- Cook Government welcomes Tassal's commitment to grow aquaculture production in the Kimberley
- New facility at the Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park backs Cook Government investment
- Infrastructure projects creating jobs and stimulating growth in the State's north
The Cook Government has welcomed Tassal Group Limited's investment in aquaculture infrastructure in the State's north to help drive industry growth and sustainable seafood production.
Tassal today unveiled a new state-of-the-art barramundi nursery at the Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park.
Backed by a Federal Government grant, Tassal's new nursery supports long-term plans to increase production of Kimberley barramundi in the Buccaneer Archipelago.
The investment builds on the Cook Government investments to grow sustainable finfish production in northern Western Australia, a project creating local jobs and supporting the Made in WA Plan for a more diverse and resilient economy.
The Cook Government has committed $5 million through its Investment Attraction Fund to modernise operations at the Cone Bay barramundi farm and a further $2 million to upgrade the Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park.
Real-time remote monitoring has been installed at Cone Bay to monitor fish behaviour, a staged replacement of sea cages with sanctuary pens is underway and upgrades are being made to walkways and access platforms.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is working closely with current and potential tenants of Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park on the redevelopment and the tender for works is expected to go out later this year.
The upgrades will help meet the growing demand for aquaculture production and research capability in the State's north and attract new aquaculture investment.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The Cook Government welcomes this investment by Tassal to expand its operations in the Kimberley and scale up its supply of the popular Cone Bay barramundi seafood brand to the domestic market.
"Aquaculture is the world's fastest-growing food production sector and it is important we support new and expanding businesses so we attract further investment and can capitalise on future opportunties to export sustainable seafood products."
As stated by Regional Development and Kimberley Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Investing in infrastructure projects in our regions is vital to drive development and create more jobs which help regional communities thrive.
"With work underway to modernise the Cone Bay barramundi farm and upcoming upgrades to the Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park, more opportunities are opening up to grow aquaculture production in the Kimberley."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"The new nursery facility is an exciting advancement for the Kimberley aquaculture industry, supporting economic growth and creating new local jobs.
"This project will provide opportunities for skill training and employment pathways, whilst ensuring the benefits flow through to regional communities."
