Aquaculture Regulation remake

What’s this about?

The Department of Primary Industries is seeking your feedback on proposed changes to the Fisheries Management (Aquaculture) Regulation 2017 as part of a staged repeal of the regulation. 

The proposed Fisheries Management (Aquaculture) Regulation 2024 (the Regulation) will replace the 2017 Regulation which will be repealed on 1 September 2024.

The Fisheries Management Act 1994 aims to conserve, develop and share the fishery resources of the state for the benefit of present and future generations, and has among its objectives, the promotion of viable commercial fishing and aquaculture industries, and support for quality charter, recreational and cultural fishing opportunities.

The 2017 Regulation allows for the management and administration of the NSW aquaculture industry, which includes the administration of aquaculture leases and permits. 

It provides details on lease and permit application requirements, annual contributions and lease security requirements, oyster movement controls for biosecurity and the operation of committees.

A review of the Regulation has been completed and a number of amendments are being proposed which aim to:

• Support improved business efficiencies and administrative service provisions, including the provision of online transactions.
• Amend annual research contributions to ensure that NSW attracts the full benefit of complimentary Commonwealth research funding.
• Include provisions for commercial farm development plans.
• Change requirements for the notification and record keeping of movements of aquaculture stock and equipment, including the removal of restrictions on Pacific Oyster movements.
• Make annual CPI adjustments to fees and charges an automatic process.
• Clarify, streamline and improve the Regulation, including refining administrative processes and timeframes, and introducing new terminology and definitions.

Changes have also been made to ensure that the Regulation is written in line with current standards. These changes do not alter the function or outcome of the Regulation.

Have your say

Have your say by Wednesday 3 July 2024.

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