- Local business Colab Construction Pty Ltd awarded tender to upgrade Albany Shellfish Hatchery facilities
- Cook Government investing $3.6 million to support future growth of WA shellfish industry
- Hatchery expansion project to support local jobs and aquaculture development
Albany business Colab Construction Pty Ltd has been awarded the tender to expand the Albany Shellfish Hatchery to help grow Western Australia’s shellfish industry.
The Cook Government has invested $3.6 million in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s hatchery expansion which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The Albany Shellfish Hatchery is the leading producer of shellfish spat in WA, providing juvenile oysters and akoya to the shellfish sector for industry trials and expansion projects.
Demand from commercial operators has increased steadily since the hatchery opened in December 2017, and the upgrades will secure the supply of oyster spat into the future.
The hatchery expansion project includes the construction of new laboratories and spat grading facilities, as well as additional nursery space for the production of juvenile rock oysters.
A new greenhouse will also be added and the indoor algae production expanded to be able to feed young oysters in the new nursery. The expansion works are expected to get underway mid-year.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
“The Cook Government’s investment in upgrades to the Albany Shellfish Hatchery will support the WA shellfish industry to continue to develop and grow, diversifying regional economies and creating new employment opportunities.
“Aquaculture is the world’s fastest growing food production sector and this investment will help the oyster aquaculture industry capitalise on increasing market demand for edible oysters, including rock oysters and akoya.
“Investing in regional infrastructure projects generates local employment and supports local businesses, and I was pleased to hear Albany-based Colab Construction Pty Ltd has been awarded the tender to complete the hatchery upgrades.”
