The Responsible Oyster Farmer Training is a formal training and recognition program tailor-made for the NSW oyster industry.
The oyster industry attracts people from all backgrounds, from hobby farm retirees, to multiple-generational farmers operating across the state. Reflecting this diversity, the knowledge and professionalism of farmers varies considerably and until recently there was no purpose-built holistic training program to upskill existing farmers or those entering the industry. The OceanWatch Responsible Oyster Farmer Training Program plugs this gap, providing a custom-built, standardised program for oyster farmers & their staff. The program builds knowledge about best-practice, and helps to reinforce the industry's position as responsible stewards of the waterway in which they work.
The program follows a series of modules, developed to cover a broad range of information:
- Industry Reputation & Social Licence
- Industry Structures- Associations & Committees
- Aquaculture Management & Administration
- Food Safety & the QAP
- Biosecurity
- Habitat & Water Quality
- Waste & Pollution
- Threatened, Endangered, & Protected Species
- Environmental Management Systems
- Workplace Health & Safety
- Risk Management
These modules were developed in consultation with OceanWatch Australia, NSW DPI Aquaculture Management & Administration, NSW DPI Aquatic Biosecurity, NSW Food Authority, and NSW Farmers Association.
This project is supported by OceanWatch Australia through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program
In the second half of 2022, the training materials were delivered at nine face-to-face workshops across the state.
The materials were developed to align with a Unit of Competency in the Seafood Industry Training Package. Participants who completed the face-to-face sessions, and were assessed to the competent in the subject matter, were provided with the VET unit SFIEMS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices.
Following the successful delivery of face-to-face training, the materials have been converted to enable online delivery! This enables the program to reach more farmers & staff spread across NSW. It is also available to new entrants looking to find out more about the industry.
If you have any questions about the training or the online platform, please contact:
Simon Rowe: 0434 351 977 / simon@oceanwatch.org.au
