Queensland Aquaculture Industries Federation (Inc)World Best AquacultureReport 2005-2006
|
|
Role of QAIF
QAIF is a voluntary federation of the aquaculture sectors represented by individual associations and companies.
The work of the federation is funded by member contributions and by significant funding by way of contract with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
QAIF exists to represent the cross spectrum issues of the industry, to work with government on issues affecting the industry and to work for the development and greater prosperity of the industry.
Membership
The Queensland Aquaculture Industries Federation continued to provide strong representation of the diverse Queensland industry. The Federation continues to cover all sectors and through the member organisations, to cover 90% of all aquaculture produce.
The member organisations are:
Meetings
QAIF held 3 general meetings during the year:
Meetings were well attended with delegates from sectors attending virtually all meetings.
In addition, the Management Committee met by telephone, in person and were in regular communication on key issues during the year.
Memberships and Affiliations
QAIF continues to be a member of the National Aquaculture Council and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation.
This enables aquaculture producers and the organisation to work with other sectors on State and Federal issues.
QAIF is represented on the NAC by Cris Phillips, a Barramundi producer and a past President of QAIF.
Some significant issues for QAIF members addressed at NAC include residue testing, minor use permits, and branding.
QFF has a major involvement in policy for fresh water use and allocation that is of vital interest to fresh water aquaculture producers.
A Difficult Year
It has been a very difficult year climatically. The cyclone that hit Innisfail devastated the town, agriculture and a number of large aquaculture businesses. It may take years for those businesses to fully recover. Of concern are reports that insurance companies are very slow to settle claims.
By contrast, conditions for prawn production were good with most farms reporting improved yields over previous years.
Profitability continues to be affected by downward pressure on prices from imported fish and there remains a clear need for Australian and Queensland producers to differentiate their product in the market place.
Aquaculture Development
Despite some major development still underway, aquaculture out-put for the year declined. The very severe cyclone that hit Innisfail had a devastating impact on a number of large producers.
However, the industry view is that development is not accelerating as it should be considering the outstanding prospect in Queensland. This is significantly because of the difficulty obtaining the necessary development permits. Environmental management issues are the principal concern of the approving agencies.
However, issues are being resolved over time. The sea scallop development in Harvey Bay has resolved tenure issues and State accreditation of development approvals processes under EPBC legislation was also a significant gain in easing the complexity of the approval processes.
QAIF has urged government to facilitate development using an aquaculture precinct approach. This proposal involves identifying suitable locations where approvals can be rapidly achieved because of pre-lodgement examination of the impacts. This is the approach recently adopted in Victoria in tendering out marine sites.
DPI&F and Department of State Development are working on a site identification project. QAIF members are supporting this approach and are offering expertise and assistance.
R&D
Research and development is mainly species specific. Hence most QAIF members have their own specific priorities that are managed by them.
However, some issues are common. During the year Les Rogers from DPI&F provided a presentation on the research project on climate and the impact of cold weather on pond performance and growth. This was relevant to a wide section of industry.
QAIF members are also keen to work with DPI&F to ensure that available research resources are directed at high priority needs of industry.
Scott Walter from the APFA is the QAIF delegate on the QFIRAC (Qld Fishing Industry Research Advisory Committee).
Impoundment Structures Working Group
QAIF representatives Trevor Anderson, Scott Walter and Rob Bartley have joined a working group to review the technical guidelines for pond construction. It has been a major task ensuring that the regulations proposed are workable, recognisant of the real risks and sensible engineering. This appears to have been achieved.
Following their representations, there has been a significant move to risk management approach for determining requirements for pond construction. It will be implemented as a code and will form part of the development approval process.
Marine Parks
QAIF has been concerned about the impact of growing restrictions associated with the expansion of marine parks. Whilst certain types of aquaculture will be approved in marine parks including rack and line systems, others are not going to be permitted. A concern is that the plans will also restrict aquaculture requiring discharges and physical infrastructure. .
QAIF is also concerned that the process, perhaps inadvertently implies to local government as the planning authorities that aquaculture per se is not allowed.
QAIF made several written submissions on these issues.
Wetlands
EPA is developing a new policy of no development within 100 m of a wetland. QAIF members are close to wetland areas, obviously, so QAIF needs to be very careful about this. The policy is no net discharge to the wetland areas. Every wet land appears to becoming labelled as significant whereas it should be only RAMSAR wetlands.
QAIF has written to the Minister on this matter.
Review of GBRMPA
The presence of the Great Barrier Reef of the coast of Queensland requires a very sensitive approach to coastal development. QAIF believes that properly managed and monitored aquaculture developments are sustainable and can support the values of the reef.
However, the GBRMPA and the way the Act is administered are still placing excessive restrictions on the development of aquaculture. During the year the Act was subject to review. QAIF made a submission to this review.
Animal Health Issues
Given the species specific nature of many animal health issues, policy and technical matters have been separately managed by QAIF members. Graham Dalton has been participating on the Qld Aquatic Animal Health Committee but this role is now being taken by Scott Walter.
One issue of concern has been the costs of laboratory fees by DPI&F for testing for certification for transport. This is a major cost for hatcheries, particularly the ABFA. QAIF is making representations on this issue.
Regulations Under the Nature Conservation Act
The Regulations under the Qld Nature Conservation Act are seriously flawed. They require the Director General of the EPA to refuse to issue a predator mitigation permit to any applicant who has been convicted of an offence under the Act. The need for predator mitigation permits is recognised as a normal part of an integrated predator management system. Not to be issued with them can have a devastating effect on a business.
The mandatory requirement not to issue permits takes no account of the seriousness of the offence nor the determination of the court. Even when no conviction is recorded, the additional punishment provided by the Regulation prevails. No consideration can be given to any regional economic impacts or the impact on employees or the wider industry. No account can be taken of any recognisances of the applicant. Moreover, even in the aftermath of a cyclone when alternative protection measures are destroyed a permit will not be given. This is not just and not fair.
QAIF has worked hard to bring the inequity to the attention of legislators seeking to have the regulation amended. We believe that our concerns are understood.
Predator Management
Managing predators in an environmentally sustainable manner is a problem for aquaculture. An integrated management system using a wide range of preventative measurers is preferred. But, there is also the issue of the administrative processes involved in obtaining mitigation permits.
QAIF organised a workshop in Innisfail involving farmers and representatives of government especially the EPA to consider the issues.
The result is the preparation of management systems for birds and crocodiles and the administrative processes for this.
Future QAIF Workshops
Following the success of the workshop in Innisfail, it has been agreed to use this approach to address other issues. These are to be: · Implementation of predator management at Bundaberg · Workplace health and safety at Bundaberg · Managing financially to be held in north Queensland.
Aquaculture Reference Group
The Aquaculture Reference Group is an industry government forum chaired by the Department of State Development. It has been immensely valuable resource for industry to raise problems and to have them examined at a most senior level of government.
We seem to have agreement within ARG that there needs to be stream lining of the overlap between agencies and we are working to progress this process.
Promotion of Farmed Seafood
A major task for QAIF is the promotion and understanding of farmed seafood. It is important that the Queensland product be perceived as a premium product in order to sustain viable prices in the face of Asian and African imports that may not reach the same quality standards, but are certainly cheaper in the retail outlets.
QAIF is aiming to promote farmed seafood as a gourmet premium product deserving a price premium. This is being achieved by show-casing the industry to the professional food promoters; restaurants and critics.
A working party has been established to review all promotional activities. The working party includes: · Jane Clout QOGA chair · Andrew Bray AAQ · Scott Walter APFA · Paul Moriarty from Sunfish
The promotional activities that are being progressed are:
Farmed Seafood QAIF and the working group met Louise Moreland, Marketing Manager, Corporate Capability at DPI&F. QAIF will submit a proposal to invite leading chefs, food writers and purchasers to a prestigious launch of Qld farmed seafood.
Master Class Jane Clout has worked with Alison Alexander about featuring Qld farmed seafood at the Courier Mail/Hilton Master Class. This two day event brings world leading chefs to Brisbane for a series of teaching events attended by restaurateurs, food critics and “foodies”. It has a high profile and is very influential. In year one QAIF sponsored the presenters dinner supplying farmed seafood. In year two QAIF is doing a taste of Queensland table with DPI&F to feature prawns, red claw and barramundi.
Tastes of Queensland QAIF will be working with DPI&F on a Tastes of Queensland promotion at the annual EKKA. This should be viewed by thousands of people attending the RNA.
Teaching the Teachers Graham Dalton is talking to the main hospitality trade training group to organise the inclusion of farmed seafood into the course material. A pilot is aimed for November.
Animal Welfare
Graham Dalton attended an animal welfare workshop organised by DPI&F. He has advised QAIF that he agrees with their assessment that it was going to be an increasingly important area of consumer concern and that QAIF members needed to keep a close watch on developments. He has recommended that Codes of Practice and other materials be reviewed to include consideration of animal welfare issues.
ATO Depreciation Review
QAIF was contacted by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regarding a review of depreciation schedules for aquaculture. After a briefing, QAIF put the ATO in touch with member organisations. The ATO arranged to visit a range of farms.
Seafood Industry Association
QAIF attended a meeting of seafood industry stakeholders to discuss the future of the Queensland Seafood Industry Association.
It was resolved that QAIF keep a watching brief on developments but at this stage do not actively support a new peak industry seafood association.
Water Quality Guidelines
The government’s new water quality guidelines were released. QAIF has provided copies to members.
Meeting with the Minister
QAIF welcomed the appointment of the Hon. Tim Mulherin as Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries.
The Minister has met with QAIF and joined the members for luncheon of Queensland farmed sea food straight from the farm provided by the members.
The Minister has also met with the President on a number of occasions and has been very supportive of industry development. We will continue to work to ensure that these statements of support turn into tangible processes within government.
QAIF Strategic Plan
During the year QAIF reviewed and updated its strategic plan.
Support of DPI&F
The support of DPI&F has been invaluable during the year. This has taken two forms. First, the Department provides a grant by way of contract for QAIF to undertake industry development activities. Second, DPI&F policy staff have always been supportive and available for consultation. These include, but are not limited to Ian Yarroll, Colin Shelly, Kerrod Beattie, Ross Lobegeiber, Andrew Walls in the fisheries area, the Marketing staff and of course the Director General.
Also, the support of Department of State Development including Mark Bermingham as chair of the ARG, Jacquie Edwards and the regional staff added to what was achieved during the year.
Support for member organizations
QAIF believes it is important to demonstrate to its membership that it is an active, viable and valuable organization for its members. We support this by attending member conferences and providing strong representation to government on matters of importance. This year, the President attended the APFA and AAQ conferences and presented during a session at Australasian Aquaculture in Adelaide.
Office Bearers and Representatives
Management Committee
Trevor Anderson - President Dr Trevor Anderson is managing the approval process for a major prawn farm development in north Queensland. He has a wealth of experience in the industry and has managed prawn and barramundi projects. Prior to his management roles in industry he was lecturing in marine biology and aquaculture at James Cook University and Deacon.
Bruce Sambell AAQ - Vice President Bruce Sambell is an owner of a major fresh water finfish hatchery supplying Australian and overseas clients. He has been closely involved in the development of the fresh water fin fish industry and also has developed a number of species for the ornamental fish trade. Bruce is President of the Aquaculture Association of Queensland which represents fresh water finfish producers and hatcheries including especially those involved in eels, Murray Cod, Sleepy Cod and Silver Perch.
Clive Keenan Qld Sea Scallop - Treasurer Dr Clive Keenan is a highly respected marine biologist based. He worked in DPI&F as a researcher before becoming a consultant on aquaculture development. He is the Queensland Sea Scallop representative on QAIF and is involved in the new pond and sea ranch developments in Harvey Bay.
Scott Walter Director - APFA
Scott is currently participating in the prestigious rural leadership course.
Cris Phillips Immediate Past President Cris Phillips is the largest producer of barramundi in Australia from a farm near Innisfail. Cris has been he ABFA delegate and is the QAIF representative on the National Aquaculture Council.
Graham Dalton Secretary & Executive Officer Graham Dalton from Business Pacific Consultants is EO for the organisation. Graham is an economist by profession with great experience in government and rural industry organisations. He worked for the Australian Sugar Producers Association, was CEO of the Qld Farmers Federation for many years, and a Deputy Director General in the Qld public service. He is Deputy Chairperson of the Chicken Meat Industry Committee, EO for the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association, chairman of the whole sale distributors Fino Foods and Wines and owns Qld wine producer Ambar Hill.
Other Delegates
Serena Sanders Qld Pearl Industry Serena Sanders is an extremely experienced marine biologist with a career in research, policy and particularly in the pearl industry.
John Stevenson Queensland Crayfish Association (QCFA) John Stevenson is a successful and large scale producer of red claw crayfish from north Queensland. John has represented QCFA at a number of QAIF meetings.
Andrew Bray AAQ Andrew is a barramundi producer near the Gold Coast. He is Vice President of the Aquaculture Association of Qld. He also is the owner of Grobest, one of the major fish feed suppliers in Australia.
Neil Hallagan Australian Barramundi Farmers Association Neil is the CEO of GFB, a major barramundi producer at Townsville and Bowen. In 2005-2006 he was President of the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association. He is an engineer with corporate management experience in the USA.
Jane Clout Queensland Oyster Growers Association Jane Clout is Chair of the QAIF Marketing and promotion working roup. She is an oyster grower and has made her Kooringal rock oysters a leading brand in Queensland. In her former life she was a physio-therapist. She is now undertaking a degree in Marine Biology.
Angus Cameron Watermark Seafoods Watermark Seafoods is a company that has revolutionised the production of the very high value gourmet soft shell crab. The site is located at Pinkenba in Brisbane and supplies leading seafood restaurants in the capital cities. Angus Cameron is CEO and the QAIF delegate.
Marty Phillips ABFA Marty Phillips is a salt water producer of Barramundi from near Innisfail. His farm was also badly effected by the cyclone. Marty and his wife Linda are also producers of tropical fruits.
Colin Valverde QCFA
Colin is a red-claw producer from the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. He has just taken up the position of delegate to QAIF.
Financial Statements
QAIF members recorded their appreciation for the work during the year of the Treasurer, Clive Keenan.
The financial statements are audited annually by G.O Freeman &Co.
|