The Federal Labor Government today announced it would contribute $7 million towards the Macquarie Harbour Aquaculture Hub – a project that will create jobs and massively boost an important industry for Tasmania and the West Coast.
“This funding will make it possible for the major Tasmanian salmon growers to turn their vision into a reality,” Mr Albanese said.
“The Aquaculture Hub will include wharves, buildings and associated infrastructure which will enable these Tasmanian companies to double their production of salmon and trout at the harbour.
“The project will create 100 jobs during the construction phase and a further 163 jobs on completion in November 2016.
“Businesses that support aquaculture such as ship chandlers, ship builders and repairers, and logistics operations have all expressed an interest in establishing new operations at the hub.”
Federal Member for Braddon and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Sid Sidebottom, said the $7 million is an integral part of the $60 million expansion of the aquaculture industry at Macquarie Harbour by the Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association Limited.
“This significant Australian Government investment will allow an important industry for the Tasmania to grow massively – this could be a billion-dollar-a-year industry,” Mr Sidebottom said.
“It will transform the economy of the West Coast with flow-on effects to the whole of the State.
“It is a great example of the diversification of the Tasmanian economy that’s needed and is underway.
“The aquaculture industry will be able to boom and co-exist with our significant mining industry and the important tourist industry.”
Federal Member for Franklin, Julie Collins, said she was pleased to have lobbied hard on behalf of the aquaculture companies in her electorate.
“This significant funding injection builds on the Gillard Government's $16 million investment in fishery and aquaculture research and development nationally last year and is evidence of Labor's ongoing commitment to support Tasmania's economy and create jobs," Ms Collins said.
"It complements the work we’re doing through the Jobs and Growth Plan which is about assisting Tasmania to diversify its economy by supporting new, emerging or growing sectors.”
Funding for this project is being provided through Round Four of the Regional Development Australia Fund.
For information about the Regional Development Australia Fund go to www.regional.gov.au