Redland City Council has moved a step closer to cultivating an aquaculture industry after council called for a feasibility report at Wednesday’s General Meeting.
The city-wife study will evaluate untapped potential for aquaculture with findings tabled in March, ahead of the election.
Division 5 councillor Mark Edwards, who asked for the report, said being on the bay was an ideal spot for an aquaculture industry.
Cr Edwards said council was approached by two businesses and he hoped the report would assess land-based and water-based businesses.
“We need to know what industries may be possible, the infrastructure required to support these, their level of community support and whether there is sufficient business interest to make aquaculture a viable local industry.”
The decision followed a plea in September by Cr Craig Ogilvie to investigate partnerships with an existing aquaculture business on council land.
Cr Ogilvie said aquaculture was an industry of the future suited to Redland.
"Our economic profile is dominated by construction and service industries and we need to develop Redland-based jobs in other sectors,” he said.
“Our rural areas and old chook sheds at Indigiscapes are ideal for tank aquaculture which employs lots of people.
“We need to be mindful that marine based aquaculture has possible negative impacts on the environment and will probably be regulated by the State Government but all options should be on the table.”
A councillor workshop will be held next month before the March report.
