A new bio-secure fish holding facility will be built in Launceston to ensure high quality research which plays a major role in the expansion of the salmon industry in Tasmania.
Image credit: flickr User: fishbird photography
According to the media release by the Minister for Primary Industries and Water Bryan Green, issued last Friday, tenders to build the facility were called this weekend as part of a $1.47 million investment at the Animal Health Laboratories at Mount Pleasant.
The project will also include laboratory facilities upgraded for aquatic animal research and is set to accelerate and broaden the scope of vaccine and diagnostic research.
“This is an exciting investment that will help underpin the ongoing success of Tasmania’s iconic salmon farming industry. This work is crucial to facilitating the growth of our salmon industry because as the industry expands, so too does the task of protecting fish health,” said Mr Green.
“This project will ensure we have sufficient space and facilities to keep pace with and support industry growth. Tasmania has a fantastic reputation for its high quality produce and the salmon industry fits perfectly with our brand.”
Mr Green further added that he was looking forward to the continued growth of the industry, which employs close to 5000 people directly and indirectly, and is now reportedly worth over half a billion dollars a year to the State’s economy.
“The industry has grown by $1 million a week for the past seven years and there are great opportunities for the future. The expansion of salmon farming occurring in Macquarie Harbour on the West Coast will see a doubling of production,” added Mr Green.
Both the State Government and the Tasmanian Salmonoid Growers Association are contributing $825,000 to build the facility an another $647,000 will be invested from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation aimed at upgrading the laboratory capability.
