The Arcadia hatchery is the centrepiece of a record $96 million investment under the Go Fishing and Boating Victoria Plan. Officially inaugurated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos, the facility is poised to dramatically increase the production of native fish species, including Murray cod and golden perch.
The expansion includes an increase in the number of ponds from 32 to 125, specialised brood ponds, shallow plankton ponds for fingerlings, and five water storages equivalent to 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. These enhancements are designed to improve egg incubation and larval rearing processes, ensuring a higher survival rate for the fish.
Once fully operational, the hatchery is expected to produce up to 6 million native fish annually, accounting for more than half of the 10 million fish released each year throughout Victoria. This output solidifies Victoria's reputation as Australia's leading state in fish stocking efforts.
Beyond its production capabilities, the Arcadia facility is designed to foster community engagement. The new Visitor Centre features a pond stocked with Murray cod and golden perch, an adventure playground, barbecue and picnic amenities, and educational exhibits for visitors of all ages. The Victorian Fisheries Authority, which oversaw the project, supported 20 jobs during construction by hiring local contractors. The Authority will open the doors to the public at the annual Arcadia Open Day in autumn 2026, offering guided tours, interactive activities, and an inside look at the hatchery's operations.
Minister Dimopoulos hailed the investment as a defining moment for Victoria's fisheries. He stated that the investment cements Arcadia as the home of native fish production and the heart of the record-breaking stocking program. The scale of expansion at Arcadia is remarkable, and it's expected to have a lasting impact on the future of fishing in Victoria.
The launch of the Arcadia hatchery is celebrated as a major boost for regional employment and as a key attraction for recreational anglers. It further enhances Victoria's standing as a premier destination for outdoor pursuits and underscores the state's commitment to sustainable fisheries management.
