Aquaculture

The Rockhampton Region is home to Queensland’s largest aquaculture development areas and is poised to be a major aquaculture hub close to major transport and logistic options.

Aquaculture expected to play a pivotal role in providing the world's protein needs as the global population rises, and the Rockhampton Region has the facilities and environment to support the farming of a range of fish and aquatic plants.

Advancing Aquaculture in Rockhampton

Aquaculture and the Rockhampton Region

The Rockhampton Region is home to the Fitzroy Delta, covering more than 70,000 hectares (700 square kilometres) and is well regarded for its barramundi and king threadfin salmon population.

A number of Aquaculture Development Areas have been identified in the Rockhampton Region, south of the city around Bajool and Mamor, which are a short distance from the Port of Rockhampton (previously known as Port Alma Shipping Terminal).

Combined with Rockhampton's international capable runway, excellent connectivity via road and rail and strong agricultural heritage, the Rockhampton Region is an ideal location for any businesses seeking to take advantage of the growing aquaculture industry.

Aquaculture Opportunities in the Rockhampton Region

The Rockhampton Region is ideal for the production of:

  • Saltwater Species - Black Tiger Prawns, Barramundi, Cobia (Black Kingfish), Queensland Groper, Sea Cucumbers, Artemia (Brine Shrimp)
  • Freshwater Species - Redclaw, Jade Perch, Freshwater Eels
  • Aquatic Plants - Commercial Seaweed, Algae

Production of these species has the potential for a more advanced circular economy to be enabled, linking potential products such as seaweed fertilisers, seaweed based livestock feed or algae based protein supplements to the Rockhampton Region’s various agricultural supply chains.

Why is aquaculture important?

Data from the Queensland Government shows the aquaculture industry continuing to grow, now contributing $263.2 million to the state's economy as of 2022-23 and employing more than 850 people. 

The value of aquaculture in Queensland has more than doubled in the space of a decade, increasing an average of 7.8% each year since 2000.

As the world seeks new sources of protein, the Rockhampton Region is an ideal location to support aquaculture developments and produce high-quality seafood for export around Australia and the globe.

Source: Ross Lobegeiger report to farmers: Aquaculture production summary for Queensland 2022-23

How can Advance Rockhampton help?

Advance Rockhampton is keen to open discussions with businesses that can either work directly within the aquaculture industry, or adapt a part of their business to service the sector.

Our Economic Development Unit can assist by providing the following support:

  • Business to business connections
  • Development and planning advice
  • Economic impact modelling
  • Investment and site tours
  • Solutions brokering
  • Tailored data

 

Rockhampton Aquaculture Centre

Rockhampton Regional Council has provided funding for the Rockhampton Aquaculture Centre, based at Rockhampton State High School. The program aims to release up to 3,000 barramundi fingerlings each year, supporting local tourism and incentivising students to take up careers within this growing industry.

In November 2024, Advance Rockhampton joined stocking associations and students for the first release of Aquaculture Centre barramundi into the Fitzroy River. The school plans to double its stocking capacity in 2025 and begin offering a Certificate II in Aquaculture to its students.

 

Contact Advance Rockhampton

Advance Rockhampton Economic Development team

Contact the Advance Rockhampton team to discuss aquaculture and agricultural opportunities within the Rockhampton Region.

Phone: + 61 7 4936 8282
Email: advancerockhampton@rrc.qld.gov.au

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