The industry structure comprises around 700 small owner operator businesses across three states with little or no capacity to coordinate investment in and manage industry RD&E. In 2008/09 the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the Southern Rocklobster Fishery exceeded $200 million for the first time. A coordinated strategic approach to RD&E for the ASR is vital to continue maximizing profitability across the value chain within the sustainability limits of the resource and to facilitate market diversification.
Two distinct needs are involved in any consideration of better national RD&E co-ordination for the southern rock lobster sector:
1. The strategic issues of RD&E prioritization, funding and the linkages to (and support for) both industry development plans and Government objectives of industry development.; and
2. The operational issues of facilitating effective communication and coordination at all levels industry/researchers, among researchers, among industry, FRDC/researchers etc).
The new Partnership Agreement has been established to deal with these needs and under the Partnership Agreement resources are required for SRL to meet its obligations in the following areas:
1. Establishing and managing an RD&E committee
2. Engaging independent experts to both Chair and provide expert guidance to the process
3. Develop strategic and operational plans and projects to deliver these plans
4. Monitor and report progress and
5. Ensure effective governance, transparency, financial control and accountability.
Continuing to build industry value is contingent upon coordinated investment in industry development at the whole of industry level. SRL is now well established and has a track record of success in implementing the industry strategic plan and leading integration of RD&E work across stakeholders, States, Australia and New Zealand.
This project establishes the capacity to deal with Southern Rocklobster sector RD&E needs in a strategic and efficient way.