One of the world’s largest suppliers of barramundi is based at Werribee, and there are plans to expand operations ten-fold.
Mainstream Aquaculture has started a $55 million expansion, which, once complete, will create more than 100 new jobs in the area.
The expansion will happen in two stages, stage one including the construction of a new production centre at the company’s Lock Avenue site, which is expected to be operational in the next five months.
A second plant, at an as-yet unknown site, is on the cards for stage two, with work tipped to start in September 2018.
Once works are done, the business will produce 1500 tonnes of barramundi for the domestic and international fish markets – 10 times its current production.
Mainstream Aquaculture managing director Boris Musa said the business already produces 30 per cent of the world’s barramundi.
Mr Musa said he is keen for the second plant to be close to its Werribee headquarters.
“What we are doing is truly on the frontier,” Mr Musa said.
“We’re revolutionising the supply of premium protein to Australians, and I think, ultimately, to the world.
“I think this is going to be a very profitable – socially and economically – partnership between us.”
Werribee MP Tim Pallas would not confirm exactly how much the state government has put in to the project, saying only that “it’s in the vicinity of about $1 million”.
“If you’re eating barramundi at a restaurant, chances are it’s come from this location, where the stock has been bred and developed and then exported to the world,” he said.
“I’m thrilled you’ve [invested] in this community.”
