THE Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-operative have scaled up their operations with new equipment to diversify and expand product lines, thanks to the Albanese and Minns Governments.
After the 2022 floods significantly impacted the quality and volume of seafood, the Co-operative was left looking for new avenues to ensure members could maintain an income and build capacity to withstand supply disruptions.
The Co-operative, which represents 80 commercial fisherman and small businesses, received $190,000 from the Albanese and Minns Governments through Round 2 of the Supply Chain Support Program, jointly funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The funding provided the opportunity for the Co-operative to purchase a new packing system, commercial seafood smoker, commercial prawn peeler and freezer display cabinets. These have enabled the Co-operative to expand its range of frozen and value-added products for price-conscious consumers.
The new display freezers also allow products and frozen seafood received from outside the region during periods of low supply to be safely stored for longer, reducing the seasonal aspect of the Co-operative’s current product lines and allowing them to sell all-year-round.
Seafood distributed by the Clarence River Fisherman’s Co-operative is sold through the Sydney Fish Market, markets in other capital cities and major retail outlets.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister
“The Albanese Government is ensuring that Northern Rivers organisations have the funding certainty they need to acquire assets and adopt more secure supply chain practices.
“With our investment, Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-operative has not only been able to rebuild and repair their operations, but also improve their economic resilience to future floods.
“This business is showing great initiative, by taking charge of their recovery and resilience, and we’re proud to have supported the Co-operative and its members.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:
“Each year the Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-operative is responsible for getting the region’s renowned seafood from local trawlers to the Sydney Fish Market, markets in other capital cities and major retail outlets.
“By diversifying its product range the Clarence River Fisherman’s Co-Operative is looking to the future, with any additional income generated from sales being reinvested into the business’ infrastructure and flood mitigation strategies.
“Through the Supply Chain Support Program, the Australian and NSW Governments are enabling the flood-impacted Clarence River Fisherman’s Co-Operative to re-position its product range to meet the long-term needs of the business and ensure a sustainable future for the Clarence seafood industry.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin:
“Like so many Northern Rivers businesses, the Co-op was hit hard by the 2022 floods and this is a great example of building a business back better.
“The new equipment means it can provide year-round quality seafood and cope with any future disruptions.
“This is good news for the coop, its national and export markets and of course the locals and tourists who have come to rely on its great range of seafood products.”
Quotes attributable to Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-operative CEO Danielle Adams:
“Alongside the Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-operative’s 70-member fisherman, we provide a further 65 jobs each year for the Mclean, Yamba and Iluka communities.
“The enhanced production line will provide these employees with a broader range of skills, helping to increase their potential for further and longer employment each year.
“We hope display freezers in our retail stores will improve the awareness of our brand and encourage tourists to look out for our products next time they go to one of our major stockists outside of our local region.
“By building our capacity to adapt and manage variations in product, we anticipate we will strengthen and future proof the seafood industry across the entire Clarence catchment for the better and continue to showcase our fantastic array of seafood product nationally and abroad.”
