The group is gathering support for a venture called Border Barramundi Aquaponics, which will be homed on vacant land on the site of the old Wallangarra Meatworks. Leasehold of the site has already been organised, as has access to two 1 million litre water tanks belonging to the old meatworks, which will provide ample water for the endeavour.

Mr Small said he and his brothers had been playing around with the idea of a fishery for some time, but Thomas Foods’ closure of the new Wallangarra Meatworks had solidified the idea, with the Wallangarra/Jennings community seeking proposals for new industry and employment opportunities in the area.

The consortium has sought the advice of Department of Primary Industry specialists, who are on board with the idea. Solar panels will provide around half the power requirements of the plant, which will be constructed of insulated material to keep heating costs to a minimum. Water will be gravity-fed through the system, with a solar pump used to recirculate it.

“The less carbon footprint, the better,” Mr Small said.

Stage one of the project – costing $2 million – includes a fish farm producing 52 tonne of barramundi per year, combined with a hydroponic lettuce production system which also serves to recycle the water. Mr Small expects up to 10 people will be required to staff this stage of the operation.

The plan is for fresh fish to be available seven days a week through a local dedicated retail outlet, as well as being delivered to restaurants and other outlets.

The stage two expansion proposes an education centre, along the lines of the wine college in Stanthorpe, with tours and a function centre. Stage three could be a heated lake and catch-your-own side business.

“Everybody I’ve spoken to is on board and thinks it’s a good idea,” Mr Small said.

“We just have to secure funding, and then we’ll be putting in the development application to council.”

As the site is just on the NSW side of the border, the project falls under the umbrella of the Tenterfield Shire Council and Mr Small has already discussed the idea with mayor Peter Petty.

“Barnaby Joyce’s office said it was an awesome idea, but there’s no funding,” Mr Small said.

Paradoxically the Queensland Premier’s Department has been in touch offering to help.

The stage one design is based on a model provided by Tailor Made Fish Farms, currently the largest fish farm in the country.The proposed Jennings plant would come in second. With the closed-system hydroponics component, however, Border Barramindi Aquaponics would be the only one of its kind in Australia, and large even by international standards.

Mr Small is confident that the skills required to establish and operate the business are readily available, and much of the hydroponics activity calls for unskilled labour such as pickers. He said people are already putting up their hands for jobs.

The consortium hopes to have stage one up and running in 18 months time. Anyone requiring more information can email Mr Small at infocusimages@bigpond.com.