The South Coast Oyster Lessees Association:
Despite these early developments however, it was with the arrival of new Fisheries Inspector Mr. J. E. Neary in October 1923 that the local oystering industry really began to develop.
Well informed on the science of the industry, he had been instrumental in instigating important developments on the central coast prior to his appointment to the local area.
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Just a month after moving to this district, he called a meeting of lessees to explain the intensive cultivation methods carried out at Port Stephens & the Hawkesbury River. Armed with the information provided, all those present indicated their intention to go more extensively into the aquaculture industry & promised to submit regular monthly progress reports to the Inspector.
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In the wake of that meeting, Inspector Neary held another in December to consider establishing an industry organisation, one of the main objectives being protection of the oyster farmers’ interests. The motion to form the South Coast Oyster Lessees Association was carried unanimously and a committee was elected. Annual membership was set at 10 shillings per lessee.
