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Latrobe City aquaculture attracts international attention

Aquaculture in Latrobe City came under the international spotlight recently when five officials from the Ocean and Fisheries Bureau of Jiangsu Province in China visited.

By Latrobe City Council - 17th September 2003 - Back to News

Based in Nanjing, the officials were hosted by the Gippsland Aquaculture Industry Network (GAIN) and Latrobe City, and toured and inspected various local facilities.

Latrobe City is home to several aquaculture operations and according to Invest Latrobe Investment Manager, Leo Billington, is an attractive showcase for an industry increasingly interested in advancing international industry exchanges in aquaculture.

Chairperson of the Gippsland Aquaculture Industry Network, Tony McLennan, said the officials also visited Latrobe to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will forge the joint transfer of knowledge and technology directly associated with aquaculture.

"This historic signing, witnessed by Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss, will now pave the way for more exchanges using our combined knowledge and expertise," Mr McLennan said.

"Officials from Jiangsu Province have visited Gippsland before and realise the benefits of co-operation for China and Australia in sharing knowledge about aquaculture," he said.

Mr Billington said that during the deputation’s visit, the officials were taken to three aquaculture enterprises in Latrobe City.

"In Traralgon, they inspected a small commercial Murray Cod pilot breeding and grow-out facility which is well on the way to being developed into a larger operation," Mr Billington explained.

"The visitors then visited Walter Gardin’s property at Churchill to see a high intensity Yabbie growing hatchery and grow-out enterprise which they indicated really impressed them.

"The Boolarra Fish Farm hosted the final part of their visit. Being Australia’s largest Goldfish breeder, there was plenty to see, and the officials took keen interest in the Mexican Walking Fish," Mr Billington added.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss, said aquaculture is one of the fastest growing industries in Victoria and provides a range of products for both the domestic and overseas markets.

"With the growing worldwide demand for clean, fresh food, Victoria is in a strong position to market its superior food and agricultural products to the global community, and with a sustainable environment and high level of expertise already existing in the local aquaculture industry, Latrobe City is well placed to take advantage of this demand," Cr Middlemiss added.

Mr McLennan said the visit to Latrobe City followed meetings in Melbourne with government agencies including Austrade and the Department of Primary Industry.

"The exchange was very successful and enables us to continue developing our vital aquaculture industry," Mr McLennan concluded.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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