The Western Australia Government has committed AUD 5 million to support the growth of sustainable finfish production in northern Western Australia. Seafood producer Tassal is being supported by the state government’s Investment Attraction Fund grant to expand its Yaloon/Cone Bay barramundi production in the Kimberley’s Buccaneer Archipelago.
The Investment Attraction Fund is administered by Invest and Trade Western Australia.
Announcing the investment, Premier Roger Cook said he’s committed to attracting new and expanding business operations to Western Australia to help diversify the economy, create quality local jobs, and support the growth of emerging industries like aquaculture.
“It’s great news that Australia’s largest seafood producer Tassal will be expanding its operations in the Kimberley and supplying more of its famous ocean-grown barramundi to customers around the world,” he said.
On 1 August 2023, Tassal fully acquired MPA Fish Farms Pty Ltd and MPA Marketing Pty Ltd, which operated Australia’s only ocean-based barramundi farm at Cone Bay. In December, Tassal signed a seven-year lease with the state government to use two sites at the Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park, on Yaruwu country, where it plans to build a new nursery facility.
Tassal will use the grant to support its investment in modernising the operations at the Cone Bay barramundi farm to increase production and boost supply of the popular seafood brand to domestic markets.
Upgrades will include the installation of new sea cages, wildlife fences, improved walkways and access platforms, a new automated feeding system, and water monitoring and cleaning systems.
“The aquaculture industry has tremendous potential for growth in Western Australia, and I am pleased to welcome Tassal to the Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park, which will undergo a major redevelopment to help realise this potential,” Fisheries Minister Don Punch said.
“The Cook Government looks forward to working with Tassal to expand its seafood operations in the Kimberley region, which will secure more local job opportunities and help drive aquaculture development in northern Western Australia.”
Tassal will also work closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on the AUD 2 million redevelopment of the Broome Tropical Aquaculture Park at Gantheaume Point, announced last year by the Cook Government
Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna has welcomed the investment in the Cone Bay barramundi farm, which continues to be the largest aquaculture producer of finfish in the state.
“Further investment in aquaculture in the Kimberley presents exciting opportunities for increased employment and economic growth in the region,” D’Anna said.
