Western Australia’s aquaculture producers, including WAAA members farming marron, trout, and other aquatic species, are set to receive targeted support through a new government initiative designed to bolster business resilience against climate change. The “Aquaculture for the Future” program, funded jointly by the State and Federal governments, will provide operators with access to expert training, business planning, and mentoring to help them adapt to emerging environmental challenges and secure their long-term economic viability.
The program is a direct response to the increasing pressures on the aquaculture sector, such as fluctuating water temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and their impact on species health and farming systems. It acknowledges the vital role aquaculture plays in the State’s economic diversification, particularly in regional areas.
What the Program Delivers for Your Business
Delivered by the Aquaculture Council of Western Australia (ACWA), the program has been backed by a grant of over $1 million to provide practical, on-the-ground support. According to the government’s announcement, eligible businesses can expect access to a suite of services aimed at improving operational sustainability.
Key offerings include:
- In-person training and workshops focused on climate adaptation strategies.
- Professional business planning support to help operators integrate climate resilience into their commercial models.
- Mentoring services connecting producers with industry experts.
- Climate risk assessments to identify specific vulnerabilities in individual farming operations.
“For years, we’ve been managing our dam water levels and quality more intensively due to hotter, drier summers,” said a marron producer from the South West. “A program that provides expert guidance on climate risk and helps us formalise a resilience plan is not just welcome, it’s essential for the future of our business.”
A Strategic Initiative for a Growing Sector
The program forms part of the national Farm Business Resilience Program, which is funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. This positions the initiative not as a short-term grant, but as a strategic investment in the future of food production and regional enterprise.
In the official statement, Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis highlighted the specific relevance for WA’s producers. “Our State’s aquaculture industry makes an important contribution to sustainable food production, from marron and trout produced from dams and ponds in the South West to oysters at the Abrolhos Islands,” the Minister stated. “The changing climate will present unique challenges and opportunities for aquaculture operators, and the rollout of the Aquaculture for the Future program will support businesses to be prepared and build resilience now and into the future.”
This initiative offers a significant opportunity for WAAA members with existing aquaculture operations to strengthen their business models at no cost. It may also provide a valuable knowledge base for those considering aquaculture as a future farm diversification strategy.
Operators interested in participating in the program are encouraged to seek further information directly from the delivery partner, the Aquaculture Council of Western Australia. More details can be found on their website at aquaculturecouncilwa.com.
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