 |
Ref:531/03 |
|
|
 |
AUSTRALIA
- Feb 5, 2003 |
|
|
|
All go for Arno Harbour |
|
|
|
After two
years of studies, planning, wrangling with red tape and
seeking finance, Arno Bay's commercial boat harbour will
proceed after the State Government announced earlier this
week it will give the Cleve District Council $250,000 in
grant funding and a loan of $250,000 for the project.
Minister for Industry and Investment Kevin Foley announced
the funding allocation on Tuesday, which adds to the
$600,000 the Federal Government promised in August 2001,
$150,000 in up front fees for berth tenure and $290,000
allocated from council.
The Cleve District Council has been waiting on a decision
from the State Government on a funding allocation since 2001
and is pleased the finances are finally arranged so the
project can finally go ahead.
"We're very grateful for the Government commitments and
delighted that after two years of studies, planning and red
tape, we can get on with the job," council chief executive
Frank Gillings said.
"This will complete the three key items of infrastructure
necessary for aquaculture to succeed at Arno Bay, those
being the hatchery, the sea cage sites and suitable harbour
facilities.
"There will now be room and scope for other operators to
locate at Arno Bay."
The council expects other support and service industries
will soon establish in the region and Mr Gillings said a
fish processing plant, which will bring further employment,
is possible in the longer term.
The council was also very grateful for the involvement of
the Stehr Group of Companies.
"If it wasn't for this company's confidence in the region
and their investment at Arno Bay, none of this would be
happening."
Minister Foley said the new harbour facility was essential
to support the State's rapidly developing fin-fish industry
and will also impact positively on Eyre Peninsula's economy
and the Arno Bay community.
"The Government is keen to support the initiatives of the
private sector and local government in developing the
fin-fish industry by contributing to the upgrading of the
harbour."
Clean Seas Aquaculture manager Stephen Bedford Clark said
his company was pleased the announcement has finally been
made.
"Tremendous is a good word to use I think," he said.
"Due to everyone pulling together – Federal, State and Local
governments – it's only going to benefit everyone."
He said he understood work on the harbour would begin as
soon as possible and has come right at the time the company
is undergoing a major expansion.
Mr Gillings said as council has already received expressions
of interest, tenders could be sought and a decision on the
successful tenderer made by the end of the month.
"It's been a long, drawn out process and we're looking
forward to getting some work done on the ground." |
|
|
|
