According to the Eyre Peninsula Ports Master Plan the fishing fleet is based at the main wharf but commercial operations at the wharf take priority, which poses a threat to the commercial fishing industry given its lack of a secure tenure. The plan also states that the need to relocate the fleet to the old BHP site for a purpose-built facility for the fishing industry’s berthing, loading and unloading to allow further growth and security.
The plan, presented to the Port Lincoln City Council at a meeting this week. It also recognises that limited wharf space will become an even bigger issue as local fishing and aquaculture industries continue to grow. As per the plan a possible expansion of tuna production could occur should the current project to close the lifecycle of the southern bluefin tuna production in captivity be successful. A significant level of infrastructure, including loading and unloading wharf space, is top urgent according to plan.
Eyre Regional Development Board chief executive officer Mark Cant informed that the board is now working with the fishing industry to get a commitment to one of the options for its future loading and unloading facilities, and vessel storage at Proper Bay. He told that the plan includes three options for funding the fishing facility: the current owner of the land, Flinders Ports and the fishing industry but the fishing industry is seen as an unlikely contributor.
