Fish hatchery is the right snag for region

The Arcadia fish hatchery is another example of a big project that has flown under the radar in Greater Shepparton.It’s similar to another upcoming big-money development just a few kilometres up the road at Emerald Bank: the Museum of Vehicle Evolution.Like MOVE, the fish hatchery was a challenging project to flaunt when it was waiting on funding just to get the sod turned.The first stage will cost $7 million, consist of 32 ponds and grow more than 1.5 million fish per year, including Murray cod and golden perch.Once stage one is completed the facility will employ 20 people, including a 50 per cent indigenous workforce. Plus, the project will be built by Shepparton company APEX Earthworks.Victorian Fishing and Boating Minister Melissa Horne at last week’s sod turning said construction would start soon and the facility should be operational by the end of the year.At the sod turning, there were hopes to further develop it into a tourism spot and also expand it by 32 more ponds on the 170 ha Ross Rd property.It was revealed that it could cost $3 million to build a “modest tourism facility” and it would explore the indigenous culture of the region.Much of this is still subject to further funding. However, even the economic impact of a fully operational stage one will be huge for Victorian waterways.The Victorian Government is heavily promoting its Target One Million program, which aims to get one million anglers out on Victorian waters.The government has committed roughly $35 million to its Target One Million program and knows that, for it to be successful, continual investment in the Arcadia fish hatchery is an important step forward.Essentially if the government wants to promote and grow fishing, then it needs the most important thing to be in the water: the fish.Without the Arcadia fish hatchery much of this work couldn’t be done.Thankfully, we can not only feel included but be leaders in the regeneration of Victorian waterways.If there is a chance to develop it even further, let’s hope this Victorian Government and future governments continue to ensure the Arcadia fish hatchery becomes and remains the biggest and best in the country.