Joint media release with Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries, Senator Jonathon Duniam, and Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Energy, and Resources, Guy Barnett MP

A major new research project in Tasmania which will grow Australia’s seafood, energy and marine industries and create new jobs has reached an important first milestone.

The Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has signed the agreement which unlocks the $70 million funding from the Morrison Government.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Blue Economy CRC would pave the way for rapid growth which will create jobs in the region and boost the economy.

“The work of this CRC is projected to increase seafood production alone to more than $5 billion by 2050, and will be a globally recognised leader in these rapidly growing industries,” Minister Andrews said.

“The Blue Economy CRC is one of the largest CRCs the Government has funded and will take advanced manufacturing and advanced technologies in Tasmania to the next level.

“The Australian Government’s CRC Program brings industry and researchers together to find solutions to challenges and maximise opportunities for growth.”

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonathan Duniam said the Blue Economy CRC will give Tasmanian researchers and industry the skills training needed to stimulate development in key areas that will benefit the entire state. 

“This is an important development for Tasmania’s seafood industry and will assist in achieving the Government’s target of growing the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries sectors into a $100 billion industry by 2030,” Senator Duniam said.

“Tasmania already leads the nation in employment in the seafood industry with over 11,000 direct and indirect jobs and this has the potential to create even more, especially in our rural and regional areas. 

“The CRC will help to translate new developments in science and technology into commercial activity, in ways that support the industry to grow." 

Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Energy, and Resources Guy Barnett said the Blue Economy CRC would develop innovative and sustainable offshore industries to increase Australian seafood and offshore renewable energy production, injecting millions into our economy and creating hundreds of local jobs.

“The CRC is a game-changer, tackling the growing global demand for high value seafood products by using innovative offshore infrastructure powered by sustainable, affordable renewable energy,” Minister Barnett said.

“While Tasmania is already on track to be 100 per cent self-sufficient in renewable energy by 2022, the CRC will deliver an Offshore Renewable Energy Systems Program focused on continuing Tasmania’s leadership in the production of low cost, reliable and clean energy through offshore wind, wave, tidal and emission free hydrogen energy solutions.”

The Blue Economy CRC is expected to officially open in early 2020. For more information visit www.blueeconomycrc.com.au  

Media contacts:

Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070

Senator Jonathon Duniam's office 02 6277 3034

Minister Barnett's Office 03 6701 2170