Our local prawn farm is expanding its operations and once construction is complete, it will be responsible for producing almost half the farmed prawns in Queensland.
Last year, the total Queensland aquaculture production of prawns was 8,728 tonnes and once operational, the new upgraded facility will produce an additional 3,650 tonnes.
This will effectively increase the overall farmed prawn production in the state by roughly one third.
Due to begin by mid-2024, the Stage 4 expansion will be located at the existing facility between the Gregory River and Eden Lassie Creek, Edgecumbe Bay.
The expanded facility will provide for an additional 210 hectares of production ponds located immediately to the south of the existing ponds, utilising the existing intake and discharge infrastructure.
In addition, approximately 59 hectares of water treatment ponds and supporting infrastructure are proposed to be built as part of the project.
“The scale of the proposed Stage 4 is considered significant at the local, regional and state levels, and will supply the growing demand for sustainably produced protein,” said a spokesperson for De Costi Seafoods.
The company has already obtained the relevant planning and environmental approvals from both the Queensland Government and Local Government for Stage 4 of the project.
Final Federal approval is expected to be obtained early in 2024.
Stage 4 of Proserpine Prawn Farm will be underway next year. Photo credit: Declan Durrant
