Regulatory milestone marked for Project Sea Dragon after awarding of aquaculture licence

THE $1.45 billion Project Sea Dragon has been given a aquaculture licence for the Legune Station operation

Seafarms Group will be farming these types of black tiger prawns for its Project Sea Dragon.

THE $1.45 billion Project Sea Dragon has been given a aquaculture licence for the Legune Station operation.

The prawn aquaculture project will see the development of up to 10,000 ha of land for black tiger prawn production facilities.

Legune Station is near the Western Australia/Northern Territory border.

Once operational, it will be the largest of its kind in Australia.

The aquaculture license is a key regulatory milestone. Chief Minister Michael Gunner said Project Sea Dragon is the kind of major project the NT needs.

“It will create up to 1500 jobs, and it diversifies the Territory’s economy by delivering a new industry for Australia,” he said.

“We have already invested over $56 million in roads that will help support this massive job-creating project.

“Seafarms has already committed to working with and providing opportunities for Territory businesses to bid for work in the construction and ongoing operation of the project. This will be a great opportunity for Territory businesses.”

Primary Industry Minister Ken Vowles said primary industry will play a big role in the economic development of Northern Australia and Project Sea Dragon is a big part of that.

Seafarms managing director Dr Chris Mitchell said securing the aquaculture licence is a major achievement and the result of a “massive amount of work” undertaken over many years by the Seafarms team and our consultants.”

“The Government has provided continued strong support for Project Sea Dragon as highlighted by their investment in public access roads in support of number of key Project Sea Dragon facilities,” he said.

Seafarms has committed to relocating its headquarters to Darwin.