The Au$65 million Australian shrimp farming industry has been devastated by Cyclone Larry. Australian Prawn Farmer’s Association Executive Officer, Scott Walter said that at least six farms and four hatcheries had been heavily hit.
"Together these farms produce around 40% of the total farmed prawn production in Australia."
"The properties that have been worst affected are in the Innisfail to Cardwell region."
"I can confirm that hatcheries, processing sheds and some farm houses have been completely destroyed and we are still assessing the extent of crop loss."
Walter said he was trying to contact all members of the Association in the cyclone affected region but was still having trouble with communications.
"At this stage, we can confirm that Larry has had a massive impact although we have not been able to speak to every affected farm."
"We are particularly concerned about members who live in the Kurrimine Beach and Innisfail Region."
"We are asking those farms to contact us as soon as possible so that we can ensure we represent their needs to government"
Walter said the Association had written to the Prime Minister and Premier to alert them to the impact and to ensure that the prawn farming industry is included in the government’s impact assessment process and related assistance measures.
