Engaging with producers of Queensland seafood will be a highlight of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) Board’s visit to Hervey Bay and surrounds, when it meets to review and approve new research.
FRDC’s role is to plan and invest in fisheries research, development and extension (RD&E) activities in Australia. FRDC is a co-funded partnership between its two stakeholders, the Australian Government and the fishing and aquaculture sectors.
The Board will visit a number of seafood producers while in the region, including Australian Ocean King Prawn Company, Urangan Fisheries, Wide Bay Wild Catch and the organisers of the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival says the Hon Ron Boswell.
Chair of the FRDC board, the Hon. Ron Boswell says the FRDC has many partners and stakeholders in Queensland including the Queensland Government and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Biosecurity Queensland. Meeting with major partners is important to listen to what they have to say, especially given the recent issues with addressing White Spot disease.
FRDC Managing Director, Dr Patrick Hone said, "the Board place a strong emphasis on engaging with stakeholders at the industry level. We want to hear first-hand about the issues they are face."
"Since 2007-08 the FRDC has invested in excess of $44 million dollars into fisheries research and development projects in Queensland, and that investment has leveraged a further $64m; totalling $108m" said Dr Hone.
"It’s important for the FRDC to meet and discuss the current investment in research and development with the people who are actually on the water", Dr Hone says.
The Board will meet with stakeholders gathering on the evening of 13 June at the Oceans Resort [Charlton Room].
Media are invited and welcome to attend the industry stakeholder function and to meet with the board and stakeholders at the gathering.
If media are interested in participating in any of the industry visits please contact D Patrick Hone to arrange - +61 419 628 400. ---
