GALLERY | New prawn farm already looking to future

PRAWNS IN PICTURES




It was a gala occasion as Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture’s Mossman prawn farm was officially opened today which was highlighted by Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner saying he would like to see Queensland become seafood capital of the world.

With representation from all levels of government, the farm was officially opened by Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu.

And in a further boost for the area, Noel Herbst – the owner and founder of Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture – revealed that his company would be expanding in the area over the next few years with plans to build a hatchery and processing facility.

Furner said the global aquaculture industry was valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars, and Queensland was well placed to take advantage of the opportunities on offer.

“Overseas, aquaculture is rapidly overtaking the wild caught fishery in value.

“In Queensland the industry is valued at $120 million, with the production of prawns making up the lion’s share of this figure and this is why I would like to see Queensland be a world leader,” he said.

In thanking the Herbst family for bringing the business to the shire, Warren Entsch, Federal Member for Leichhardt, said although tourism was a key component of the local economy but primarily Port Douglas-focused, Mossman was built on agriculture and this should not be overlooked.

“This is a significant piece of news and will be key to the area. Full marks to the Herbst family who put their money where their mouth is and have produced a first class product,” said Entsch.

Leu reiterated that agriculture is a major part of the economy adding she was looking forward to further plans.

The organisers of this celebration did not miss a beat and provided a large spread which included an abundance of prawns, among other seafood items.    

The farm is the most northern prawn farm in Australia. With warmer pond water coming out of winter means that it is typically the first Black Tiger Prawn farm in Australia to start harvesting in November and the farm with the largest sized prawns at Christmas.

This farm is an important supplier of fresh prawns for the Christmas market and delivers to supermarket chains such as Coles, IGA and Costco.

Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture is one of the largest black tiger prawn farming companies in Australia with an annual production capacity of 1,000 tonnes.

The original farm was founded on Cane land at the mouth of the Logan River, South East Queensland by Noel Herbst in 1986. It remains a family-owned business.


SEE ALL THE FUN FROM THE OPENING HERE: 

Warren Entsch, the Federal Member for Leichhardt, addresses the large crowd who attended the opening of the prawn farm in Mossman.
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu officially opens the prawn farm along with an aerial shot of the plant.
Noel Herbst, owner of Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture, at today's opening of the prawn farm near Mossman.
From left to right, Noel Herbst, Warren Entsch, Peter Regeling (project manager of the farm) and state minister Mark Furner about to enjoy the prawns.
The impressive spread which included prawns and other seafood items.


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