Five sites named for game changing Darwin seafood processing facility

FIVE sites have been identified as the potential location to build a groundbreaking seafood processing facility

Minister Manison and Katherine Winchester (Seafood Council chief executive) at the Frances Bay Mooring Basin announcing a new value-added initiative for the NT seafood industry. Photograph: Che Chorley

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FIVE sites have been identified as potential locations to build a groundbreaking Seafood Processing Facility.

The long talked about facility would improve access to new and existing seafood markets and could be a forerunner to a new business and hospitality precinct featuring restaurants, apartment living, retail space and offices.

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Three of the five sites are in Frances Bay at Gobi Desert, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Paspaley Group workboat site.

A green field site at East Arm and Darwin airport have also been identified.

The East Arm and Darwin International Airport sites have been identified as the best locations for site readiness.

The report recommends the potential facility should focus on black jewfish, barramundi (wild-caught), pearl meat, trepang and various other species that could be smoked or turned into high-end niche products.

NT Seafood Council chief executive officer Katherine Winchester said Territory seafood was high quality produce and the majority was sent to southern states for processing.

“This report is a key step towards Darwin having its own processing facility which will grow local businesses and jobs, maximise the value of our seafood,” she said.

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Agribusiness and Aquaculture Minister Nicole Manison said the facility would align with the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s Final Report and its recommendation to pursue opportunities for value-add manufacturing and processing of agriculture and seafood products. She said the NT’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries injected $136m into the economy each year, creating over 900 jobs and the report indicates an exciting future.