Indeed, thanks for the post Andrew.... especially some of your background... much of which I was aware of...
But I was unaware that you had actually been teaching aquaponics "in aquaculture engineering lectures to grads at Flinders Uni SA from 1996-2006"....
Quote:
I thought they ( the community and Feds) did well for their money spent. Perhaps John Burgess would like to list what he supplied for $60,000 to the Saint Vincence Hospital and what development has evolved for industry in its first 12 months. John knew of our work and long term industry involvement as I have corrected him before so, I am surprised that he gave you so little information.
From what you've listed Andrew... indeed, what was supplied was good value for the money...
And yes, I was ... as noted above... aware of some of your involvement... your initial "Aqua-Advantage" aquaponics/NFT models...and the pilot plant in Riverlands... which we did discuss...
But I wasn't aware of any of the details of the Riverlands pilot... most certainly not the costings/fundings... which we didn't discuss...

Nor was I aware that the pilot was, or since became... partially funded by anyone else.... or had gone beyond your initial "pilot"... indeed from memory, when we talked you seem to indicate that your involvement with the "pilot" had ceased....
As to the St Vincent project... I've posted most of the information here previously.... and I'm quite happy to itemise the components....
Site levelling and form work
30 by 10 mtr concrete slab...
Three bay timber framed, clad and insulated (partially)...roller doored, "lean to" structure
With twin fish tank bays, and a third centralised bay for all electrial components, air supply, etc
Dual 3000L rainwater capture tanks, pumps, and first flush devices
Gutter meshing and internal water supply plumbing to fish tank bays
Dual 3000L fish tank/1000L sump tank, 6 x 500L media grow beds flood & drain systems
24mtr x 7.5 mtr insect screened greenhouse... wind up curtains, and a 1hp thermostatically controlled extraction fan
Trenched power supply to building
Dual/duplicated power circuits for each flood & drain system, including power throughout the greenhouse
Seperate power circuit for control bay, lighting and fan operation
Redundant battery backup air supplies to each fish bay... and backup solar power (not completed)
Dual/duplicated plumbing all encased in screened gratings...
All designed with wheelchair access compliance...
Miscellaneous nets, testing kits, feed, pH buffers etc etc...
200 Silver Perch initially supplied... with intentions to double the stocking...
All twelve grow beds fully planted out
The St Vincent project was actually conceptualised as a three component project.... the first, a standard flood & drain installation (dual/duplicated systems).. the second dual/duplicated 2000 hole DWC raft installations... and the third a standard 4000 hole hydroponics installation...
It was intended to be profitable... but certainly not ever considered to be of a commercial scale.... and was intended to primarily provide food to the on farm hostel... and hopefully be a research and training facility for the local TAFEs... with the view to both raise the awareness of aquaponics.. and possible aquaponics research..
The original three stage concept was costed at $180,000... and a grant sort under the auspices of the TAFE...
A grant of $240,000 was awarded... however, only $60,000 was actually allocated to the first stage of the concept....
The grant was drawn up and sort by the TAFE, and all monies allocated... were directly controlled by the TAFE...
Upon completion of the initial first stage... for what ever reasons... the TAFE withdrew from any further involvement... including the funding of previous Horticulture courses at the property...
I'd be happy to discuss the matter more fully with you if you wish...
