Tasmanian Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam said the expansion would draw visitors “from near and far”.

“Tourism experiences and the taste of the ocean go hand-in-hand on the East Coast of Tasmania and this expanded facility will offer travellers more to do, see and taste,” he said.

“The expansion, which is supporting three jobs during construction and will create a further nine ongoing local jobs, is set to increase tourism retail and boost the regional economy.”

Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said it was the first step in a two-stage project.

“With stage two currently underway, the farm’s operations will expand through in-water developments and the purchase of an additional production boat, allowing even more of the ever-popular daily tours of the farm to take place,” he said.