Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is urging Queenslanders to put plenty of local seafood on the menu during the coming festive season.
“Christmas is just not Christmas in Queensland without a lot of fresh, sustainable seafood on the festive table,” the Premier said.
“Fishers, aquaculture farmers, and seafood merchants are working hard to ensure there will be plentiful supplies of all the top prawn, crab and fish varieties to meet the big seasonal rush.
“All report they are well ready to meet the demand.
“Once again Queensland seafood lovers will be spoiled for choice.
“Our iconic Queensland prawns are always a standout and are in big demand in NSW and Victoria too,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said buying Queensland caught and farmed seafood benefits so many.
“You’ll be enjoying world-class produce, local businesses will profit, and our hard-working professional fishers can continue to support their families.
“Let’s put our commercial fishers and aquaculture farmers at the very top of our Christmas ‘nice list’ and stock up on the very best. At your local fish supplier make sure you ask for Queensland seafood,” Mr Furner said.
Mr Furner said consumers won’t be stuck for new seafood recipe ideas either, with the Queensland Government funding a joint marketing campaign with Seafood Industry Australia and the Queensland Seafood Marketers Association.
“The Great Australian Seafood – Queensland campaign showcases Queensland seafood in recipes which are available in retail stores and online.
“Queensland seafood retailers are also being added to the Great Australian Seafood Fish Finder website where consumers can search for their nearest seafood supplier by postcode online at www.greataustralianseafood.com.au/fish-finder.”
Queensland Seafood Marketers Association President Marshall Betzel encourages people to make the most of the seafood on offer.
“It’s been a hard 12-24 months and people deserve to spoil themselves as they celebrate this Christmas, and what better way than with plenty of Queensland seafood.
“We’re so lucky here having access to some of the greatest seafood in the world.
“There will be good supplies of popular prawn varieties from now and right through till next Easter.
“Consumers should benefit from competitive Christmas pricing with wild caught Tiger, Endeavour and Banana prawns on-sale at many seafood outlets from $20 a kilo for Endeavours and Medium Kings round $35 a kilo.
“Endeavour prawns are small and sweet and great value at $20 per kilo and from a Queensland perspective, they’re an iconic species.”
“In my opinion Endeavours are the best tasting prawn in Australia and there will be plenty for everyone.
“Tropical lobsters are another good buy, retailing for around $50 a kilogram. These big lobsters, from the Torres Strait taste fantastic and are a real stand-out on the Christmas table.
“Queensland bugs should retail for about $60 per kilo, Mr Betzel said.
Australian Prawn Farmers Association Executive Officer Kim Hooper said Australian farmed prawns are plentiful and the way to go this Christmas.
“We are enjoying a bumper season again this year, Our industry’s production growth is up 48 per cent in just the last 2 years so it is very exciting times for our prawn farmers.
“Of course, bumper harvests guarantee there’s an abundance of beautiful, high quality sustainably grown Queensland farmed prawns on sale now and through Christmas to Easter and beyond,” Ms Hooper said.
“Although prices are determined by the retailers, I am expecting they will be very attractive to consumers again this year. Of course, it pays to shop around your reputable retailers and wholesalers.
“Australian farmed prawns have the added bonus of being very healthy for you and easy to prepare. My favourite is the classic mango and lime prawn cocktail as an easy starter to festivities.
“Of course, you can spoil yourself anytime with a healthy prawn meal and by buying Queensland farmed prawns and seafood, you are supporting our local farmers and fishers, Ms Hooper said.
Seafood Industry Australia CEO Veronica Papacosta said consumers can expect to see a variety of prices for Australian seafood this Christmas.
“To ensure you don’t miss out on your favourite Aussie seafood, place an order with your local fishmonger early,” Ms Papacosta said.”With international and domestic travel restrictions still in place, we’re seeing more people in Australia for Christmas than we have previously, and this means there is an increased number of people wanting to eat Australian seafood.”
