Limestone Coast Fishermen’s Co-operative commences trading

22 October 2019

The Limestone Coast Fishermen’s Co-operative (LCFC), 100% owned by Southern Rock Lobster fishers, has commenced trading as of 1 October 2019.

Two years ago, Southern Rock Lobster fishers approached Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative (GFC) interested in emulating the successful Geraldton co-operative model in their own region.

Southern Rock Lobster fishers believe the co-operative structure could address flaws in the local market structure, support the sustainability of family-owned fishing businesses and retain wealth and opportunity in the region.

True to the principle of Co-operation among Co-operatives, BCCM member GFC has provided ongoing assistance during the formation of LCFC.

The two co-operatives now have a commercial agreement in place for the marketing of LCFC product through GFC’c channels that has allowed LCFC to commence trading at the start of the 2019 Southern Rock Lobster fishing season. 

At an opening ceremony for LCFC, GFC CEO Matt Rutter said ‘GFC’s founding members laid the very bricks and put in place the structure which now forms the foundations of our proud co-operative. It is an absolute honour to be here today to witness a new group of fishers doing exactly what our founding members did 70 years ago.  We wish you every success.’

BCCM has been proud to provide governance and structuring support during the formation of LCFC and wishes the members of the co-operative every success in their joint endeavours.

Read more about the launch of LCFC in the latest GFC newsletter.