AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY

Ms THOMPSON (Reynell) (14:23): My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. What contribution is the growth of South Australia's aquaculture industry making to the strength of our economy, particularly in regional South Australia?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development) (14:23): I thank the honourable member for her question and acknowledge her love of South Australia's fine seafood. South Australia's aquaculture industry has shown a consistent—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: —dual gold medallist—growth over the past 10 years, and the state government remains committed to supporting its future growth and the job and investment opportunities it creates, especially in our regional areas. South Australia provides significant areas of sheltered waters, many of which are ideal for the aquaculture industry, with finfish aquaculture located at Fitzgerald Bay, oysters at Franklin Harbor, a world-class finfish and tuna hatchery at Arno Bay, in addition to tuna, mussels, finfish and abalone all being farmed in the area surrounding Port Lincoln.

The South Australian aquaculture industry is widely acknowledged as a leader in terms of promoting innovation and ensuring that research and planning is undertaken to support the sustainable growth of the industry. A report has been completed by the Adelaide-based firm EconSearch entitled 'The Economic Impact of Aquaculture on the South Australian State and Regional Economies 2007-08'.

The new figures reveal that there was a 25 per cent jump in the value of production in our aquaculture by the end of 2007-08, with the report also indicating that South Australia's aquaculture industry now generates 56 per cent of the state's seafood production value. The industry is now delivering $264 million annually in farm gate value and, on top of that, a further $71 million in processing and food service, plus $322 million in flow on benefits.

Over the last decade, the tuna industry has almost doubled its harvest volume from 4,927 tonnes to 9,757 tonnes—that is amazing—while their farm gate value has grown from $120 million to almost $187 million. Over the same period, the oyster industry—and I know that oysters are the love of many members in this house—

Ms Fox: Not me.

The Hon. P. CAICA: Well, when your palate matures, I am sure that you, too, will love them. The oyster industry has moved from producing 1.3 million dozen oysters for sale, with a total farm gate value of about $6 million, to nearly 5.5 million dozen oysters worth about $31 million. Collectively, the rest of the industry has moved from 612 tonnes, with a total value of $6 million, to almost 6,000 tonnes, worth over $45 million.

While significant growth has occurred in the finfish industry, I am certainly pleased to inform members that South Australia's industry is also acknowledged as one of the most diverse, which includes various land-based finfish, algae, marron and yabby enterprises, in addition to those I have previously mentioned.

It is also very pleasing to note the projected growth by existing industry participants. Between now and 2010-11, our finfish industry is forecasting a 23 per cent growth; the oyster industry another 14 per cent; and, interestingly and pleasingly, the mussel and abalone industries are each forecasting 100 per cent growth over that period. The report indicates that more than 3,000 people are employed on aquaculture farms and in associated businesses, with 66 per cent of those jobs—and I know this will please members opposite—being in regional areas of our state.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Some of them think they do, Tom. I am sure they will join with this side of the house in congratulating the aquaculture industry on its outstanding success. With the continuing support of the government—and I trust the opposition—I am confident that more of our high quality seafood produce grown in our pristine waters will reach lucrative markets around the world and keep generating jobs and investment in our regional communities.