New South Wales launches funding programme to expand aquaculture sector

The New South Wales government has announced a AUD $20 million funding package, described by ministers as a catalyst for strengthening and expanding the state’s aquaculture sector.

According to the NSW government, the Aquaculture Industry Development Program aims to improve productivity and sustainability in oyster and mussel farms, kelp and algae cultivation, marine and freshwater hatcheries and emerging bioproducts.

The initiative is intended to underpin future growth by reducing emissions, encouraging innovation and improving supply chains. The programme is also linked to the state’s Aquaculture Vision Statement, published last year, which outlines a pathway to doubling farmgate production to AUD 300 million by 2030. AUD 20 million is equivalent to about EUR 12.1 million or USD 13.1 million.

Two funding streams will be available. The first covers projects that expand production capacity or upgrade infrastructure, such as equipment renewal, product development or supply chain improvements. The second focuses on reducing environmental impacts, for example converting equipment to lower-emission models or generating bioproducts from waste materials, including oyster shells.

Applications are encouraged from aquaculture and commercial fishing businesses, as well as Aboriginal organisations. The scheme forms part of the NSW government’s broader economic and regional development agenda, which also includes measures related to food security, local manufacturing and net zero commitments.

Helping the sector respond to challenges

The NSW government argues that the programme will help the sector respond to challenges including new country-of-origin labelling obligations due in 2026, environmental and biosecurity risks in hatcheries and the logistics of serving domestic and export markets.

Tara Moriarty, Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, said the programme “will deliver real economic benefits and jobs to regional and coastal communities by helping seafood businesses grow and become more efficient”. She added that it offered scope for expansion in “the exciting new developments in seaweed, algae and freshwater and marine bioproducts”.

Industry representatives have also voiced support. NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin said the initiative would contribute to the sector’s stated ambition of lifting farmgate value to AUD 300 million by 2030, while OceanWatch chief executive Lowri Pryce said it would encourage “development and innovation across the seafood sector, including supply chain innovation, carbon net zero and seafood traceability initiatives”.

Applications close on 18 January 2026.