The Federal Government is providing $3.8m for a project in regional South Australia to produce seaweed for livestock production as part of its Securing Raw Materials Program.
Announcing the investment today the Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey said, the program was supporting businesses to move to or expand into regional areas to research and develop innovative and locally sourced raw material supplies.
“The world is hungry for the native Australian seaweed Asparagopsis, as a stock feed supplement which not only slashes methane emissions, but also provides improved digestion and subsequent growth.”
“With our huge coastline and the advantage of farming a local plant we have potential to become a prominent world supplier,” Mr Ramsey said. “As a government we are focussed on the generation of new jobs and industries for our regions through programs like this and the Modern Manufacturing Initiative.”
“The Securing Raw Materials Program is designed to establish, secure and strengthen the supply of raw materials to Australian industry, and to support partnerships between industry and regional universities.”
“The Government will provide $3.8 million for CH4 South Australia Pty Ltd, in collaboration with the University of South Australia, to develop stock feed from native seaweed found in Cowell.”
“The main production points will be Arno Bay and Port Lincoln and I understand environmental approvals are in place.”
“On a global level, the cultivation of seaweed as animal feed is an increasingly competitive space and this investment will ensure our regions continue to innovate to maintain Australia’s place as a first mover in this space.”
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said under the program, regional Australia will benefit from grants of up to $5 million for individual projects.
“Regional Australia is home to a number of the nation’s key industry sectors, which is why these projects are crucial to securing and strengthening the supply of improved raw materials to these vital industries,” Senator McKenzie said.
“We want to prioritise and strengthen our valuable partnerships between Australian businesses, our world-class research institutions and regional communities, ensuring regional Australia is at the forefront of innovation and change.
“As our regional communities continue to grow and thrive, the Government continues delivering on its commitment to grow industry and economic resilience in regional Australia.”
The Coalition Government continues to build on its more than $120 billion investment in regional Australia – the engine-room of our nation’s economy – to ensure a sustainable, prosperous and secure future for people living in the regions.
Only the Coalition will continue to deliver for Tasmania as part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.
More information on the Securing Raw Materials Program can be found at: https://business.gov.au/srmp2.
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 8633 1744
