Vote of confidence in aquaculture
The Deputy Premier of Tasmania, Bryan Green, said that a multi-million dollar investment by Petuna Seafoods was a vote of confidence in the future of Tasmania’s aquaculture industry.
Mr Green welcomed the expansion of Petuna’s trout and salmon processing facility at East Devonport which will boost production and create up to 50 new jobs.
“The rapid rise of Tasmania’s aquaculture industry has been a great success story and its potential is extremely positive news for the Tasmanian economy,” he said. “Petuna is one of our leading seafood companies and is playing a very significant part in the growth of the industry.”
Mr Green said the company’s $7.4m expansion would enable Petuna to double its production capacity, and acknowledged the hard work and vision of Peter and Una Rockliff in over 50 years involvement in fishing and fish processing.
“Petuna has a long and proud history and this development is another important milestone for the company", he said.
The State and Federal Governments supported the expansion with $1m from the jointly funded $20m North-West Innovation and Investment Fund.
“The Government is a strong supporter of the Tasmania’s aquaculture industry and we look forward to further investment and job opportunities in the future," Mr Green said. “The salmon and trout industry now employs around 1200 people and last year production was worth close to $380m. We have tremendous natural resources and products that are sought after around the world.”
Mr Green said Petuna was a key player in expansion plans for salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour on the West Coast.
“The Marine Farming Planning Review Panel is currently considering the proposal and is expected to make a recommendation in the first half of this year,” he said.
