The NSW Government and four aquaculture businesses will invest $5.7 million in projects across the Shoalhaven South Coast, targeting oyster, kelp and seafood production.
The funding includes $3.79 million from the state government and $1.9 million in co investment from grant recipients. It follows a separate $14.3 million investment announced for aquaculture projects on the Far South Coast.
The projects are funded through the Aquaculture Industry Development Program and align with the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement, which aims to double the sector’s economic output by 2030.
Funded projects include:
- NSW Marine Biorefinery ($2 million), which will scale up seaweed processing to produce higher volumes of ingredients for use in skincare, nutrition and medical products.
- Joonga Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation ($1.48 million), which will expand sea urchin processing capacity and develop new food products while using shell waste for soil improvement.
- Goodnight Oysters ($166,612), which will install equipment to improve oyster spat handling and survival rates.
- Southern Oyster Culture ($145,895), which will upgrade grading and cold storage to reduce transport and improve efficiency.
Goodnight Oysters owner Angela Riepsamen said the upgrades will improve production.
“The funding will enable Goodnight Oysters to install advanced water-based grading and seed handling systems, significantly reducing handling stress and improving juvenile oyster survival rates,” said Riepsamen.
“This investment will increase productivity, reduce manual handling, and support the sustainable scaling of high-quality oyster production on the Shoalhaven River.”
Southern Oyster Culture owner Martin Jackson said the project will streamline operations.
“This funding will enable us to install a new oyster grading machine and cool room at our Fisherman’s Paradise depot,” said Jackson.
“Bringing this processing on site will improve efficiency by reducing transport to Eurobodalla and will make oyster handling faster and more cost-effective.
“The project will also support local jobs and help increase oyster production in Lake Conjola and Burril Lake.”
Further funding announcements under the program are expected in coming weeks.
“Shoalhaven producers are driving a stronger and more innovative aquaculture sector. This investment will help local businesses grow, create jobs and lift production across the region. We’re backing an industry that is modern, sustainable and built for long-term success,” said minister for agriculture and minister for regional NSW Tara Moriarty.
“This funding program is new to the industry and demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to growing this coastal industry to support the joint industry and government NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement to grow the aquaculture sector to $300 million by 2030.
“It gives operators the tools they need to boost efficiency and reduce waste. By supporting practical upgrades and new technology, we’re helping businesses stay competitive. It’s a strong step forward for the future of aquaculture in the Shoalhaven.”