Helping People Achieve (HPA) has joined forces with local businessShorelands to assist in the construction of four artificial reefs as part ofthe Territory Governments $50 million recreational fishing investment.
Three staff members from HPA have been engaged, as the only AustralianDisability Enterprise in the Top End, to undertake welding on the man-made reefstructures.
The structures, which replicate natural reef habitats on the seafloor, create new habitats, increase fish populations and enhance theproductivity of fish stocks and are setting a new standard for the NorthernTerritory.
With over three quarters of the 116 planned modulescomplete, the construction of the artificial reefs is ahead of schedule and willbe deployed into the harbour next month.
Early deployment will provide a further boost to recreationalfishing, with fishos likely to notice benefits soon after deployment.
With a lifespan of up to 100 years, the full potential of the fourstructures will only continue to increase until they are fully establishedwhich is estimated to take several years.
Quotesfrom Minister for Primary Industries and Resources, Paul Kirby:
With HPA assisting in the delivery of this project ahead ofschedule we are not only supporting local Territorians with disabilities with meaningfuljob outcomes, but are also receiving a high quality product.
Its fantastic to see Shorelands team up with HPA forconstruction of these reefs which, as part of our $50 million investment intorecreational fishing, will only enhance the Top End fishing experience oncethey are deployed.
Quotesfrom HPA CEO, Tony Burns:
This partnership helps HPA achieve our vision, to inspire andempower people with disabilities, support our employees and residents as theydevelop confidence, independence and learn life skills.
Being contracted to assist on a large-scale project like thishelps us offer our staff opportunities to lead a fulfilling everyday life in aworld where there are no barriers, making a lasting impact on an excitingproject.
Quotesfrom Shorelands, ArthurHamilton:
Shorelands and HPAhave a long working history and is proud to work with a dynamic company withmodern thinking processes.
More constructioncompanies should consider HPA for quality work on fabrication jobs, it assiststheir employees build their skills and achieve greater goals and well beconsidering them on all jobs in the future.
