The primary purpose of an Oysters Australia Strategic Plan is to coordinate oyster industry research, development, and extension (RD&E) across Australia to ensure that usable outputs are provided to oyster businesses. The plan outlines a set of RD&E programs and a list of priority projects for which research proposals will be called.

Non-research activities conducted by Oyster Australia, as the national representative body, are also outlined in the document. These activities include policy preparation, market development, communication, and advocacy.

The plan forms an integral part of the Industry Partnership Agreement (IPA) between Oysters Australia and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC). Oysters Australia will work closely with FRDC to manage the portfolio of projects.