$8m marina planned for near Point Lowly, Whyalla, as Clean Seas edges closer to turning kingfish farm bid into reality

Seafood company Clean Seas will spend up to $8m building a marina at Whyalla to support a new kingfish farm.

A seafood company says it plans to spend up to $8m on a new marina near Whyalla, as its plan to farm kingfish in the area edges closer to reality.

Clean Seas has government approvals to set up a new aquaculture farm at Fitzgerald Bay, but also wants Whyalla Council’s approval to operate out of the Point Lowly Marina in the short term.

That plan has faced tough criticism from some locals and conservationists, who have raised concerns including worries about its potential effects on the giant Australian cuttlefish population.

A report to elected members this week says the company has set aside $500,000 for the first stage of its new marina, planned for land about 5km north of Point Lowly.

Giant cuttlefish at Stony Point on the Eyre Peninsula. Picture: Carl Charter / SATC

The company aims to have a new boat ramp complete by September 2022, allowing operations to be diverted away from Point Lowly except during bad weather.

The next phase includes a rock wall and loading area allowing access in all weather, so Clean Seas can leave the Point Lowly marina entirely, with a target date set for July 2024. Whyalla Council has previously knocked back the company’s bid to use the marina, which it manages on behalf of the State Government.

But this week’s report said the company was showing more commitment to compromise.

Nick Antonio, of the Cultana Jenkins Shackowners Association, is worried about potential safety issues associated with having a commercial operation near Point Lowly’s playground.

A Clean Seas kingfish farm. Picture: Supplied

The fisherman says locals will have reduced access to their marina, and has raised concerns about previous aquaculture operations in the area resulting in debris and dead fish in nets being left behind, along with infrastructure damage.

Clean Seas says its plan will cater for increased global demand for yellowtail kingfish, creating jobs for 70 people.

Chief executive Robert Gratton said the new marina would cost $6m-8m. He said about another $100,000 was needed for upgrades at the Point Lowly. Mr Gratton said Clean Seas had listened to locals’ concerns and its proposal included a lower level of usage and smaller vessels than its first bid, with the new marina eventually directing operations away from Point Lowly.

“We won’t be bringing any dirty nets through the Point Lowly facility nor would we bring in any harvested fish through that facility,” he said.

The council, Clean Seas and Government are negotiating an agreement for the company to use Point Lowly.

Whyalla councillors were last night due to discuss the issue at an informal meeting and could vote on whether to approve the plan as early as this month.

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Originally published as $8m marina planned for near Point Lowly, Whyalla, as Clean Seas edges closer to turning kingfish farm bid into reality