Investment Opportunities

South Australia – State of Opportunity

South Australia features a coastline stretching 3700 kilometres. The State is 1201 kilometres from east to west, with many sites suitable for the development of a variety of forms of aquaculture.

Aquaculture is an emerging industry, with significant production already occurring at an increasing number of sites along the coast, particularly Eyre Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. Species currently propagated include southern bluefin tuna, oysters, abalone, mussels, scallops, snapper, Atlantic salmon, yellowtail kingfish, native finfish, freshwater crayfish, and barramundi.

There is considerable potential for these industries to expand, and a range of alternative sites are currently being identified.

State Government support for new investors

The State Government encourages investment in aquaculture by assisting new investors with technical and management advice. This support is made available because the Government recognises the value-added benefits, both direct and indirect, and employment opportunities, that investment brings to coastal regions.

Competitive advantages of South Australia

  • Low land costs compared to coastal land prices internationally.
  • A plentiful supply of labour in rural coastal regions with few local industries competing for the available workforce.
  • A coordinated approach to State aquaculture licensing which greatly facilitates the process of obtaining necessary government approvals for initiating new aquaculture ventures.
  • Appropriate legislative mechanisms that support the maintenance of pollution-free conditions.
  • A Government which has a consultative approach with industry to manage aquaculture.
  • Government expertise and support facilities exist in the Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) and its research establishment, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), specifically to address the issues associated with aquaculture.

Clean environment

South Australia boasts an international reputation for its clean and unpolluted environment. This vital asset is especially true in regard to aquaculture in coastal waters because the State has extensive areas of coastline with little or no urban development.

The availability of land in a range of climates and with suitable coastal and fresh water is important providing the ability to farm a range of species for domestic and export markets. Inland, there are saline as well as fresh water aquifers and warm geothermal waters whilst offshore there are cold water upwellings that make Atlantic salmon an exciting investment prospect.

World-class aquatic research capability

South Australia has a significant aquatic research capability, through SARDI, Flinders University, Adelaide University and the University of South Australia.

Ground-breaking research is being undertaken in developing technologies, food supplies and genetic information. South Australian aquaculturists also benefit from national research funding into aquaculture through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.

Industry training, and technological and scientific advances

South Australia leads the world in developing techniques for the ranch farming of Southern blue-fin tuna. The local development of such world-leading fish farming technology and a program to provide industry training and support means that the State is well-placed to take advantage of technological and scientific improvements in aquaculture.

Infrastructure

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia is a planned city. The State as a whole has a reputation for being the planning capital of Australia and as such the first rate infrastructure and particularly its transport network, contributes to swift conveyance of fresh products to key markets world-wide.

The legal environment

Government regulations require approval for construction of buildings, undertaking associated activities such as processing, and for a change of land use.

Development approval must be obtained from the district council in the region and the Development Assessment Commission (DAC) which is responsible for the zoning and change of land use. On Eyre Peninsula, the Port Lincoln District Council is very familiar with this process and both local and State Governments are keen to support aquaculture developments.

A discharge permit is also required from the Environmental Protection Authority which is responsible for management and monitoring of the coastal environment.

It is illegal to sell fish in South Australia unless you are a professional fisherman or a licensed fish farmer. Licensing application forms are available from the Aquaculture Group of PIRSA.

Government assistance

Where processing management and plant technology expertise is required the Government responds by appointing a consultant to advise and assist with establishment of the enterprise. Close relationships exist between the industry and government agencies, and information is readily available on a user-pays basis.

For further information please contact:

Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) - Aquaculture SA
GPO Box 1625 ADELAIDE SA 5001
Telephone: National (08) 8226 0314, International +618 8226 0314
Facsimile: National (08) 8226 0330, International +618 8226 0330

Department of Industry and Trade - South Australia
GPO Box 1264 ADELAIDE SA 5001
Telephone: National (08) 8303 2419, International +618 8303 2419
Facsimile: National (08) 8303 2510, International +618 8303 2510
Email: jfr@eda.sa.gov.au

Link to SA Aquaculture Investment Opportunities leaflet cover (.JPG) 156KB