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QAIF is
the Peak Body of Qld Aquaculture Organisations and represents all sectors of
aquaculture in Queensland. QAIF provides the opportunity to interact with
government and to initiate projects that are of broad benefit to the Qld
Aquaculture community.
The
members of the Federation are:
Aquaculture Association of Queensland
Australian
Barramundi Farmers Association
Australian
Prawn Farmers’ Association
Queensland
Crayfish Farmers Association,
Queensland
Oyster Growers Association
Queensland
Pearl Industry
Queensland
Sea Scallop Ltd
Watermark
Seafoods
QAIF is a
member of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and the National
Aquaculture Council (NAC)
QAIF is
supported by an Executive Officer, Graham Dalton
Much of
QAIF’s work involves dealing with government. In general, this is the Qld
Satte government and we leave the Federal Government issues to the National
Aquaculture Council.
Examples
of work we have done are:
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Involvement in accreditation of state processes under the EPBC Act. This
has reduced the number of agencies required to license new developments
that come under EPBC Act.
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Representing industry on the Aquaculture Reference Group. The major
objective of industry on ARG is to reduce the complexity of regulation and
provide consistency across government.
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Provide an up to date link to all sectors of the industry through the web
page. It provides contact lists and also news and views on matters
affecting the industry. (Thanks Bruce!).
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QAIF engaged industrial relations consultants and was represented at the
Commission as an interested party in award determinations by the
Industrial Relations Commission.
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Active lobbying of all levels of government regarding changes to the
Nature Conservation Act.
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Representation on the Translocation Working Group.
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Input into the drafting of the Good Quality Agricultural Land Policy.
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Promotion of the industry and especially the quality aspects of farmed
Queensland seafood.
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Developed a strategy for aquaculture development, which is largely
focussed on reducing regulation and involvement in generic marketing
activities.
Impact and
importance of QAIF
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Government has a habit of springing surprises – new policies, regulations,
guidelines etc.
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QAIF provides the watchdog role, trying to head off as many catastrophes
as possible.
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QAIF also works to improve conditions for aquaculture, lobbying government
for the policies, regulations and guidelines we want.
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QAIF coordinates industry wide activities that seek to grow the industry
through marketing and promotion
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QAIF provides access to government that individuals struggle to achieve.
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Without QAIF, Qld Aquaculturists would be vulnerable to any bureaucrat
with a “good idea”.
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QAIF is effectively your insurance policy.
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