The State Government has announced an additional $4.5 million in financial assistance for prawn fishers and farmers in northern New South Wales, as the white spot virus continues to impact wild prawn populations in the Clarence, Evans and Richmond Rivers.
The funding package will support affected fishers who wish to exit the industry, offering voluntary share and business buyouts as well as business retraining.
It follows two years of state government intervention to combat the spread of the disease and support local industry. Since the outbreak, the NSW Government has committed $21.4 million for response measures, including enhanced biosecurity controls, act-of-grace payments, fee and Crown Land rent waivers, and mental health services.
White spot syndrome virus is now considered established in wild prawn populations across the detection zones in northern NSW. As a result, a new biosecurity control order has been declared, extending restrictions in the region through to 2030.
Fishers operating within the control zone face strict rules on the movement of uncooked or unprocessed prawns beyond the zone — restrictions that are expected to have a significant impact on local businesses.
Biosecurity orders have been in place across the Northern Rivers since 2022, with the aim of eventually lifting them. However, repeated positive detections of white spot in coastal waters have made that goal unviable.
The NSW Government says it has continued to undertake testing, provide support to industry, and engage with the Commonwealth to explore adjustments to the national biosecurity framework. Despite this, the risk to Australia’s national trade reputation and international market access has led to a decision to retain the existing restrictions.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the new funding package reflected the government’s ongoing commitment to the region’s prawn industry.
“The Minns Government has provided significant financial support of more than $21 million to the prawn farming and fishing industry in northern NSW during the last few challenging years and this $4.5 million financial transition package demonstrates our continuing commitment,” she said.
“With white spot now confirmed as established in wild prawn populations in the affected areas, the NSW Government has developed this funding package to help fishing businesses transition out with financial buybacks, business retraining and other support measures,” Ms Moriarty said.
“The NSW Government acknowledges this has been a challenging time for workers and businesses in the industry and I encourage them to utilise the available mental health and financial counselling.”
She added that consumers should not be concerned, noting that: “Consumers are assured that white spot does not pose a threat to human health or food safety.”
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