CLIENT: Victorian Fisheries Authority
LOCATION: Snobs Creek, VIC
YEAR: 2025
We’re excited to share the completion of the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) Native Conservation Hatchery at Snobs Creek, Victoria, designed, installed and commissioned by Fresh By Design as part of the Macquarie Perch Recovery Centre.
This purpose‑built facility supports the recovery of threatened native fish species including Macquarie Perch and Trout Cod, aligning with the Victorian Government’s broader investment in fisheries and biodiversity outcomes.
The hatchery incorporates advanced recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and water treatment processes to ensure reliable water quality, livestock health, and strong biosecurity standards.
Each of the 4 x RAS is equipped with industry‑leading technology
RAS Components (per system):
- FAIVRE Industrie‑Environnement Series 40 drum filter with GRUNDFOS backwash pump
- Custom HDPE sump with MBBR biofilter
- 3 × Polymaster Aquaculture 1,000 L tanks
- Oasis iX13 heat pump temperature control loop
- Pentair Aquatic Eco‑Systems Smart UV 150 W UV steriliser
- OxyGuard monitoring and control with DO and temperature probes
- Flow switch alarms
- High and low‑level alarms with pump control
The facility also includes 4 x rack systems to support the aquaculture process, incorporating:
Rack System Components:
- Custom FRP racking
- Custom acrylic tanks and gutter system
- Custom sump with bag filter and MBBR biofilter
- Waterco C50 cartridge filter
- Pentair Smart UV 80 W UV steriliser
- Waterco Supastream 75 pump
- Oasis iX13 heat pump temperature control
- OxyGuard monitoring and control
- Flow switch alarm
- High and low‑level alarms with pump stop control
To maintain intake water quality, the hatchery is supported by a comprehensive water treatment system including:
Water Treatment Equipment:
- 2 × Waterco WD500 media filters with AFM media
- Polymaster storage tank
- Ozonation loop comprising an FBD ozone cone, Mazzei venturi injector and MAT‑KULING OZO50 ozone generator
- 2 × Waterco WD600 media filters with activated carbon
- Polymaster storage tank
- Grundfos supply pump
- Pentair Smart UV 150 W UV steriliser
- 2 × Esam side channel blowers
- OxyGuard Commander system for automated ozonation control
We’re proud to support the Victorian Fisheries Authority in delivering a facility that plays a key role in native fish recovery and conservation outcomes across Victoria, and thank VFA for their collaboration throughout the project.