Support for plans to establish marron/fish farm at Coolup

15/1/99

Plans to establish a marron/fish farm, including tourist chalets and caravan park, at Coolup in the Peel Region have been supported by the State Government.

Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan said the State Government had agreed to provide $23,618 towards the cost of headworks associated with the project.

Mr Cowan said the proposal had a number of potential benefits for the area, generating commercial activity in the areas of aquaculture and tourism.

He said the proponent, HNH Grazing Company, had run a beef farm for the past 27 years and was now looking to diversify operations.

"HNH estimates around 18 people will be employed in the building stage, with up to six direct and 30 indirect jobs created when the fish farm is established," the Minister said.

Assistance has been awarded under the Department of Commerce and Trade's Regional Headworks Development Scheme.

The headworks scheme was introduced in 1996 to assist regional businesses pay headworks charges associated with water, power, gas, sewerage, drainage and telecommunications establishment costs.

The funds would initially be provided as an interest-free loan, converting to a grant after the facility had been in operation for two years.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595