First Territory NAIF Project Complete

The Territory’s first North Australia Infrastructure Fund (NAIF) project is now complete, with Humpty Doo Barramundi’s new salt water Barramundi grow out ponds now operational.

Today, Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Paul Kirby toured the new expanded facilities at Humpty Doo Barramundi.

In May 2018 Humpty Doo Barramundi became the first Northern Territory company, and Australia’s first family owned and operated business to be awarded a NAIF loan worth $7.18 million.

The loan assisted Humpty Doo Barramundi in constructing their new grow out facilities; part of a project making Australia self-sufficient in barramundi supplies. The project also included the construction of a specialised world class barramundi nursery to reduce bird predation and improve the care of juvenile Barramundi, a first for the Northern Territory.

This new development has allowed Humpty Doo Barramundi to double their staffing numbers to 100 employees, with a further 20 jobs in the trades and construction of the project.

Today’s NAIF completion project follows the announcement the $400 million ship lift will be built in the Territory with the confirmation of a $300 million NAIF loan, along with the Darwin CBD becoming further revitalised through the announcement of a $150 million conditional NAIF loan to Charles Darwin University for their city campus.

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Michael Gunner:

“Ongoing local jobs is important for the Territory to succeed, along with private investment and innovative thinking. Congratulations to Humpty Doo Barramundi for completing their new salt water Barramundi grow out ponds and becoming the first in the NT to construct a specialised world class barramundi nursery.

“This project is now supporting 100 local jobs, with a further 20 during construction, allowing Humpty Doo Barramundi to double their staffing numbers from 50 to 100.

“The NAIF announcements this week including, Charles Darwin University City Campus and the long awaited commitment to the $400 million ship lift, position the Territory as the capital of Northern Australia, which means more business opportunities, meaning more local permanent jobs.”

Quotes attributed to Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Paul Kirby:

“Humpty Doo Barramundi is a premium local business, and the largest commercial barramundi farm in Australia. Receiving a NAIF loan is recognition of them and the Territory as a leading supplier of premium saltwater farmed barramundi.

“Creating local ongoing jobs is important to the Territory Labor Government and it’s important to see the fishing sector doing our part to keep local Territorians employed.”

/Public Release. View in full here.