A large-scale native fish hatchery will be able to expand its grow out facilities, increasing production and ramping up supply of live and chilled fish to local and international markets, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said a $140,000 grant will help Uarah Fisheries to build a larger holding pond to grow-out fish fingerlings to commercial size, creating seven full-time jobs for the Riverina region.
Ms Cooke said this project will enable the Narrandera based business to construct an additional grow-out pond adjacent to its hatchery and this will boost fingerlings capacity and increase the fish available for sale by 100 tonnes.
“The larger pond will hold fingerlings for up to two years, and when they reach 1kg they are sold to private farms, commercial businesses, overseas markets, and NSW, Victorian and ACT Governments’ fish restocking programs,” Ms Cooke said.
“Operating for more than 40 years, Uarah Fisheries is a major producer of Australian native freshwater fish and this funding will ensure it has the capacity to meet the increasing local and international demand for its Murray Cod and perch varieties.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund aims to create 5,000 new direct jobs in regional NSW by providing incentives to expand and keep operations in regional areas.
“Regional NSW is the engine room of the state and providing support to companies like Uarah Fisheries to expand their operations helps to stimulate regional economies, boost livelihoods and provide local employment,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This fund allows businesses to fast-track their growth plans, expand their operations and creates a solid base for job creation now and into the future.
“Setting businesses up for success helps the local community grow, as new jobs mean more people earning a wage and spending their pay packets in local stores, cafes, restaurants and on local services.”
The Regional Job Creation Fund supports eligible businesses with grants to purchase new equipment, expand facilities, create new production lines or establish businesses in regional NSW.
The Regional Job Creation Fund has now closed. For more information, go to: investregionalnsw.com/RJCFund.
