Whyalla Secondary College

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is seeking written submissions on the below application received from Whyalla Secondary College for a new land-based aquaculture licence under the Aquaculture Act 2001.

A draft licence certificate containing draft conditions can be found on the aquaculture public register by searching the licence number (AQ00499) and clicking on the licence document link. Note these conditions are draft only and may be subject to change.

Also see information regarding land-based licence holder responsibilities.

Location

The aquaculture activity is proposed to be undertaken on a portion of land located across Certificate of Title Volume 6108 Folio 130, in Whyalla, South Australia.

Species

The application proposes to farm multiple species for market sale, growing in aquaria for teaching, or growing in aquaria for a breeding release program. Species include:

• Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) - Market sale
• Australian Bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) - Market sale
• Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) - Market sale
• Sleepy Cod (Oxyeleotris lineaolata) - Market sale
• Barcoo Grunter (Scortum barcoo) - Market sale
• Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua) - Market sale
• Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) - Market sale
• Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) - Market sale
• Bristlenose Catfish (Ancistrus spp.) - Aquaria for teaching
• Eel-tailed Catfish (Tandanus tandanus) - Aquaria for teaching
• Macrobrachium Shrimp (Macrobrachium australis) - Aquaria for teaching
• Common Yabbie (Cherax destructor) - Aquaria for teaching
• Purple Spotted Gudgeon (Mogurnda adspersa) - Aquaria for breeding release program

Farming structures

The application proposes to farm the above species using tanks and aquariums in a recirculating aquaculture system.

Assessment

PIRSA's licence assessment process includes the completion of an Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) risk assessment, which is based on a National ESD Framework underpinned by the Australia and New Zealand Standard for risk management.

During this assessment, up to 36 risk events (depending on the application) at both site and regional scales are assessed against the likelihood of an event, and the consequence of such an event. This results in an overall risk rating and an understanding of the potential impact of the proposed activity.

Feedback received through written submissions is considered as part of the application assessment.

Providing feedback

Send written submissions regarding the application by post to:

Fisheries and Aquaculture
Department of Primary Industries and Regions
GPO Box 1625
Adelaide SA 5001

or via email to: pirsa.aquaculture@sa.gov.au

Submissions must be received by 5:00 pm on 4 April 2024.