Rockhampton/Gladstone aquaculture development area

The Rockhampton region is considered a good split between the aquaculture of Queensland northern and southern fish species, particularly in relation to outdoor pond aquaculture all year round. However, this does not prevent farms trying to circumvent this with heated nursery systems and targeted outdoor pond culture during warmer months. This area is also suitable for prawns.

Location snapshot

Name

• Rockhampton/Raglan Creek

Local government

• Rockhampton/Gladstone

Note: Area east of Raglan Creek is within the Gladstone region.

ADA size

• 1,430ha on 25 (main) land parcels

Water access

• Potential creek access (Raglan, Inkerman Creeks) for intake/discharge

Examples of potential aquaculture species

• Marine prawns (black tiger and banana prawns)
• Barramundi
• Marine finfish (e.g. groper and cod, cobia, threadfin, mulloway, mullet species)

Note: Outdoor pond farming of barramundi is possible; however temperature conditions (south of Rockhampton) may be too cold to successfully farm barramundi, or other northern species.

Further information

• Approximately 45km south of Rockhampton CBD; 50km north-west of Gladstone (approximately 45km from Rockhampton or Gladstone airport).
• Next to Bruce Highway (major highway) and North Coast railway line.
• Sections of Raglan Creek includes high ecological value waters and fish habitat area—management A area and should be avoided for intake/discharge of water.
• Water quality/quantity to supply a farm from top of Raglan Creek (upstream of fish habitat area—management A area) or from Inkerman Creek may require assessment.
• Surrounding regulated vegetation (category B—remnant vegetation and small sections of category R—reef-regrowth watercourse vegetation).
• Sections adjacent to the north and south-east of the site include important breeding habitat for the Capricorn yellow chat bird. Development should be located to avoid impacts on such habitat.
• North-west sections of site partially located within the protected plants flora survey trigger map.
• Most of site located within coastal management district—any coastal hazard risks may need to be mitigated.

View a map of the Rockhampton/Gladstone ADA.