Victoria may soon see the emergence of a robust oyster industry, thanks to a successful trial of Sydney rock oysters in the Gippsland Lakes region. This three-year initiative, a collaboration between the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), has shown promising results that could pave the way for a local oyster farming sector.

The trial involved growing Sydney rock oysters, a species native to the Gippsland area, at four locations west of Lakes Entrance. Researchers evaluated the oysters based on their growth rates, taste, and food safety. Results indicated that the oysters grew at rates comparable to those found in established farms in Merimbula and Pambula, located in southern New South Wales.

Following the positive outcomes, GLaWAC and the VFA plan to expand the $250,000 trial. They aim to cultivate an additional 60,000 oysters across two existing sites and three new locations. Craig Ingram, VFA manager of projects and stakeholder engagement, described this as a significant advancement for Victoria's seafood industry. "Historically there was an oyster industry in far east Gippsland and some small-scale producers in other parts of the state," he noted. "But this is the most positive development in creating a serious oyster aquaculture industry in Victoria."

Ingram expressed optimism about the trial's results, stating, "The oysters we've grown in the last three years are in excellent condition and taste really nice. So we're pretty positive we can move this project to a more commercial level."

For GLaWAC chairperson Troy McDonald, the trial represents a substantial opportunity for the local First Nations workforce. "It's going to give us more agency and opportunities around economic prosperity," he said. McDonald emphasized the importance of contributing to the well-being of their community and regional growth, viewing the oyster trial as a step in that direction.

He also highlighted the desire to expand the project, noting, "There's a lot of pride and ownership of this project among Gunaikurnai people, so we want to start planning for what a scaled-up opportunity would look like."

Sustainability remains a key concern for McDonald. He stated, "Capital is important, but what's critical is keeping the Gippsland Lakes system healthy. Many things can go wrong with this kind of human intervention, so we need clear regulatory processes to protect our waterways."

GLaWAC employee Tyrone Hayes added that the entire community stands to gain from the initiative. "It will not only provide a good source of seafood, but also strengthen our economy and provide extra work for traditional owners and other community members," he said.