A purpose-built storage and processing facility that opened today at Augusta Boat Harbour will allow the world’s first commercial greenlip abalone sea ranching business to meet growing international demand for the ocean-grown delicacy.
Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan today officially opened Ocean Grown Abalone’s (OGA) new building, which was supported with a $485,000 contribution from the McGowan Government.
Built to export standards, the facility unlocks growth opportunities for the business by allowing it to process greater amounts of its locally-harvested product.
The old processing facility experienced bottlenecks, restricting the volumes divers could bring back.
Streamlining processes and the utilisation of new technology will result in additional value-added lines for retail and food services in both Australia and export markets being introduced.
In particular, the ability to deliver abalone straight from the ocean to live tanks onsite will unlock opportunities for OGA to increase live abalone for the export market.
The facility includes closed-circuit seawater holding tanks, a holding freezer and chiller room.
The construction of the building was led by South West firm Big Ben Builders, which provided local employment and subcontract opportunities.
The State Government provided funding towards the new facility through its Regional Economic Development Grants, Grants for Asian Market Export, and Value Add Agribusiness Investment Attraction Fund.
