If built, the new facility would allow the Tasmanian producer to grow its smolts to a larger size before releasing them to sea.
“We have been watching the development of land-based technologies for some time and we are preparing to take our first step toward it with a new salmon-nursery,” said Huon Aquaculture CEO and Managing Director, Peter Bender.
“The benefit of a salmon nursery is that we get to research the fish as they grow and see how they perform in land-based growing facilities. It also means that the time the fish are at sea is reduced with will further improve the company’s environmental performance through longer fallowing and improved biosecurity," he explained.
The firm says that the new facility will generate around 200 jobs during construction and a further 10 once it becomes operational. The company has announced its intention to involve the local community as much as possible.
“The proposed new facility is still in concept stage and we are keen to have community input into every step of the development process so that we can include the community’s views in our design and decision making,” said Mr Bender.
Interested neighbours and community members are invited to attend an information session about the proposed facility at the Kermandie Hotel on Monday 10 April at 6pm to see early stage concept plans and discuss the project.
