Get a mouthful of Gippsland’s new million dollar industry: Oysters
A trial started in 2022 has been hugely successful, now there are plans to expand.
Jacob Wallace
October 15, 2025
Gippsland has always been a prominent farming region, and now the area looks set to cultivate a different industry: Sydney rock oysters.
Oyster trail in Gippsland lakes: A trial to grow Sydney rock oysters in Gippsland first began in 2022 at four sites around Flannagans and Rigbys Islands, west of Lakes Entrance.
The project aimed to assess the viability and quality of growing the species in the area by planting over 10,000 oysters. And initial results are very positive.
Oysters are native to Gippsland lakes but have never been farmed at scale.
Supporting local industry and people: The project is a partnership between the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA).
It’s hoped that a native oyster industry in the Gippsland lakes will create jobs for Gunaikurnai First Peoples, support regional tourism and supply fresh, local and sustainable seafood.
What they told us: Tyrone Hayes, head of GLaWAC’s Aquaculture Enterprise crew, said in a statement: “We’re doing this our way, on Country, using what we know and what we’ve learned. This isn’t just about oysters; it’s about opportunity.”
A new Gippsland Industry: In the neighbouring states of South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania, thriving oyster industries are worth over $100 million combined. There’s hope that oyster farming might become a burgeoning industry in Gippsland.
What’s the cost? The project was supported by a $250,000 grant from the state government as part of their $96 million package to improve aquaculture, fishing, boating and piers.
The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation has announced it will invest a further $400,000 in the project on behalf of the federal government.
The 2022 trail has found oysters produced in the Gippsland lakes are growing at similar rates to established oyster farms in the estuaries of southern New South Wales.
Are they going to expand? GLaWAC and the VFA are expanding the trial this month by adding an extra 60,000 oysters to two of the existing growing sites.
Three new oyster farming sites will also be developed nearby.
The oysters will all be farmed in water less than one metre deep.
Benefits across Gippsland: The Interim CEO of GLaWAC, Charee Smith said she is hopeful the new industry will provide benefits across the region.
“This expansion is another step toward a self-determined future for Gunaikurnai people - grounded in Country, guided by culture, and driven by our own priorities,” said Smith. “But this isn’t just for us. If we get it right, it creates jobs, skills and opportunities that flow right across the region.”
The minister for Outdoor Recreation, Steve Dimopoulos said in a statement that “this trial is laying the groundwork for local jobs, skills and opportunities, leading to long-term benefits for the region”.
