. p 1.
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Prospects for Aquaculture Page 49
APPENDIX A131
Industry Development
Aquaculture Online Information
Brisbane and Moreton By far the most populated region in Queensland it runs along the coast from the New South Wales border at Tweed Heads to Fraser Island in the north. There are several marine prawn farms situated at the mouth of the Logan River south of Brisbane. Numerous small redclaw operations are located in the sunshine and Gold coast hinterland and a small number of intensive recirculation systems are situated around Brisbane.
Darling Downs/South West These two regions run along the New South Wales border as far as the South Australia and north to Taroom Shire. There have been some recent moves in producing freshwater fish particularly silver perch in the large water storage facilities used by irrigators in the area.
Far North The Far North Region covers the majority of Cape York and the coast line stretches from Cardwell on the north east coast across the top of Cape York (including Torres Straight) to the Mitchell River on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Aquaculture activity is centered in eastern coastal regions from Cooktown to Cardwell. The entire East Coast of this region lies on the boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Marine prawns and freshwater pond produced barramundi predominate with some redclaw produced. All of the Queensland pearl production is located in this area.
131 Queensland. Department of State Development
http://www.sd.qld.gov.au/dsdweb/htdocs/aquaculture/aquaselect.cfm?process=region&species.
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Fitzroy Rockhampton on the coast is located on the tropic of Capricorn. The coastal exposure of this region runs from Rockhampton to south of Gladstone and north around 175km to Broad Sound. Marine prawn farming activity is limited; there is a concentration of redclaw farms area around 100 km inland from Gladstone at Biloela. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park runs the length of the coastal strip of this region.
Mackay Aquaculture is centered in coastal areas between Mackay and Sarina. Marine prawn production is the most significant aquaculture activity in this region with a small amount of barramundi and redclaw produced. The entire region abounds the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Therefore applications for coastal marine aquaculture will be subject to the federal licensing process under the auspice of Environment Australia.
North West This region covers 18% of the state and has 1% of the population. The north west boundary is the Gulf of Carpentaria. There is no aquaculture currently undertaken in this area of the State.
Northern The coastal area of this region is often referred to as the dry tropics and runs from Cardwell in the North to Bowen in the south. Aquaculture activity is concentrated in the coastal fringe. The entire region abounds the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Marine prawn production is the most significant aquaculture activity in his region. Some freshwater pond reared barramundi, silver perch and jade perch, and redclaw is produced.
Prospects for Aquaculture Page 51
Wide Bay – Burnett The coast stretches from the sunshine coast in the south to Gladstone in the North. Notably the southern boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is located around Bundaberg. A number of prawn farms are producing Kuruma prawns on the Elliot River and north of Bundaberg.
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APPENDIX B
Internet site: Sunaqua: http://www.sunaqua.com/
RECENT PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS 2003 RESEARCH BRIEFS RBR2003/01 Reform of Negligence Law – The Queensland Response: The draft Civil Liability Bill 2002 Feb 2003 RBR2003/02 Protecting Transgender Rights under Queensland’s Discrimination Law Amendment Act 2002 Feb 2003 RBR2003/03 Legal Profession Reform in Queensland: Multi-Disciplinary Practices (MDPs) Feb 2003 RBR2003/04 The Coroners Bill 2002 (Qld): Highlighting the important role of coroners in accident
prevention Feb 2003
RBR2003/05 Protecting Workers With Family Responsibilities under Queensland’s Discrimination Law Amendment Act 2002
Feb 2003
RBR2003/06 Land Clearing Offences and the Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld)
Mar 2003
RBR2003/07 The Research Involving Human Embryos and Prohibition of Human Cloning Bill 2003 Mar 2003 RBR2003/08 The Sports Drug Testing Bill 2003 (Qld) Mar 2003 RBR2003/09 Abortion Law Reform: An Overview of Current Issues April 2003 RBR2003/10 Enhancing Community Safety: The Corrective Services Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld) April 2003 RBR2003/11 Defamation and the Internet: A New Challenge May 2003 RBR2003/12 New Rules for Fitness Services: The Fair Trading (Code of Practice - Fitness Industry)
Regulation 2003 May 2003
RBR2003/13 Change of Name Provisions under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Bill 2003 May 2003 RBR2003/14 Taking Children’s Evidence Using Technology–Evidence (Protection of Children) Amendment
Bill 2003 (Qld) May 2003
RBR2003/15 Protecting Breastfeeding Mothers under Queensland’s Discrimination Law Amendment Act 2002
Aug 2003
RBR2003/16 Regulation of Inbound Tourism Operators – Tourism Services Bill 2003 (Qld) Aug 2003 RBR2003/17 Quality Assurance for Higher Education – The Higher Education (General
Provisions) Bill 2003 (Qld) Aug 2003
RBR2003/18 The Child Protection (International Measures) Bill 2003 (Qld) Aug 2003 RBR2003/19 The Housing Bill 2003 (Qld) Aug 2003 RBR2003/20 Criminal History Disclosure Reforms under the Health Legislation Amendment Bill
2003 (Queensland) Aug 2003
RBR2003/21 Committal Hearings and Disclosure Requirements under the Evidence (Protection of Children) Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld)
Aug 2003
RBR2003/22 Farm Debt Mediation Bill 2003 (Qld): Obliging Mortgagees to Engage in Mediation with Rural Producers
Sept 2003
RBR2003/23 Funeral Benefit Businesses and the Second-Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Bill 2003 (Qld)
Sept 2003
RBR2003/24 The costs of raising a child: Cattanach v Melchior and The Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld)
Sept 2003
RBR2003/25 The Building Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld): Strengthening swimming pool safety laws Sept 2003 RBR2003/26 Prospects for Aquaculture and amendments to the Fisheries Act under the Primary
Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld) Sept 2003
A Subject Index to Research Publications is available at the following site: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Parlib/Publications/bysubject.htm Parliamentary Library - Research Publications & Resources Telephone (07) 3406 7108 Orders may be sent to Carissa Griggs, [email protected]
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This Publication:
RBR 2003/26 Prospects for Aquaculture and amendments to the Fisheries Act under the Primary Industries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 (Qld) (QPL September 2003)