Impact of devastating floods on oyster farm stock and infrastructure

Oyster farmers on the New South Wales Mid North Coast have been assessing damage after record-breaking floods lashed the region last month. On the Manning River, farmers have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stock and infrastructure.

But some are staying positive, saying the upcoming decade could be the region's best for oyster production. Ian Crisp spent an entire week preparing for the record breaking Mid North Coast floods. At the height of the disaster, they were using their punt to rescue stranded residents, while floodwaters tangled their leases, leaving the future of their younger oysters in doubt.

The Manning River rose more than 3.5 metres above average here at the Crisps Place. The floodwaters washing away thousands of oyster baskets and damaging vital infrastructure and machinery. But there’s a possible silver lining.     

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