Arcadia Fish Hatchery Expansion

Surveying, Civil Engineering, Project Management

Client Project:

Arcadia Hatchery

Location: Ross Road Arcadia
Client: Victorian Fisheries Authority

Project Duration: 2020 – 2025
Services Delivered: Surveying, Civil Engineering, Project Management

Project Overview

The Arcadia Fish Hatchery opened in 2021 and is operated by the Victorian Fishing Authority (VFA) being a native fish hatchery dedicated to breeding and rearing of native fish like Murray cod and golden perch, for VFA restocking programs.

The Arcadia site is 170 Hectares, with only a small portion developed in stage 1, containing 32 plankton and broodfish ponds. The current stage 2 will see the construction of a further 98 ponds which will see the VFA invest a further $10m into the site to significantly increase their breeding program. Stage 2 also includes the design and documentation of approximately 40 ponds that will be further develop in the future when additional funding becomes available.

Our Role

CS&A were engaged to deliver the design and documentation of the 98 ponds in stage 2 and the 40 ponds in future stages, including all associated water supply and associated infrastructure.

Surveying

  • As Constructed survey from stage 1
  • Feature and level surveys for design input

Civil Engineering

  • Water balance
  • Design and documentation of all earthworks, ponds and associated infrastructure
  • Water supply systems and harvesting systems
  • Coordination of major electrical upgrades and site electrical design

Project Management

  • Tendering and contractor selection
  • Contract Management
  • Ongoing site supervision and quality control during civil works
  • Commissioning

Project Highlights

  • Major construction contract including approximately 150,000m3 of cut and fill earthworks
  • Delivering on key milestones to meet government funding obligations
  • Undertaken a comprehensive water balance for the site that maximises the 800ML annual water usage of the site
  • Development of a water type identification system for the site that enables users to identify the system, avoiding the likelihood of cross contamination onsite.

Outcome

The Arcadia Hatchery has become VFA’s signature fishing restocking facility, which has seen it become a tourist destination in its own right, with a visitor information centre, fish out dam and the world’s largest Giant Murray Cod.

The major expansion of the hatchery will significantly increase native fish production and allow for further expansion in the future. The design principles developed in stage 2 will completely change the way the hatchery is operated, maximising water reuse whilst simplifying the operation and controls of the site.