New Mid-West live lobster facility provides boost for region and the State

11/11/02
A new $3.5million live lobster facility located in Dongara will play an important role in reinforcing Western Australia's reputation as a world leader in ecologically sustainable fisheries management.
The state-of-the-art facility was built by the MG Kailis Group and officially opened by Fisheries Minister Kim Chance at the weekend.
It boasts significant advancements in product handling and will allow the company to be more competitive and better equipped to handle live lobster due to its proximity to the ocean.
Mr Chance said the facility set a new standard internationally for a live lobster operation and, apart from its commercial importance, would also play educational and tourism roles within the Dongara/Port Denison communities.
"Forty years ago the MG Kailis Group started operating in Dongara and today it is one of the fishing industry's biggest employers, 80 of whom are based in this Mid-West fishing centre," he said.
"The commitment to sustainability by rock lobster fishermen in this area and the MG Kailis Group has played a big role in the industry's recognition internationally as a world leader in sustainable fisheries management.
"The commissioning of this new facility demonstrates continued commitment by a leader in the private sector to the lobster industry and regional Western Australia."
Mr Chance said the Irwin Shire Council and professional fishermen who had worked towards the establishment of such a facility for many years should also be congratulated for their commitment and vision.
"Another feature that makes this facility unique is that it will double as a tourist attraction - the first of its kind in WA - and will also be used as an educational resource to showcase the industry's commitment to environmentally sustainable management," he said.
The Minister stressed the need to ensure WA's reputation as a clean, green and reliable supplier of quality product to the world and the boost this gave to the State's economy.
The West Coast Rock Lobster fishery sustains about 2,000 full-time jobs, with another 6,000 people employed in processing, pot building and associated service industries.
Almost nine million kilograms of product were landed during the 2001-02 season, with an estimated value to the State of about $300million.
Minister's office: 9213 6700