The Northern Territory Government has awarded a construction contract to build four artificial reefs, as part of its $50 million investment into recreational fishing infrastructure.
Helping People Achieve (HPA) and local business Shorelands will undertake welding to manufacture the reef structures.
NT Primary Industries and Resources Minister, Paul Kirby, said HPA is helping to support local Territorians with disabilities and also providing high-quality products.
“It’s fantastic to see Shorelands team up with HPA for construction of these reefs which, as part of our $50 million investment into recreational fishing, will only enhance the Top End fishing experience once they are deployed,” Kriby said.
These structures replicate the natural reef habitats on the sea floor, create new habitats, increase fish populations and enhance the productivity of fish stocks.
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Construction of the artificial reefs are ahead of schedule and expected to be deployed into the harbour next month.
The reefs, made up of 116 modules across four structure, will have a lifespan of up to 100 years and continue to increase until they are fully established after several years.
HPA CEO, Tony Burns, said the partnership with Shorelands helps HPA achieve its vision to inspire and empower people with disabilities.
“Being contracted to assist on a large-scale project like this helps us offer our staff opportunities to lead a fulfilling everyday life in a world where there are no barriers, making a lasting impact on an exciting project,” Burns said.
Shorelands Director, Arthur Hamilton, said HPA has a long working history with Shorelands, and the he is proud to work with a dynamic company with modern thinking processes.
“More construction companies should consider HPA for quality work on fabrication jobs, it assists their employees build their skills and achieve greater goals and we’ll be considering them on all jobs in the future,” Hamilton said.