New Council briefed on aquaculture reforms by Environment Waikato staff

Exciting future seen in finfish farming and other forms of aquaculture currently not allowed

New Thames-Coromandel District Councillors have been told in a special briefing at their inaugural Council meeting that aquaculture developments currently being proposed for the Hauraki Gulf offer the potential to dramatically increase jobs and regional GDP.

Environment Waikato chief executive officer Bob Laing and key staff related to aquaculture development and management outlined a rosy future for the industry once new rules were in place and TCDC needed to be considering now what it needs to do to facilitate this growth.

TCDC chief executive Steve Ruru said a report had been prepared about future infrastructure options related to wharfage and land-based activities and this would be considered by the new Council in the near future.