I rise in this Honourable House today to follow up on an announcement that was made in Budget 2009. This year�s budget committed $1 million for infrastructure projects on the province�s south coast, with a total provincial commitment of $5 million over two years. We have also been able to secure matching funding from the Federal Government for a total of $10 million in aquaculture infrastructure funding over the next two years.

The level of aquaculture industry production in this province has doubled over the last four years. This has necessitated the need for more infrastructure to support a fast growing industry. I am pleased to announce today that my department is delivering on our commitment to provide for more aquaculture infrastructure on the south coast of the province.

Earlier this year, we had a report commissioned entitled the Marine Infrastructure Study for the Salmonid Aquaculture Industry. It was prepared by Rutter Hinz Inc. The process of developing the report involved extensive industry and community consultation. I was pleased to share this report with the aquaculture industry and communities on the south coast during this past week.

The report addresses the operational and biosecurity needs of the industry and provides a full suite of measures to address the industry�s infrastructure needs. The report focuses around three areas; existing wharves, new in-flow wharves and feed storage facilities.

The study outlines a number of projects that need to be completed, at a total cost of more than $24 million. As a first step toward meeting these infrastructure needs, I am pleased to announce that we will be moving forward with four new projects in the near future. Those will be in-flow wharves at Hermitage, Pool�s Cove, Belleoram (St. Jacques�) and Harbour Breton. Based on initial estimates, the $10 million budgeted will cover the cost of these four projects.

There is also a need for improvements to municipal waste systems and roads to further facilitate the growth and development of our aquaculture industry. I will work with my colleagues in the appropriate departments to address these needs as well. I am also working with my colleague in the Department of Transportation and Works to advance the engineering work with a goal of starting construction work on these initial four projects during this fiscal year. As well, I am advised that the Aquatic Veterinary Diagnostic Facility that is planned for St. Alban�s will go to tender in June with construction to begin this year.

To date, the arrival of new aquaculture companies in the province has created approximately 400 direct jobs in the farming and processing sectors. More indirect jobs will be created as the aquaculture industry continues to grow and develop.