Ocean Beach Gets $2.2M For Aquaculture
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- Coalition Government invests $2.2 million to develop Southland’s aquaculture centre of excellence.
- Ocean Beach expansion includes farming pods, training facilities, and workforce accommodation.
- Project aligns with New Zealand's $3 billion aquaculture sales target by 2035.
Ocean Beach is celebrating a $2.2 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), marking a major milestone in Southland’s journey towards becoming a leader in sustainable aquaculture. This funding, announced by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, supports a $6.3 million project to enhance the site near Bluff, transforming it into a hub for aquaculture innovation.
“When fully operational, Ocean Beach will provide emerging aquaculture businesses with the infrastructure they need to produce, distribute and export their products, teach the skills needed in the sector and provide a place to invest in aquaculture,” said Mr Jones.
The upgrades will include expanded land-based farming pods, training and research facilities, accommodation for the workforce, and tourism amenities. Additionally, essential electrical network updates and repairs to historic site buildings will take place. These changes aim to boost shared services for businesses and foster economic growth in Southland.
“Ocean Beach is the gateway to Bluff. Its clear waters, cool climate, and thousands of kilometres of coastline will help make it a world-class aquaculture centre of excellence and the largest of its kind in New Zealand,” Mr Jones added.
The project supports the Coalition Government’s ambition to grow New Zealand’s aquaculture industry to $3 billion in sales by 2035. “This project met the strict criteria we have put in place for the RIF through its focus on enabling infrastructure. Aquaculture is a key priority for Southland, and backing it through the RIF supports our goal to reach $3 billion in sales by 2035,” Mr Jones explained.
Blair Wolfgram, Managing Director of Ocean Beach, expressed enthusiasm for the development’s potential. “With the RIF support, we’ll be able to reinforce Ocean Beach’s position as a centre where emerging aquaculture businesses can grow, learn, and sell their product from the heart of Bluff,” he said.
The investment also aligns with Southland’s broader economic vision. Chami Abeysinghe, CEO of Great South, highlighted its potential to create jobs, attract investments, and enhance the local economy.
The funding announcement coincided with Mr Jones’s visit to Southland for the Regional Growth Summit. He emphasised the importance of collaboration to ensure investments benefit the entire region. “The summits have been invaluable for getting conversations going about regional priorities, leveraging investments and strategies, and finding out where our priorities align so we can work together to maximise our investments for the good of a region,” Mr Jones said.
Ocean Beach is poised to become a world-class hub for aquaculture, blending sustainability and innovation with tourism and hospitality to enrich Southland’s economy and solidify its global reputation.