The fishing fleet is based at the main wharf but commercial operations at the wharf take priority, which poses a threat to the commercial fishing industry given its lack of a secure tenure.

The plan, presented to the Port Lincoln City Council at a meeting this week, highlights the need to relocate the fleet and recommends the old BHP site for a purpose-built facility for the fishing industry’s berthing, loading and unloading to allow further growth and security.

The plan also recognises that limited wharf space will become an even bigger issue as local fishing and aquaculture industries continue to grow.

“A possible expansion of tuna production could occur should the current project to close the lifecycle of the southern bluefin tuna production in captivity be successful,” the plan states.

“This will require significant levels of infrastructure, including loading and unloading wharf space.”

Eyre Regional Development Board chief executive officer Mark Cant said he was now working with the fishing industry to get a commitment to one of the options for its future loading and unloading facilities, and vessel storage at Proper Bay.

The plan includes three options for funding the fishing facility: the current owner of the land, Flinders Ports and the fishing industry but the fishing industry is seen as an unlikely contributor.

Overall the plan provides a guiding framework for future development for both the Port Lincoln port and the port of Thevenard, with seven priorities recommended for each port.

The Eyre Peninsula Ports Master Plan is available through the Eyre Regional Development Board.