Media Release

Wednesday, 11 November 2009

Farmers and investors are invited to take part in information sessions in both Swan Hill and Mildura regarding the open water Murray Cod aquaculture industry development plan.

Council's Economic Development Manager Jo-Ann Collyer said the sessions would provide an overview of open water Murray Cod aquaculture including the process, market information, the industry development plan, research and development and how participants can be involved.

“Murray Cod is a highly-marketable fish species and has a number of qualities that appeal - not least its eating qualities for the health conscious, with a low to medium fat content, high omega-3 fatty acid profile and an overall pleasing appearance when served as a whole or filleted fish,” Ms Collyer said.

“Although in its infancy, the open water Murray Cod Aquaculture Industry provides the opportunity for farmers and investors to further diversify and could be a significant new industry for our region.”

Both the Swan Hill and Mildura information sessions will include a summary of the Victorian Open Water Murray Cod Industry Development Plan and site visits to see first hand how the Murray Cod is grown.

The Swan Hill information session will take place on Monday, 23 November from 11am until 2pm at Andrew Peace Winery, while the Mildura event will take place on Thursday, 10 December from 11am to 2pm at Restaurant Delice, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE.

The Victoria Open Water Murray Cod Aquaculture Industry Development Plan is a joint project of the Swan Hill Rural City Council, Mildura Rural City Council, Mildura Development Corporation, Regional Development Victoria, Department of Primary Industries and Industry.

The cost for each event is $25 and includes lunch and refreshments.

For more information or to register, please contact Council's Economic Development Officer Claire Oswin on 5032 3033 or coswin@swanhill.vic.gov.au.