Queensland's World Class Seafood the Freshest Catch this Easter
- Abundance of fresh, local seafood set to boost Easter holiday spending.
- Shopping local supports Queensland's $605 million fisheries sector.
- Queensland seafood is a world leader in sustainability and quality with an increasing export market.
The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland's thriving seafood industry, encouraging locals and holidaymakers to enjoy a fresh catch on their plate over the Easter long weekend.
Queensland fishers report they've had a bumper season and local seafood markets are well stocked as they gear up for one of their busiest times of the year.
From tropical rock lobsters for a special occasion, to farmed barramundi to feed a family, or renowned Mooloolaba prawns, there is something for every taste and every budget.
The lure of Queensland's world-renowned seafood – a $600 million industry that supports 2500 jobs - is set to fill the net for tourism spending across the State these holidays.
The Crisafulli Government's Tourism Disaster Recovery Package has helped Queensland bounce back after a disaster-impacted start of the year, with recent data from Tourism and Events Queensland revealing 18 per cent of Australians want to visit Queensland this Easter holiday period – more than any other State.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said now is the perfect time to support local businesses and enjoy a quality feed.
"How good is fresh Queensland seafood at Easter with your friends and family," Minister Powell said.
"Our government has stood shoulder to shoulder with the Queenslanders to help them get back up on their feet.
"From beach paradise to world-class food, Queensland is open for business and ready to attract visitors from far and wide for our delectable seafood."
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said buying Queensland seafood means supporting a $605 million sector world renowned for its quality and sustainability.
"This industry includes wild-caught, aquaculture, and seafood processing, which provides jobs for more than 2,500 people across the State," Minister Perrett said.
"Queensland seafood is recognised across the world as a premium product.
"We have a thriving export market for our reef fish, prawns, and crabs, currently valued at $81.6 million and continuing to grow.
"All Queenslanders have the perfect opportunity this easter to get their hands on the finest seafood available and support the seafood retailers who are selling the locally sourced products at shops across the State."
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said Sunshine Coast seafood has a strong reputation among both locals and tourists.
"Our top-quality spanner crabs and prawns are no secret anymore and have been known to attract people from all over the country," Ms Simpson said.
"Being a key destination for holidaymakers has a positive flow on effect across the entire Sunshine Coast economy - supporting jobs and industry.
"The renowned Mooloolaba Prawns are certainly an annual Easter favourite for my family, and I look forward to seeing visitors and locals enjoy our fresh produce."
Fisheries Queensland Executive Director Dallas D'Silva said consumers can be confident they are buying sustainably sourced products of the highest quality.
"Our commercial fishers and aquaculture operators are committed to best practice, which means they're producing seafood using techniques that ensure the least impact to the environment and other species," Mr D'Silva said.
Neil Moretto from Queensland Seafood Marketers Association said whether it's at a backyard BBQ or fine dining, every Easter celebration deserves Queensland seafood.
"We all know that Queensland has some of the best shellfish in the world – from bugs, crabs and prawns to oysters and scallops," he said.
