One million dollars to help businesses adjust to reduced fishing
21 December 2007
Australian businesses will share in more than $1 million in Australian Government grants as part of a structural adjustment package to secure a profitable and sustainable future for Commonwealth-managed fisheries and reliant onshore businesses.
A total of 14 businesses will receive funding from the latest round of grants under the Securing our Fishing Future package.
Onshore Business Assistance is a component of the package designed to assist businesses dependant on Commonwealth-managed fisheries adjust to reduced fishing activity.
There are two types of assistance available: Onshore Business Development Assistance and Onshore Business Exit Assistance.
A broad range of industries rely on fisheries managed by the Commonwealth and this is reflected in the latest round of grants.
The funding will help these businesses cope with the effects of reduced fishing activity resulting from the $150 million buyback of fishing licences.
Onshore Business Development Assistance is capped at $250,000 and helps applicants strengthen and diversify their business.
The Exit Assistance, capped at $100,000, is provided to assist applicants reliant on Commonwealth-managed fisheries leave the sector.
Eleven businesses were successful in their applications for onshore business assistance. A total of $882,382 was approved for these initiatives.
The successful Onshore Business Development Assistance applicants are:
Roy & Debra Carstairs (Lakes Entrance, Vic): Up to $64,756 to expand their fishing charter boat service. The addition of a new boat will enable the business to offer services with more capabilities in differing conditions and increase their customer base.
Lockton Auto Electrics (Narooma, NSW): Up to $12,000 to diversify into the tourism, fishing and motor vehicle industry through the purchase of a coaster bus, a mini bus and an all-wheel drive vehicle to expand their self-drive hire service.
Drysdale Trawler and Farm Services (Drysdale, Vic): Up to $114,000 to purchase various business-related equipment, undertake extensions to the existing shop and build an amenities room. This will enable the business to continue its current services at competitive rates to a wider market.
Bermagui Fishermen’s Co-operative Limited (Bermagui, NSW): Up to $26,859 for a relocation and fit-out of the Co-operative’s fish handling and administrative facilities. This will ensure the Co-operative has an efficient and modern workplace.
Ulladulla Engineering (Ulladulla NSW): Up to $86,137 for an expansion of the workshop area and installation of new machinery. This will improve the viability of the business and create the opportunity to take on larger and more complex work.
Quick 2 Pac Pty Ltd (Mooloolaba, Qld): Up to $59,546 in conjunction with their Round 2 OBA funding to undertake workshop extensions, installation of new machinery, develop business website and the purchase of a refrigerated truck. This will ensure ongoing services can be provided at competitive prices.
Anthony Bailey T/A Clear Blue Hydraulics (Dalmeny, NSW): Up to $53,548 to introduce a retail business for engineering and industrial supplies in addition to the current business. This will ensure the business remains viable.
Dargile Pty Ltd T/A Strand Rest Bay Fish & Chips (Williamstown, Vic): Up to $83,500 to purchase a refrigerated truck and build additional freezer storage capacity to ensure consistent supply of product for a longer period and increase business efficiency.
Horizon Seafood Pty Ltd (Cairns, Qld): Up to $94,378 to purchase two new vehicles and a forklift. This will enable more product to be delivered and improve business efficiency.
The Trustee for the Early Bird Catering Service (Tweed Heads, NSW): Up to $222,832 to purchase a new prawn grader and develop and establish packaging and distribution for a new product line. This new market will increase sales and ensure ongoing viability.
Commercial Fishing Supplies Pty Ltd (Mooloolaba, Qld): Up to $64,826 to introduce new product lines, develop a new website, purchase various business equipment and restructure the business. This will increase efficiency and ensure ongoing viability.
Three other businesses reliant on Commonwealth-managed fisheries will be awarded Onshore Business Exit Assistance totalling up to $191,631 to help them leave the sector.
Contact Officer: Robert Murphy DAFF Media +61 2 6272 3232