The expansion was supported by a $147,280 Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant through Round 5 of the Cook Government program Capel, Western Australia, a premium South West marron producer, has…

The expansion was supported by a $147,280 Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant through Round 5 of the Cook Government program

Capel, Western Australia, a premium South West marron producer, has expanded its operations to become a new regional food and tourism destination, supported by a Cook Labour Government grant aimed at driving regional economic growth.

The Capel Marron Farm, which opened its expanded venue today, now offers a distinctive pond-to-plate dining experience, allowing visitors to enjoy freshly prepared marron alongside other South West and Western Australian produce while overlooking the farm’s marron ponds. The new venue blends casual dining with immersive visitor experiences that highlight Western Australia’s iconic freshwater crayfish.

Designed to strengthen the farm’s role beyond production, the expansion positions Capel Marron Farm as both a premium food supplier and a tourism attraction for locals and visitors. An interactive discovery centre, scheduled to open in the coming months, will further enhance the visitor experience. The centre will include viewing tanks, a walking plank and close-encounter experiences, offering an educational insight into marron farming and aquaculture.

The upgraded facilities will also be available for general functions and include a dedicated meeting space for marron farmers, supporting greater collaboration, knowledge sharing and industry development across the South West region.

Capel Marron Farm operates a hatchery that supplies juvenile marron and feed to local producers, then purchases mature marron for sale into domestic and international markets. Its premium marron is supplied to high-end restaurants, including venues in Melbourne. The farm also produces other species such as Murray cod and silver perch, further diversifying its aquaculture operations.

The expansion was supported by a $147,280 Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant through Round 5 of the Cook Government program.

Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson said the project demonstrated how targeted government investment can help regional businesses grow and diversify.

He said the expansion would contribute to job creation, regional development and the Western Australian visitor economy, while highlighting the Cook Government’s commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable regional industries.