The NSW Government has established the Aquaculture Industry Development Program, with funding of up to $20 million available to support the NSW aquaculture sector.
March 2026
What was approved
Approved for A.G RIEPSAMEN & L.R RIEPSAMEN T/A Goodnight Oysters
Goodnight Oysters will install new equipment that handles young oysters more gently, helping more of them survive and grow to full size, increasing yield. The upgrades will improve safety and increase the number of oysters available for other farmers.
$166,612 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Greenwell Point 2540Location of the recipient
Greenwell Point 2540About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Armstrong Oysters Pty Ltd
Armstrong Oysters will establish an expanded land-based nursery and mini hatchery to produce disease-resistant oyster spat at commercial scale. Using advanced upwelling systems, the project will improve oyster survival and farm productivity, supply up to 50 million spat annually, reduce reliance on interstate sources, strengthen industry resilience and support sustainable growth across NSW.
$1,699,631 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Laurieton 2443Location of the recipient
Laurieton 2443About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Auskelp Pty Ltd
Purchase, modify and operate a specialised offshore research vessel based at Eden to expand planting, collecting and preparing kelp, plus installing permanent specialist equipment. Vessel will enable large scale seeding of kelp lines and efficient harvesting. Deployment will enable trialling up to 100 one-hectare rigs.
$896,805 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Eden 2551, Edrom 2551About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Aussanes Growers Pty Ltd Trading As The Nambucca Oyster Company
The Nambucca Oyster Company will establish a dedicated wet-storage and packaging facility to improve the resilience, productivity and sustainability of the Nambucca River oyster industry. The project will support year-round supply, improve food safety, reduce stock losses during floods, enhance climate resilience, strengthen regional production and supply chains, and provide a scalable model for environmental risk management.
$426,683 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Gumma 2447Location of the recipient
Gumma 2447About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Australian Bay Lobster Producers Ltd
This project will establish a marine finfish hatchery in the Northern Rivers to produce ornamental fish and live feedstock for aquaculture industries. New breeding, larval rearing, water treatment and biosecurity infrastructure will increase production capacity, reduce reliance on wild-caught stocks, support regional jobs, strengthen supply chains and promote sustainable aquaculture growth across NSW.
$2,000,000 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Chinderah 2487Location of the recipient
Chinderah 2487About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for B.J RYAN & L.J. RYAN
This project will establish a purpose-built Murray Cod hatchery in NSW capable of producing more than one million fingerlings annually. Using best-practice biosecurity, water quality and fish husbandry systems, it will strengthen stock supply for aquaculture and restocking programs, reduce supply risks, support industry expansion, create regional jobs, improve resilience and enhance access to high-value domestic and export markets.
$1,448,740 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Corbie Hill 2705Location of the recipient
Corbie Hill 2705About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Corporal PTY LTD
Snowy Mountains Trout Farm will upgrade its Tumut processing facility through investment in advanced post-harvest equipment to produce trout products for retail, wholesale and foodservice markets. New filleting, packaging and labelling capabilities will improve efficiency, increase market access and strengthen supply reliability. The project will support seasonal processing and frozen storage, improve year-round product availability, reduce interstate supply chain dependence and drive long-term growth in regional aquaculture.
$1,087,833 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Wereboldera 2720Location of the recipient
Wereboldera 2720About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Deano's Smoked Trout Pty Limited
The Deano’s Smoked Trout Sustainability and Expansion Project will strengthen a long-established New England aquaculture business through renewable energy, improved production infrastructure and circular economy initiatives. Solar-powered water recirculation, a new hatchery and fish-waste fertiliser production will increase capacity, reduce emissions and waste, support regional jobs, and showcase sustainable aquaculture practices.
$175,595 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Black Mountain 2365Location of the recipient
Black Mountain 2365About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for East 33 Farming Pty Ltd
This project will establish a scalable, biosecure oyster hatchery and nursery system to increase NSW production of high-quality oyster spat. It will deliver a more reliable supply of juvenile oysters, improve stock quality and productivity, reduce reliance on interstate sources, and support adoption of modern farming practices, helping growers increase production efficiency, resilience and industry growth.
$1,985,018 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Camden Head 2443, Salamander Bay 2317, Tuncurry 2428Location of the recipient
Tuncurry 2428About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for G&D Oysters Pty Ltd
G&D Oysters Pty Ltd, a 100% Aboriginal-owned business on Worimi Country, will modernise oyster farming in Port Stephens through the introduction of a FlipFarm production system. The project will improve productivity, quality and climate resilience, support flood recovery, strengthen Aboriginal enterprise, and create long-term opportunities for a sustainable NSW oyster industry.
$269,235 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Bundabah 2324, Oyster Cove 2318Location of the recipient
Oyster Cove 2318About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Glasshouse Rock Oysters
Upgrade from manual to automated oyster grading equipment to improve processing capacity and increase stock security. Installation of 2,000 new floating oyster basket units will reduce stock losses during weather events and improve product quality.
$139,148 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Narooma 2546Location of the recipient
Narooma 2546About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for HEXCOREANZ
The MyFoam Project will develop a world-first honeycomb-mycelium packaging system to replace expanded polystyrene in seafood supply chains. Using agricultural and aquaculture waste, it will create compostable, marine-biodegradable packaging, reduce pollution and landfill, support circular economy outcomes, and generate regional manufacturing opportunities while positioning NSW as a leader in sustainable aquaculture innovation.
$300,000 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Cardiff 2285, Taylors Beach 2316Location of the recipient
Cardiff 2285About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Jabulisa Pty Ltd ATF The Sydenham Family Trust T/A Arc-en-Ciel Rainbow Trout
The Arc-en-Ciel Renewable Aquaculture Project will transform a regional trout farm through renewable energy integration, combining solar, battery and micro-hydro systems to reduce diesel use and improve resilience. The project will increase trout production, enhance fish welfare, create circular economy opportunities through waste reuse, and demonstrate a low-emissions model for sustainable aquaculture in NSW.
$176,900 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Hanging Rock 2340Location of the recipient
Hanging Rock 2340About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Joonga Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation
Joonga Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation to purchase new machinery to process sea urchins more efficiently, create new food products from urchins, and turn leftover shells into material that can improve soil. The grant builds on Minns Government support that enabled Joonga to develop feasibility and business plans to ascertain the validity of the business and build a robust and practical business plan.
$1,482,000 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Narooma 2546, Woollamia 2540Location of the recipient
Narooma 2546About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for K.M Guinea & R.O Guinea (Wooli Oyster Supply)
Wooli Oyster Supply will strengthen the resilience and productivity of the NSW oyster industry through climate-resilient infrastructure on the Wooli River. The project will expand juvenile oyster production, improve spat capture and nursery operations, reduce climate-related risks and enhance use of existing lease areas, supporting reliable supply chains, industry growth and the long-term sustainability of oyster farming.
$168,000 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Wooli 2462Location of the recipient
Wooli 2462About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Martin Jackson, Trading as Southern Oyster Culture
Southern Oyster Culture will obtain a new grading machine and install a new cool room which removes long transport trips and makes oyster handling faster and more efficient. This will support local jobs and increase production in Lake Conjola and Burrill Lake.
$145,895 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Fishermans Paradise 2539Location of the recipient
Broulee 2537About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Narrabri Fish Farm
The Narrabri Fish Farm project will expand native fish aquaculture production of Silver Perch and Eel-tailed Catfish through new grow-out dams, tanks, aquaponics and water recirculation systems. The project will improve water efficiency, fish health, biosecurity and climate resilience, while reducing energy costs, creating local jobs, supporting conservation programs and strengthening sustainable aquaculture across regional NSW.
$1,243,200 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Jacks Creek 2390Location of the recipient
Jacks Creek 2390About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Ocean2Earth
Expand marine waste recovery and biofertiliser manufacturing from pilot to industrial scale, creating an environmentally compliant outlet for seafood by-products and supporting local jobs and value-added manufacturing.
$1,882,750 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Edrom 2551Location of the recipient
Edrom 2551About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
30/10/2027What was approved
Approved for R.W Rutter & Tro Pty Ltd
New equipment and upgrading of the oyster nursery will improve outcomes for growing Pacific Oyster spat (oyster larvae) through to a strong juvenile size allowing for the supply and restock of oyster farms. Plus, double production size from 55,000 dozen to 100,000 dozen oysters annually by 2030.
$465,188 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Wapengo 2550Location of the recipient
Wapengo 2550About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Ritchie Oysters Pty Ltd
Supporting modernisation, resilience and expansion by replacing traditional methods with automated on-water infrastructure with 10,000 additional floating units and onshore processing to meet growing demand for premium product
$684,435 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Narooma 2546Location of the recipient
Narooma 2546About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Sandingroove Pty Ltd
Expanding automation, cold-chain capacity and solar power to better control fouling, improve oyster health and survivability, doubling production from 55,000 dozen to 110,000 dozen oysters per year, and increasing job creation opportunities.
$544,465 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Bermagui 2546, Merimbula 2548, Pambula 2549, Tuross 2630, Tuross Head 2537Location of the recipient
Bournda 2548About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Stephen Armstrong Physiotherapy Pty Ltd
This project will help decarbonise a major NSW commercial fishing and seafood processing operation through energy-efficient infrastructure, improved insulation, solar power and battery storage. Upgrades to seafood holding and processing systems will reduce energy costs and emissions, strengthen business sustainability, improve environmental outcomes and demonstrate practical low-carbon seafood processing within regional NSW.
$264,572 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Woombah 2469Location of the recipient
Newcastle 2300About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for The Trustee for OysterLife Unit Trust
This will support Batemans Bay operations to transition towards net-zero by decommissioning fossil-fuel based operational equipment with electric alternatives and adopting cleaner energy solutions across its operations.
$348,480 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Batemans Bay 2536Location of the recipient
Moruya 2537About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Tollgate Oysters
Develop collaborative oyster farming infrastructure on under-utilised existing leases, introducing modern floating bag systems, wet storage, and purpose-built processing and holding facilities
$959,491 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Batemans Bay 2536Location of the recipient
Batemans Bay 2536About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY
This project will provide NSW shellfish farmers with real-time and long-term marine environmental data through maintained water quality monitoring infrastructure and a tailored online information platform. It will deliver ongoing sensor data, analysis of more than eight years of environmental records, and tools to support harvest planning, food safety and stock management. The project will strengthen industry knowledge, improve risk management, and support sustainable growth of NSW shellfish aquaculture.
$601,097 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Barrington Tops 2422, Culburra Beach 2540, Eden 2551, Jervis Bay 2540, Narooma 2546, Pindimar 2324, Port Macquarie 2444, South West Rocks 2431Location of the recipient
Ultimo 2007About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Venus Shell Systems Pty Ltd
Venus Shell Systems will expand a seaweed processing facility to produce much larger volumes of high value ingredients used in skincare, nutrition and medical products. This will create local jobs, support other marine producers, and turn more seaweed and by products into useful goods instead of waste.
$2,000,000 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Huskisson 2540Location of the recipient
Huskisson 2540About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030What was approved
Approved for Wapengo Sydney Rock Oyster Company Pty Ltd
This project will expand oyster farming and modernise processing facilities to increase production capacity, improve efficiency, reduce mortality and strengthen resilience. The investment supports premium domestic market growth, creates regional jobs, enhances sustainability, and positions the business for future export opportunities
$1,284,798 was approved by
Minister for Regional NSWDate approved
March 2026Location of the project
Wapengo 2550Location of the recipient
Wapengo 2550About the grant
Applications approved
31
Applications received
167
Aquaculture Industry Development Program
Program term
31/12/2030