A new aquaponics system has been installed for the benefit of the Hope Vale community——a remote Indigenous community in Far North Queensland——as part of a collaborative effort to strengthen local food security and support climate-smart agriculture.
Last week, representatives from Aquaponic Gardener travelled to the farm to assist in building the system, which includes two large tanks and eight grow beds. The system is designed to raise native perch in the main tanks and redclaw in the sump tanks—both species naturally found in the region. Vegetables are cultivated using the nutrient-rich water produced by the fish and redclaw, creating a closed-loop system that supports sustainable food production on Country.
The redclaw were supplied by Barron River Redclaw, forming part of a joint initiative focused on integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary, eco-friendly farming practices.
Hope Vale Foundation welcomed the installation as a major step in developing its new base on the banks of Walumbaal Birri (Endeavour River), located at the old Gungarde Farm site. The Foundation views this project as a catalyst for creating Indigenous employment pathways through climate-intelligent agricultural solutions, and hopes to form partnerships with other Hope Vale farmers.
“This is an epic installation and a great start for our new home,” a Foundation spokesperson said. “It enables us to increase our impact within the broader community and contribute meaningfully to regional food security.”
Hope Vale Foundation will be sharing details of this project and its broader goals at the Developing Northern Australia Conference in Cairns this week, highlighting the potential for locally-led, sustainable food systems to deliver social and economic outcomes for remote communities.
