Potential For WRTP To Be Converted To An Aquaculture Precinct

Council has been exploring the option


Article heading image for Potential For WRTP To Be Converted To An Aquaculture Precinct

The West Rockhampton Treatment (WRTP) could be converted into an aquaculture precinct. 

Council have been exploring the option, working with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to determine potential sites in the Region for aquaculture development.

Council have identified the treatment plant as a possible location. This comes after it was revealed the WRTP has reached the end of its life and is currently being decommissioned.  

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said reusing the existing infrastructure would allow for a potential re-engineering project to provide for a sophisticated tank based aquaculture system.
 
“Decommissioning the site will leave us with ponds and concrete tanks which may lend themselves to an aquaculture farm, potentially breeding fingerlings to support the restocking of our local Barramundi or higher valued saltwater species,” Mayor Strelow said.
 
“With its close proximity to the barrage, the site already has power and access to both fresh and saltwater, which is essential infrastructure for any aquaculture development.”
 
Mayor Strelow said it could also include education, research, hatchery, grow out and processing facilities.
 
“The site could play a vital role in the development of our aquaculture industry to educate residents, provide fingerlings to other aquaculture developments and produce a significant amount of product for local, domestic and international markets,” Mayor Strelow said.
 
“It is very early stages at the moment as we begin to explore the possibilities, and we will work with an aquaculture specialist to determine what type of operation would best suit the existing infrastructure.
 
“We are also developing an Aquaculture Industry Development Plan, which similar to the Recreational Fishing Strategy, will outline a series of different strategies to develop the industry within our Region.” 
Amber Lowther

18 September 2018

Article by:

Amber Lowther




Listen Live!
Up Next