“Quicklook” Assessment of Greater Adelaide's Assets & Challenges ...

• Power availability in remote places scarce - Looking for 3-phase power, diesel
power is expensive. Lack of information on alternative power sources which
could be used to enhance temperature thereby increasing production or
offsetting establishment or operating costs (eg. wind, solar, geothermal).
• Lack of roads to access areas because of remote locations.
• Each species is very different and development is difficult and time consuming so
investment risk is high. There is a tendency for people to view the aquaculture
and even fishing industry as one industry, when there are many differences that
need to be specifically addressed.
• In many sectors the aquaculture product volume is not adequate to develop or
further increase exports by much at this time even though the export markets are
probably those that should be targeted. I believe there is inadequate market
research and development associated with development of new species,
inadequate product differentiation focused on value adding to niche markets,
knowledge of whole sale marketers and consumers want, product advertising,
predictive marketing trends (eg effects of varying exchange rates, international
developments affecting market volumes and consumer demand) etc. Industry
frequently advises that they do not wish for government involvement in this area
but what is done seems to be deficient.
• The freshwater crustacean (yabbies and marron) aquaculture sector has not
developed as expected. The South Australian Freshwater Crustacean Farmers
Association has developed a comprehensive strategic plan but have been unable
to access the funds to address the key issues. The results of research and
development done In Western Australia to develop faster growing sterile hybrid
yabbies have not been transferred to South Australia at this time and the
opportunities to increase production here are unknown at this time.
• The lack of a unified all of government direction is an issue as is the funding of
the resources across all of government to address the key limiting issues (see
below).
• Government has committed inadequate resources and a series of disconnected
funding efforts (most R&D funding for SARDI, Uni’s and industry is federal not
state). Government funding is done on an annual basis, the lack of projected
planning (the strategic plans have always been for 3-5 years but not always the
funding) effects stability of agency, employment and industry growth.
• Employees of many sectors of aquaculture have low morale, high stress, and
very real concerns about job security.
Opportunities
• Cultural opportunities would include asset orientation, strategic vision based
development, and Civic Infrastructure development.
COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE
28