Whyalla is currently in the process of constructing a $1.8 million commercial harbour to service its expanding aquaculture industry at Fitzgerald Bay. Over the past five years, offshore farming of the yellowtail kingfish has expanded from an experimental phase to commercial production. Having received both State and Federal Government financial assistance, Kingfish Harbour is expected to be completed by early 2008.
On completion, local aquaculture businesses using the harbour will pay an annual usage fee. This income will fund ongoing maintenance and meet Council’s initial development costs.
With an access road recently completed, construction is now in full swing. However, with the Stehr Group’s Clean Seas Aquaculture acquiring fish farms in the area in October, the harbour is expected to expand.
Clean Seas believe the fish farms previously owned by South Australia Aquaculture, a company developed by local people, have growth potential. As a major aquaculture operator, Council is confident the Stehr Group will enable the industry to reach its full potential.
Clean Seas also has plans to make the Whyalla site headquarters for its aquaculture operations, which will create more job opportunities in the area.
Group Manager Development, Stewart Payne, said the expansion of the aquaculture industry is an important progression for the area.
“In the past, we have been incredibly reliant on OneSteel to keep our economy going,” he said. “While the steel business is good at the moment, we have been through difficult times due to the major industry restructuring which saw the loss of 4,000 jobs. This had a devastating effect on the broader Whyalla community, so it is vital that the city expands is economic base. It is great to see other industries are now developing that we can rely on.”
