MELBOURNE,Feb. 20--MediaNet International-AsiaNet/InfoQuest Interested parties are being invited to bid for a share of some the best water available foraquaculture anywhere in Australia, the Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria, Peter Appleford, said today. The Government of Victoria, a southern state of Australia, has established nine new aquaculture fisheries reserves, including more than 1500 hectares, in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port. "We are now in a position to provide interested parties with a broad timetable for the allocation of leases." "A user-friendly online auction will allow interested parties to target single or multiple sites of interest. The auction will take place late in June 2006." "Successful bidders will be awarded long-term leases for up to 21 years. The initial allocation covers 192 hectares and includes the following leases: - two within the Pinnace Channel Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve (AFR) - five within the Mount Martha AFR - one in the Beaumaris AFR - one within Bates Point AFR - six in the Flinders AFR and - three within the Kirk Point- Werribee AFR "Interested parties will find the allocation process simple because cutting red tape is one of the priorities.” "No other place in Australia has available areas of water of this size and quality so close to major markets, employment and infrastructure,” Dr Appleford said. "Victoria's A$20m a year aquaculture industry is now well placed to reach A$50 million." "Management plans already in place provide the rules for the reserves, including operational, environmental and administrative requirements." "With expanding domestic, Asian and Pacific markets the potential for aquaculture looks very promising and the successful tenderers could be harvesting mussels within a few years. Interested parties and members of the community can find out more about this initiative by visiting www.dpi.vic.gov.au/aquareserves . MEDIA CONTACT: Alan Everett +61 3 9637 8258 or +61 409 255 140 Source: Department of Primary Industries --Distributed by AsiaNet (www.asianetnews.net)--