Blue Lagoon Oysters on Tasmania's East Coast has officially opened upgraded facilities to grow oysters resistant to the deadly Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS), thanks to an investment from the Morrison Coalition Government.
Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Claire Chandler, who officially opened the expanded facilities at Boomer Bay today, said the Morrison Coalition Government's investment demonstrated the Government's support of the important Tasmanian oyster industry.
"This investment will help future-proof Tasmania's important oyster industry against future outbreaks of POMS," Senator Chandler said.
"The redeveloped facilities at Blue Lagoon Oysters ensures local farmers affected by previous POMS outbreaks have ample supply of juvenile oysters to grow and harvest, enabling them to increase their stocks."
The Morrison Coalition Government, through the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages programme, has provided $193,393 to the $386,786 project, with Tas Sealife Centre Pty Ltd providing the other $193,393. The project has enabled Blue Lagoon Oysters to acquire a new work barge, purchase additional inter-tidal and sub-tidal racks, and develop other in-water infrastructure to enable the farm to increase juvenile oyster stock volumes. Two ongoing jobs have been created as a result of the expansion.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government's $193,393 investment in agricultural infrastructure would provide long term benefits to the south-east coast of Tasmania.
"In addition to this project ensuring the ample supply of oysters to consumers, this investment will also produce long-term economic benefits as the proponent is now working collaboratively with the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies in relation to Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome research," Mr McCormack said.
