Director, Australian Blue Technology Precinct

Reporting to the CEO of the District Council of Cleve and the Blue Economy Compact Board, you will lead Australia's most ambitious aquaculture transformation. This is a founding leadership role designing, planning and delivering the Stream Two funding rPPP application for the Australian Blue Technology Precinct at Arno Bay while initiating a broader strategic program to position the Cleve region as Australia's leading regenerative aquaculture demonstration region.

Key responsibilities

Deliver the precinct — lead all aspects of the federally funded rPPP Stream One program from master planning, design and approvals through to a completed Stream Two rPPP funding submission, including hatchery development, IMTA demonstration systems, digital ocean infrastructure and circular bioeconomy facilities

Build the governance architecture — establish and operationalise the Cleve Blue Economy Compact, assembling the multi-stakeholder framework required for long-term program delivery

Attract investment — develop investor-grade business cases and secure private, institutional and impact capital to progress the broader portfolio beyond the initial federal funding

Lead stakeholder relationships — serve as the primary point of contact for PIRSA, SARDI, private sector, federal and state agencies, community groups and investors

Champion environmental integrity — ensure all expansion decisions are tied to adaptive carrying-capacity thresholds and independently audited environmental performance

Represent the program nationally and internationally — establish the region's global brand as a regenerative aquaculture leader, including hosting the inaugural Cleve Regenerative Aquaculture Forum

About you

Proven track record delivering complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure or precinct projects (>$20m) with accountability for budget,



schedule and regulatory compliance

Substantial expertise in aquaculture, marine science, fisheries, blue economy or a closely adjacent field — sufficient to credibly lead technical and scientific conversations

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long‑term strategic programs involving multiple organisations and funding sources

Experience developing investor‑grade business cases and securing private or institutional capital for infrastructure or regional development

Exceptional stakeholder management capability, including at Ministerial level, across government, industry, research and community

Understanding of environmental governance, adaptive management and natural capital accounting

Outstanding communication skills and experience representing complex programs to diverse audiences

About us

The District Council of Cleve has secured $4.85 million in federal funding through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) Stream One to develop the Australian Blue Technology Precinct at Arno Bay on the eastern Eyre Peninsula — a nationally significant, world‑class aquaculture and blue economy facility. The Eyre Peninsula is one of South Australia's most productive export regions — AUD 3.8–4.0 billion in GRP and AUD 3.2 billion in exports annually, driven by agriculture, premium seafood, mining and manufacturing. The region produces virtually all of South Australia's Southern Bluefin Tuna, 88% of its oysters, 97% of mussels and 100% of abalone.

- Two-year fixed‑term executive contract (subject to finalising federal funding agreement)
- Housing allowance available for candidates relocating to South Australia
- Executive vehicle or allowance provided
- Professional development budget for industry conferences and career development
- Flexible working arrangements considered

Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants

📌 Director, Australian Blue Technology Precinct (District Council of Cleve)
🏢 District Council of Cleve
📍 District Council of Cleve