Thursday, August 14, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Proserpine Prawns Put Tassal At The Heart Of Community And Sustainability

Nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays, Tassal’s Proserpine prawn farm is proving to be much more than a seafood producer. It is a quiet local success story, combining innovation, sustainability, and a strong sense of community.

The farm, which supplies prawns across the country, is run by locals and focused on local impact. From jobs and training to environmental care and community partnerships, Tassal’s presence in Proserpine is making a meaningful difference.

Over the past year, Tassal has spent almost $55,000 supporting community groups, events and causes across the Whitsundays. This includes local associations such as the Whitsunday Brahman Rugby League, the Cannonvale Swimming Club, the Great Barrier Reef festival, the Whitsunday Show, the Proserpine Golf Club, and the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.

Tassal’s Manager – Stakeholder and Community Engagement, Courtney Quinn-McCabe, said the company’s community support in the Whitsundays was about giving back in a way that built real, lasting value.

“We believe that when industry and community work side by side, we can achieve much more,” she said. “Our support is about more than sponsorship. It is about helping local groups grow, creating opportunities, and building strong, long-term relationships in the communities where we live and work.”

Tassal has developed a water efficiency plan specifically for its Proserpine site. This is part of a broader approach to responsible aquaculture that includes automated pond aeration, AI-based feeding systems, and real-time water quality monitoring. These tools allow the farm to reduce waste, care for animal health, and ensure long-term sustainability.

The company is also committed to creating jobs in the region. Tassal prefers to hire locally where possible and provides career development opportunities through structured training and leadership programs. It is not uncommon to hear stories of workers who joined as juniors and are now leading teams or mentoring others.

“Our team is part of this community,” Ms Quinn-McCabe said. “We live here, we work here, and we want to see the Whitsundays thrive.”

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