Operational since 1996, Ausgold has historically yielded approximately 30 tonnes of redclaw crayfish and silver perch annually, supplying major fish markets, restaurants and supermarkets on Australia’s east coast.
The property features 30 ponds, spread over 3 hectares, with water running through a recirculating gravity-fed system designed by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
There is also development approval granted for 80 additional ponds across 8 hectares and further growth opportunities presented by the potential expansion to 500 ponds across 50 hectares.
The facility’s licence has been granted in perpetuity to produce species including Australian bass, Barcoo grunter, barramundi, eel tail catfish, freshwater shrimp, golden perch, gulf saratoga, Murray cod, sleepy cod, southern saratoga and yabby.
Northern Australia’s climate and proximity to Asia are key factors in federal government plans to establish an export-focused food bowl in the region and Ausgold Aquaculture is located 45km south of Townsville, which has airlinks to Asia. The city is also home to James Cook University, the leading aquaculture research facility nationally and one of the top universities for marine biology worldwide.
CBRE’s Angus Bills, Phil Schell and James Auty are managing the expressions of interest sales campaign, with offers exceeding $4 million anticipated.
“Ausgold Aquaculture is an impressive facility with a proven track record, and now presents a rare opportunity to tap into the significant potential of Northern Australia,” Bills said in a press release.
“With the scope to expand the property into one of the largest freshwater fish farms in Australia, this freehold investment opportunity will appeal to existing aquaculture producers seeking further scale, new entrants into the market for diversification, and local and international investors.”
While fully cleared, the site is buffered by native vegetation and located at the foothills of the Bowling Green Bay National Park.
It features an unlimited supply of bore water, which testing rates as high enough quality to bottle and sell as spring water, and a highly sought after 500ML licence for the nearby Majors Creek.
Further sustainability is achieved through the use of effluent waters on surrounding hay paddocks, which in turn provide habitat and a supplementary feed source.
Improvements at the site include a 300 m2, four-bedroom Queenslander cottage, a four-bay shed for fish packing, workshop, carport and an additional shed that would suit a hatchery.
With its location, cropping capabilities and water resources, the property would also lend itself to horticulture, hay-growing, spring water and tourism applications.
The facility has excellent electricity infrastructure and supply, with all equipment and plant included to enable an immediate start to operations.
