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News Laws needed for the Western Australia Aquaculture Industry

WA aquaculture industry requires fundamental wholesale change to ensure that the WA industry globally competitive. To achieve this, the control of aquaculture must be removed from the body of laws concerning fishing, as it is a very different activity. This fact has been supported by three independent WA government reviews held over the last five years (Lendich, 2003, Ciffolili 2003 and Murray, 2006).

In recognition of the required change, during the State election both major parties committed to separate laws for the WA Aquaculture industry, in the next term of government. It is on this basis, we, as an industry must start a dialogue on what we would like to see included and excluded in the new laws.

ACWA considers that the new laws could enable the following:

a regulatory environment that is close ended, certain, timely, and risk based.

Provide for statutory timeframes for approval processes and milestones within those processes;

an ability for the self regulation of small, low impact sectors, for example, marron, yabbies, small finfish operations. As done in Queensland. For more details <click here>.

true asset values for aquaculture leases through exclusive access and a register that enables the lodging of priority and security interests.

systematic changes within the appropriate Government Agency to ensure the efficient and speedy grant of licensing, lease and translocation applications;

a regulatory framework for off-shore aquaculture.

a clear mandate for aquaculture and a clear departmental lead;

an opportunity of direct reporting of aquaculture to the Minister, ie. It not just a part of a Fisheries portfolio - separation of aquaculture and fisheries.

Flexible zoning arrangements - at both the statutory and enterprise level

Opportunity for statutory basis for continual improvement through efficient administrative practices sections.

allows government to set out, in one statute, a legal framework that addresses the needs of the aquaculture sector

provides confidence to stakeholders that their concerns are addressed

Provides the government with the ability to address future needs of this evolving sector.

Statutory recognition of ACWA as a peak industry body.

Ulimately, the new laws will create a higher profile for the sector. The mere existence of an Aquaculture Act sends signals that the government is serious about this industry and accords it high recognition in its priorities. These signals will be picked up by individual entrepreneurs, by the investment community, by the regions. Please <click here> to read testimonials on the benefits of the SA Aquaculture Act from South Australia industry leaders.

Please join us in a dialogue on this issue on ACWAnet website: