Set among the open fields of Arcadia, work is set to begin constructing the first stage of a new fish hatchery for the Victorian Fisheries Authority.
Under the State Government’s Target One Million plan, the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is leading a $7 million project to build a new native fish hatchery.
While more than 27 properties were under initial consideration, an ideal 170-hectare property was purchased at Arcadia on the Goulburn River, where the hatchery will be built. The property has an advanced dam constructed along with access to surface water and bore water. Work is set to begin in November once planning and site clean-up is complete, and work will be completed by October 2021.
The first stage has been to appoint the project’s owner engineer, The Wedge Group, a consultant engineering firm located in Echuca that specialises in aquaculture.
Preliminary planning is now underway and construction design drawings for the hatchery building are being prepared by Edg Space, also from Echuca.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said, “This new native fish hatchery will mean more stocking of species that recreational fishers love to catch like Murray Cod and Golden Perch.
“By building new hatcheries we’re able to create important new jobs and build facilities which will support the industry long-term.”
The first stage of the hatchery will include 25 ponds and will grow around 1.6 million native fish fingerlings (1 gram each) each year including Murray Cod and Golden Perch. Native fish from the hatchery will be then stocked into more than 100 waterways throughout Victoria to recover native fisheries and create exciting recreational fishing opportunities.
The hatchery will include visitor facilities with a fish-out pond and other attractions.
The VFA have a 50% indigenous employment target for the new hatchery, which is expected to employ up to 20 people.
