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Huon Aquaculture

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FY2020 Annual Report · Huon Aquaculture
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ANNUAL REPORT 2020HUON AQUACULTURE GROUP LIMITEDTHE NEW DECADEDAWN OFContents
02 

 Chairman’s and  
Managing Director’s Review
Review of operations

The Ronja Storm
The outlook for the salmon market

Risk Management and Sustainability
Financial Summary
Board of Directors

04 
10  Operating in unique environments
12  Huon investment and innovation
14 
16 
17  Huon’s approach to marketing
18 
22 
26 
29  Directors’ Report
46 
47  Corporate Governance Statement
53 
59  Notes to the Financial Statements
102  Director’s Declaration
103 
110  Shareholder Information
112  Glossary of Terms
114  Corporate Directory

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Independent Auditor’s Report

Financial Statements

Annual General Meeting 2020
The Annual General Meeting of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited 
will be held online as a Virtual AGM on 30 October 2020. Details 
on how to participate will be included in the Notice of Meeting.

AFTER FIVE YEARS OF  
INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION 
HUON AQUACULTURE  
IS READY TO DOUBLE ITS  
PRODUCTION

1

Chairman’s and  
Managing Director’s 
Review

  Following five years of 
investment and innovation 
Huon is set to double its 
harvest tonnage… 

Dear shareholder,
This has been a milestone year in relation to Huon’s 
successful completion of a major capital investment 
program, finalising one of the business’ core strategic 
components of growing production capacity safely 
and sustainably. It also addressed key agriculture and 
climate risks associated with growing salmon in Australia, 
increasing our resilience to factors over which we have 
limited control. However the impacts on the business arising 
from a global pandemic have presented a unique set of 
challenges that Huon is not alone in having to manage. 

Up until the end of March 2020, Huon had achieved its 
objective of making up the ground lost due to the setbacks 
in production from biological and weather events in 
FY2018 and FY2019. Biomass levels were back to where 
they would have been, had these setbacks not occurred 
and we were confident of exceeding our base-line harvest 
forecast for the year of 25,000 tonnes. 

While Huon continued to operate through the most 
restrictive lockdown periods over the two months to the 
end of May, the closure of restaurants, clubs and the 
food catering industry more generally, virtually closed 
the food services sector in Australia during that period. 
While sales through retail channels were strong, Huon’s 
high exposure to the valuable food service channel meant 
that a significant drop in volumes in its wholesale market, 
accompanied by lower prices, was unavoidable. Access to 
export markets has also been interrupted since late March 
due to the disruption to international air freight services. 
Despite the disruptions during Q4, Huon achieved 
guidance volume with a 25,566 tonne harvest for FY2020. 
The strong performance of the 19 Year Class salmon, and 
some delay of the harvest in Q4, has the positive benefit 
of increasing our original expectations for the FY2021 
harvest. It is now expected to be around 20% above 
the base line forecast of 30,000 tonnes, which will be a 
record for Huon.

2

NEIL KEARNEY 
Chairman

PETER BENDER 
Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer

Business performance
The performance of Huon’s farming operations in 
FY2020 was the best for many years as good growing 
conditions, combined with increased productivity from the 
infrastructure, delivered through the investment program, 
produced better than expected fish performance. 
However, legacy issues in the first quarter of the financial 
year from the jellyfish issues in November and hot 
summer in 2018, continued to impact the growth of the 
18 Year Class fish. This resulted in lower tonnages and 
weaker prices for the harvest in that period. In the final 
four months of FY2020 the harvest had to be slowed 
significantly due to the closure of many of our channels 
to market as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Huon delivered revenues of $339.9 million, an increase of 
21% on the previous year, largely due to the 36% increase 
in harvest volumes from 18,849 tonnes to 25,566 tonnes. 
Revenues were impacted by an average 11% fall in salmon 
prices to $13.30/HOG kg due to the increased volumes 
sold through the lower priced export market and lower 
domestic wholesale pricing in the second half.

Huon’s statutory net result after tax (NPAT) recorded a 
profit of $4.9 million, down from $9.5 million in FY2019. 
This included a $1.5 million increase in the Fair Value 
Adjustment (FVA) due to the growth in biological assets 
over the year. The lower pricing environment resulted in 
a 14% fall in Operating EBITDA from $47.3 million to 
$40.8 million (pre AASB 16). 

The increase in the FVA reflects the 28% increase in the 
overall fair value of biological assets during FY2020 from 
$209.1 million to $262.8 million (pre AASB 16) as Huon 
has focused on rebuilding and expanding its biomass. 
Following the strong performance of the 19 Year Class 
salmon, with high survival rates and improved feed 
conversion, the June biomass levels were higher than 
expected, but with easing average prices, the fair value 
did not represent the increased biomass holding. The June 
biomass levels will underpin the substantial increase in the 
harvest to at least 36,000 tonnes in FY2021. 

The level of investment required to expand our business 
to take advantage of the continued growth in domestic 
demand for salmon and to develop new markets 
overseas, has seen net debt rise from $138.8 million to 
$167.3 million with gearing sitting at 53% (pre AASB 16).

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Strategy
Huon’s growth has been guided by its commitment 
to an overarching business strategy based on three key 
requirements; 
–  growing the market; 
–  increasing production and enhancing operational 

efficiency; and 

–  operating safely and sustainably. 

From 2014 to 2019 significant focus was placed on 
ensuring that the infrastructure was in place to enable 
Huon to increase production and operate efficiently. 

This required a major investment in upgrading our systems 
and technology to a standard that is unquestionably world 
class. We have encouraged innovation and designed new 
approaches to the way we farm that has enabled us to 
build additional layers of efficiency and resilience into our 
business that will stand us in good stead over the long 
term. The arrival in Hobart of the wellboat Ronja Storm 
in February 2020, marked the completion of Huon’s 
infrastructure program which has been the central platform 
of its five year strategy to grow the business. As a result 
Huon’s harvest capacity has at least doubled to more than 
40,000 tonnes.

The strategic focus over the past year has been to 
concentrate on ensuring that the new infrastructure is 
operating in line with expectations, including the delivery 
of improved productivity. At the same time we have been 
accelerating our push to develop new markets offshore to 
take up the increased volume that is now in production. 
There is strong demand in these markets for access to a 
reliable, high quality and guaranteed supply of product 
and Huon is now in a position to meet that demand. 

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe 
since February 2020 put a halt to the momentum that 
had been building in the business to grow the market 
both domestically and through Asia. While it remains our 
most important strategic priority, the pace with which we 
are able to pursue this will be determined by the extent 
to which the pandemic continues to depress global 
economies and their ability to recover.

Capital Management
In FY2018 Huon committed to funding the expansion 
stage of its investment in infrastructure through existing 
borrowing facilities and cash flow. Reduced revenue 
in both FY2019 and FY2020, first due to the impacts 
arising from contact with jellyfish and a hot summer and 
then COVID-19, resulted in net debt running at a higher 
level during FY2020 than originally budgeted. In order 
to conserve cash flow for the increased operational 
requirements of the business, the board has suspended 
the payment of dividends for FY2020. 

Capital expenditure was already planned to moderate 
beyond FY2019 as the business moved into a phase of 
bedding down the significant investments made over 
the previous two years. The primary focus in FY2020 
was on extracting the production efficiencies that are 
a significant part of that process. Capital expenditure 
was $21.6 million which is below the previous estimate 
of $25-30 million in annual maintenance capex for 
the business. 

This focus on debt reduction will remain a key priority 
in FY2021 including a continued focus on costs within 
the business as well as an extension of the dividend 
suspension. 

People
The wellbeing of our people is of paramount importance 
at Huon and our investment in developing protocols and 
procedures to protect our employees provided a strong 
framework for managing the health risks associated with 
COVID-19. The business was permitted to operate ‘as 
normal’ with modified policies and procedures to contain 
any potential outbreaks of the virus within the business. 
At the end of June, there had been no disruptions to the 
ongoing operations of the business.

Huon continued to focus on updating and developing 
its health and safety programs within the business 
which helped manage the growing workforce, however 
overall safety performance measures declined slightly 
during FY2020.

Conclusion
The last two years have presented some significant 
challenges to the business whether from the secondary 
impact of lost growth and increased mortalities from 
the jellyfish and hot summer encounter through to the 
temporary closure of markets and significant impact of 
the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

While Huon’s underlying business strategy is unaffected 
by these events, a number of the operational benefits that 
we expected would be delivered following the completion 
of our significant investment program in 2019 have now 
been delayed until FY2022. As the global economy 
contemplates recession, it would be unrealistic to expect 
that our business will not be affected by the ongoing 
changes we have already witnessed in consumer behaviour 
and our access to traditional channels to market. 

Your board is, however, confident that the investments 
made in recent years will support the growth of the 
business over the long term. A strong foundation has been 
put in place that will not only enable Huon to increase the 
production of salmon through its high energy sites but that 
it will do so sustainably. As Huon expands its production 
further next year it will continue to drive down operating 
costs per HOG kg, setting the business up to generate the 
growth in revenue, earnings and shareholder returns that 
we know it to be capable of once the current period of 
economic uncertainty ends.

On behalf of the Board I wish to extend our appreciation 
to all Huon employees for their efforts and commitment 
shown during the current pandemic. Our thanks also 
go to our customers, suppliers, local communities, and 
our shareholders for their support over the past year. 

Neil Kearney  
Chairman  

Peter Bender  
Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer

3

Review of operations

Operating overview
Huon Aquaculture’s financial performance in FY2020 was 
affected by the significant disruption of two of its main 
channels to market, wholesale and export, as a number 
of measures were implemented by the state and federal 
governments to contain the spread of the COVID-19 
in 2H2020. Up to this point, the business was on track 
to achieving a strong uplift in revenue, underpinned by 
the favourable growing season over summer and the 
exceptional performance of the 19 Year Class salmon, 
as a result of the structural improvements that had been 
made over the previous two years. 

Huon began FY2020 with a reduction in sales through 
the retail channel due to the completion of a three year 
contract to supply salmon to a major supermarket chain 
at the end of June 2019. In addition it was faced with 
continued poor fish growth in the 18 Year Class and 
harvest weights being slow to recover from the effects 
of gill necrosis which had developed as a consequence 
of the jellyfish bloom at the end of 2018. This resulted 
in low sales volumes in the first quarter as the business 
predominantly had small fish to sell, reducing its 
competitiveness in the wholesale market. It also meant 
export sales were difficult, particularly in the China 
market where there is a preference for larger fish. 

Growth rates picked up in spring with fish size being more 
competitive in the wholesale market and more acceptable 
for export markets, allowing harvest rates to increase 
through the second quarter. The recovery of harvest size 
drove volume increases into the export channel which 
coincided with a sharp drop in international pricing, the 
lowest since 2015, due to Norway and Chile unexpectedly 
increasing their harvest levels for a short period. With 
exports accounting for 28% of revenue, the fall in spot 
export prices in the second and fourth quarters was the 
main contributor to the 11% drop in the weighted average 
sales price for FY2020.

The increased availability of fish together with larger 
fish size both support Huon’s commitment to focus on 
providing a reliable source of supply to our key markets 
both domestically and offshore. As contracted sales in 
international markets increase, there will be less exposure 
to the more volatile pricing environment of the spot 
export market. 

In the retail channel, Huon made strong, direct gains 
during the year with fresh salmon sales up 48% as a 
result of new supply agreements and increased focus 
on customer development.

4

Performance improvement
There is however another story that sits behind these 
numbers. It is one that reflects the gains that have been 
made over the past year in lifting operating performance 
by changing the way Huon farms salmon. 

The average fish harvest weight for the year was 
5.04kg, the best in a decade and well above the 
average over that period of 4.53kg. 

The 19 Year Class salmon is the first to benefit from the 
suite of changes that have been put in place along the 
length of the entire production chain – from the hatcheries 
to the Whale Point Salmon Nursery; the increased security 
provided by the fortress pens and more efficient bathing 
with custom designed wellboats; centrally controlled 
feeding from purpose built barges; and the POMV 
vaccine and new biosecurity protocols that put fish in 
the right farming areas at the right time to minimise the 
biological risk.

East of Yellow Bluff
Huon was granted an Environmental Licence for a new 
lease at Storm Bay, in the area known as East of Yellow 
Bluff, in May 2019. The new lease site, 1.5 kilometres 
from Bruny Island, is a key addition to the region as it 
enables Huon to deliver improved biosecurity in Storm Bay 
by including better separation of year classes of fish and 
is one of the key components of the industry biosecurity 
plan. Having fish in the right farming areas at the right 
time minimises the biological risk, including jellyfish 
mitigation, and at the same time provides efficiencies in 
the management of the biological stock.

The new lease has played a key role in the expansion of 
capacity at Storm Bay to 13,500 tonnes. In combination 
with Huon’s hatcheries, wellboat and growout facility it 
also maximises throughput options, lifting Huon’s total 
production capacity from 36,500 tonnes to more than  
40,000 tonnes.

Whale Point Salmon Nursery
This new growout facility at Whale Point started operating 
at the beginning of 2019. In its first year it has enabled 
Huon to grow smolt to a larger size before putting them to 
sea – the 19 Year Class average size when released was 
20% higher at 282 grams across all of our hatcheries. Fish 
transferred to sea in May 2019 were harvested in April 
2020 at 4.6 HOG kg and represented the first Year Class 
to be produced from hatchery to harvest under Huon’s 
upgraded infrastructure and expanded capacity. 

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 The final piece of infrastructure was commissioned in 
2H2020, the transfer pipe, taking fish directly from the 
nursery to the wellboat. This transfer method eliminates 
the use of truck transfers, and improves fish health and 
performance following the transfer from freshwater to 
seawater, as the fish are less stressed.

Ronja Storm
In February 2020 the wellboat Ronja Storm arrived in 
Tasmania. It is the most advanced fish bathing and 
transportation vessel in the world, and represents the 
completion of Huon’s two year strategy to invest in growth 
infrastructure. The vessel is designed to achieve increased 
production capacity and do so more efficiently. The Ronja 
Storm includes technical advancements including on board 
freshwater production, disinfection and oxygen generation. 
The large size is designed to facilitate bathing of Huon’s 
existing 240m pens in one load to ensure freshwater 
bathing is efficient and low stress on fish. An important 
operational benefit from the increased efficiency of this 
vessel is that the number of baths required by each pen 
will reduce over the fish lifecycle, as a consequence of 
not needing to pre-emptively bath them ahead of when 
required. An on-board grader will allow progressive 
harvesting in the latter stages of the fish lifecycle. By 
progressively harvesting a specific fish size, more fish 
per pen are expected to be grown without impacting 
Huon’s existing low stocking density.

Second 600T Feed Barge 
Huon’s second 600 tonne feed barge Hulk was launched 
in May. Constructed over the last two years the barge 
represents the completion of the sustainable fish feeding 
systems. Located in the high-energy sites at Storm Bay, 
the new barge has been designed to ensure that the fish 
can be fed in any weather, allowing them to fully realise 
their growth potential. The barge is fully automated 
and remotely controlled from the Hobart feed control 
room using cutting-edge video pellet-recognition 
software, meaning less feed wastage and a reduced 
environmental impact.

Selective breeding and POMV vaccine
The expansion in Huon’s production capacity carried 
with it a recognition it needed to increase access to 
the output from Tasmania’s industry-owned Selective 
Breeding Program. As a result Huon invested $2.5 million 
into the program which is run out of the Saltas hatchery. 
This takes Huon’s share of the biological output from 

Saltas to 50% from 21%. Recent technological advances 
introduced at Saltas should see step change improvements 
in the future biological output from the program. With 
larger populations going to sea and recent technological 
advances at the hatchery, this move has ensured that Huon 
will maintain its ability to receive maximum benefit from the 
breeding program which is aimed at developing fish suited 
to the Tasmanian environment and to combat Amoebic 
Gill Disease (AGD). The broodstock from the Saltas 
hatchery are used in Huon’s other hatcheries. 

This year the industry also implemented a trial vaccine 
for POMV. The vaccine, developed with support from 
government and industry, has proved extremely beneficial 
with no vaccinated pens coming down with POMV. All 
smolt going to sea in 2020 are being vaccinated with 
the new vaccine.

All these measures are part of an ongoing research effort 
that has at its core mitigating the impact of climate change 
on the future potential of the Tasmanian salmon industry, 
particularly through varying sea water temperatures. It has 
also been the underlying driver of Huon’s decision to move 
its growth in production offshore, positioning its marine 
leases in high energy sites where it is less likely fish will be 
impacted by this climate trend.

Expanding capacity
Following the completion of Huon’s two year program 
of investing in infrastructure to drive the expansion of its 
production capacity, FY2020 heralded the beginning of 
that new growth phase. 

During the first six months the biomass was rebuilt with 
the objective of returning production levels back to where 
they would have been if not for the biological and weather 
events encountered in the previous two years. The target 
for FY2020 was for a harvest of at least 25,000 tonnes 
with fish in production to support an increase in tonnage 
to over 30,000 tonnes in FY2021.

The strong performance of the 19 Year Class salmon 
reflects the investment in infrastructure, and biological 
improvements Huon has made, and we have increased our 
original outlook for FY2021 to at least 36,000 tonnes. 

The increased volume of salmon available for sale in 
FY2020 and beyond enables Huon to meet the steady 
growth in demand in the domestic market at the same 
time as developing new markets in the Asian region. 
Growing the market, one of Huon’s three strategic 
pillars, is therefore where its primary focus will be in the 
years ahead.

5

Review of operations

FY2020 Channel mix
% of total revenue

FY20
FY20

FY19

 Wholesale 47% (64%)
 Retail: Domestic 19% (28%) 
 Retail: International 6% (2%)
 Export 28% (6%)

Growing the market
Huon has been developing close relationships with a 
range of distributors and retail clients throughout Asia 
over the past 5 years, something that will assume greater 
importance now that its increased production capacity 
enables it to guarantee supply to this growing market. 
With a third of sales going offshore over FY2020, strong 
headway was made during the year into the contracted 
international retail space with volumes up 226% on the 
previous corresponding period (pcp). Importantly supply 
went into multiple outlets, reducing Huon’s reliance on any 
one customer. Even during the COVID disrupted second 
half, volumes to this segment rose 258% on pcp. In total, 
just over 6% of export revenue came from contracted 
volume in Asia.

The domestic retail channel accounted for 4,421 tonnes 
in FY2020 or 19% of sales compared to 5,510 tonnes 
(28% of sales) the previous year, following the completion 
of a large 3-year MAP contract in FY2019. Excluding 
this contract, Huon made strong, direct gains in the 
retail segment with salmon sales up 110% as a result 
of new supply agreements and increased focus on 
customer development. Good progress was also made in 
establishing a larger Ocean Trout retail market with fresh 
deli, branded MAP and branded smoked products now 
in distribution across major retail outlets.

At the beginning of FY2020 Huon’s branded points of 
distribution doubled to around 2,700 retail outlets around 
Australia, placing the Huon brand in its strongest position 
since listing. It underscores the importance of the Ingleburn 
processing and distribution facility in NSW in developing 
direct relationships with a range of food retailers as well 
as the major supermarket chains.

Huon expects to continue to expand branded distribution 
in all product segments both domestically and 
internationally over FY2021, following a strong year of 
distribution growth in FY2020. This will be supported by 
a significant above the line investment in marketing at the 
end of the first half to drive Huon Salmon consumption 
domestically. This investment will increase salmon’s share 
of voice in the protein market where there is significant 
underlying demand ready to be unlocked. Previous spends 
of this nature domestically have driven single year, double 
digit volume growth whilst maintaining price. 

Rebuilding and growing supply through the retail channel 
is a key focus of Huon’s strategy to grow the market and 
will remain a focus for FY2021.

6

The domestic wholesale market remains a very important 
sales channel for Huon, accounting for 47% of sales in 
FY2020. This market was significantly disrupted in the last 
quarter of the year with volumes down 19% in the second 
half on pcp. Huon responded with discount pricing and 
marketing efforts to help stimulate demand for wholesale 
partners, focussing on volume through fresh fish shops, 
independent retailers, quick service restaurant outlets and 
e-commerce businesses.

Salmon prices
Prices in the domestic market remained strong in the 
first half with the wholesale channel continuing to 
record prices above $15.00/HOG kg and just under 
$14.50/HOG kg in the retail market. The situation 
changed abruptly in the second half as the pandemic 
took hold with prices falling by 9% across the wholesale 
domestic market. Compared to the record prices received 
the previous year ($15.63/kg) in the wholesale market, 
Huon averaged $14.71/kg in FY2020 while retail prices 
rose from $14.25/kg in FY2019 to an average $14.91/kg. 

International salmon prices have been volatile during 
FY2020, despite a general acknowledgment that global 
demand continues to outstrip supply. During the first 
six months the world’s two largest salmon producing 
countries, Norway and Chile, increased their harvest 
levels over a three month period resulting in a sharp  
drop in international pricing to an average 47.6 NOK/kg, 
the lowest level since 2015. Huon’s harvest program 
was coincidentally set to sell record tonnages into the 
export market at this time. By December 2019 prices 
had bounced back to 71 NOK/kg however the timing of 
Huon’s export activities meant that it received an average 
export price in the first half of A$10.44/kg.

While the pandemic softened pricing during April and 
May, the average Fish Pool salmon price over the six 
months to June was 64 NOK/kg. This is consistent with 
long term forecasts by Rabobank that the salmon price 
from 2019 to 2021 would average 62-63 NOK/kg 
due to supply constraints affecting the major producing 
countries. Nevertheless a weaker Australian dollar during 
March and April resulted in Huon’s average export price 
in the second half only increasing to A$10.92/kg.

The progress achieved during FY2020 in growing sales 
into the contracted international retail space reduces 
Huon’s exposure to the volatile pricing of the spot export 
market. Over the year the average price on sales into 
this segment was A$13.46/kg.

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Lost Time  
Injury 
Frequency  
Rate (LTIFR) 
Per million  
hours worked

4

4

5

Average  
Lost Time  
Rate 
(ALTR) 
Hours lost  
per employee

14

13

10

Incident  
Rate 
(IR) 
Lost Time  
Injuries per  
100 employees

1.0

0.97

0.79

Employees

723

665

600

FY18 FY19 FY20

FY18 FY19 FY20

FY18 FY19 FY20

FY18 FY19 FY20

People and Safety 

Safety and Wellbeing
A number of significant wellbeing programs were 
implemented during the financial year. These programs 
not only focused on reducing the risk of worker injury, but 
also on proactive initiatives to increase physical, emotional 
and financial wellbeing. These included Mental Health 
First Aid, individual briefings with superannuation experts 
and health checks.

A focus on injury management processes saw a reduction 
in the number and severity of Worker’s Compensation 
claims. However, increased lost time in injuries resulted a 
small increase in the LTIFR, despite a significant increase 
in production. 

A major achievement was the development and 
implementation of individual Safety Management Systems 
for every vessel in Huon’s fleet and implementation of a 
business-wide chemical management system.

The business continued its focus on embedding 
ISO45001 – Standard for Work Health and Safety 
Management Systems, including the development of policy 
and procedures to manage any high-risk activity across the 
business. The proactive implementation of these Standards 
are an ongoing focus for the business aimed at not only 
reducing risks but also improving the wellbeing of Huon’s 
workforce and supporting people and leaders to manage 
safety effectively.

Developing People, Culture and Leadership
Huon’s Workforce Development Strategy continued to 
be implemented with employee capability development 
and the employee experience remaining a key focus. The 
Huon Leaders Program in 2019 which assisted Huon in 
building resilient leaders has been further supported by 
the introduction of the Welcome to Leadership Mentoring 
Program 2020. This supports newly promoted employees 
transition into their first Leadership role. 

There continues to be a strong focus on growing the 
skill sets within Huon with nearly 90 employees currently 
completing a Certificate III Aquaculture (at June 2020). 
Other employees are completing VET sector qualifications 
in seafood processing, engineering fabrication, marine 
mechanical and electrical apprenticeships.

Language, literacy and numeracy support continue to be 
made available to employees requesting support to assist 
them in their everyday work. 

7

COVID-19
On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organisation 
officially declared the global spread of the novel 
coronavirus (COVID-19), a pandemic. From that time a 
number of measures were implemented by the state and 
federal governments in Australia to contain the spread of 
the virus. This included the closure of Tasmania’s border 
to non-residents on 21 March and the implementation 
of a stage 3 lockdown across Australia from 30 March. 
International travel bans were also put in place from 
24 March which had the immediate impact of restricting 
access to flights carrying freight as the major airlines 
progressively grounded their fleets.

Huon adhered to government guidelines and was 
permitted to continue all operations ‘as normal’, albeit 
with modified policies and procedures to contain any 
potential outbreaks of COVID-19 within the business. 
There were no disruptions to the ongoing operations of 
the business. The Company applied for the Australian 
Government Scheme ‘Jobkeeper’ and commenced 
receiving grants under the scheme in May.

During April and May the impact of the lockdown, in 
particular the closure of restaurants, clubs and the food 
catering industry more generally, virtually closed the food 
services sector in Australia. While sales through retail 
channels were strong, Huon experienced a significant 
drop in sales in its wholesale market during April and 
May due to its high exposure to the food service channel. 
Access to export markets was interrupted from late March 
due to the disruption to international air freight services. 

The disruption to the international and domestic markets 
had a material impact on the second half results. The 
increased fish size and volumes available for harvest 
in Q4, with the commencement of the 19 Year Class 
harvest, should have delivered high returns. Following 
the outbreak of the pandemic, international prices that 
lifted in December and January entered another period 
of volatility. Huon’s strong position in supplying the food 
services sector was a disadvantage in the domestic market 
as consumers moved their purchases into retail. 

Huon’s supply into domestic retail and retail fish shops 
increased, along with e-commerce channels, but this did 
not compensate for the loss of food services volume.

The increased consumer activity in these markets is 
however expected to deliver long term benefits through 
increased per capita consumption with more consumers 
now familiar with salmon as a weekly family menu item.

Review of operations

The strong performance of the 19 Year Class salmon 
combined with the slower harvest in Q4 is expected to 
deliver an average HOG weight in FY2021 in excess of 
5.3kg. This, together with the reduced cost of managing 
this class due to the productivity benefits derived from the 
investment in new infrastructure and farming methods, is 
expected to deliver a cost of production (excluding freight) 
of under $9.50/HOG kg.

Revenue will depend on pricing and in FY2021 this will be 
driven both by global and domestic supply dynamics and 
the economic environment as countries globally manage 
their response to the pandemic. While we are confident 
of recording increased revenue given the strong uplift 
in volume, the volatility in pricing over FY2020 and the 
increased uncertainty about the economic outlook makes 
it difficult to form a view about trends in pricing over the 
course of the year. 

We expect that FY2021 will continue to present challenges 
as economies emerge from the constraints imposed by 
COVID-19. We are however optimistic about our ability 
to deliver continued productivity improvements in the way 
we farm which will realise our long term goal of lowering 
operating costs. 

During the year, Huon also introduced the Innovation 
Program to bring our employees’ ideas to life. Since the 
Program’s launch, the Innovation Team has received and 
reviewed ideas from across the business and worked with 
a number of employees to further develop and implement 
their innovations.

Huon employs 723 people across the Group, an addition 
of 58 since 30 June 2019 to support the increase in 
production during the year.

Outlook 
Huon’s focus in FY2021, as it builds towards another step 
change in harvest volume, will be growing the market 
and locking in contracted sales. The expected increase 
in harvest volume for FY2021 of around 50% to at least 
36,000 tonnes will be supported by both company and 
industry investment in marketing to increase salmon’s share 
of the protein market.

Huon’s channel mix is likely to be similar to that in 
FY2020 with around a third of sales going offshore. The 
strong foundation that was established in that year with 
international retail partners throughout Asia will continue 
to be built on, aiming to progressively increase the share 
of exports going to contracted international retail sales.

There will be a similar focus in the domestic retail 
channel, particularly on such segments as supermarkets, 
independent retail, quick service restaurants and the 
growing e-commerce space. It is these segments that will 
deliver the certainty of known volume that will underpin 
more stable Group financial performance over time. We 
expect retail sales to at least reflect the growth in demand, 
supported by our increased capability to supply fresh 
salmon to outlets in Sydney and the regions following 
the opening of our Ingleburn processing facility in NSW 
last year.

8

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 9

Operating in unique environments

Huon is fortunate to farm in Tasmania’s unique environment, allowing 
the Company to raise salmon in locations in which they thrive. From the 
time Huon Salmon start their life in hatcheries up until they are harvested, 
their environment plays a vital role in their health, growth and quality. 

DEVONPORT

Parramatta Creek  
Processing Facility

LAUNCESTON

A

B

C

TA S M A N I A

Macquarie 
Harbour

HOBART

D

H

F

G

E

I

J

Storm Bay

Hideaway Bay 

Western Australia
The Western Australian Government 
has recently announced it will 
accelerate development of the 
Geraldton-based finfish nursery 
project, allowing Huon to unlock 
the next chapter of its plans to 
commercially farm Yellowtail Kingfish 
(YTK) in WA’s Midwest. 

Map Key
  Office
  Processing facilities
   Farming regions

A  Bridport Hatchery
B  Springfield Hatchery
C  Millybrook Hatchery
D  SALTAS Hatchery
E  Derwent Hatchery
F  New Norfolk Brood Facility
G  Bagdad Brood Facility
H  Lonnavale Hatchery
I 
J 

 Forest Home Hatchery
 Whale Point Salmon Nursery

BRISBANE

AU S T R A L I A

PERTH

SYDNEY

Processing 
Facility

MELBOURNE

TASMANIA

HOBART

Onshore

Marine regions

Hatcheries
Hatcheries allow Huon to mimic 
the natural lifecycle of salmon, 
synchronising batches of salmon to go 
out to sea at different times of the year, 
enabling the supply of fresh healthy 
fish all year round. Located throughout 
Tasmania, they allow Huon to take 
advantage of different water and 
environmental conditions and maintain 
high standards of biosecurity.

Whale Point Salmon Nursery
Whale Point Salmon Nursery is 
the southern hemisphere’s first 
onshore salmon nursery and 
represents a step change in Huon’s 
production capability.

Processing
The Paramatta Creek and Ingleburn 
(Sydney) processing facilities are two 
of the most advanced in the world, 
ensuring the fish are as fresh as 
possible when they go to market.

Macquarie Harbour
Less than 10% of Huon’s salmon 
production comes from Macquarie 
Harbour with stocking densities kept 
low in order to manage sustainable 
farming in this unique water system.

Huon River and  
D’Entrecasteaux Channel
Hideaway Bay on the Huon River 
operates as the shorebase for Huon’s 
operations. This sheltered bay, with its 
calm waters, is where Huon manages 
its harvest as well as undertaking 
Australia’s only experimental and 
pre-commercial use fish feed trials.

Storm Bay
Huon began farming Storm Bay in 
2014 as part of its long term growth 
strategy to shift salmon farming 
into high-energy offshore sites. 
The addition of the East of Yellow 
Bluff lease in Strom Bay doubles the 
capacity of Huon’s offshore sites.

10

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Map Key

  Lease zones
  High-energy lease zones
   Land base facilities

Port Huon  
(engineering workshop)

Whale Point  
(nursery)

Police Point  
(early smolt)

Hideaway Bay 
(service, research and 
 harvesting)

Hideaway  
Bay 

Garden Island  
(early smolt)

Flathead Bay  
(early smolt)

Roaring  
(early smolt)

Zuidpool North  
(growout)

Zuidpool South  
(growout)

Storm Bay

East of Yellow Bluff  
(late smolt)

Storm Bay  
(growout)

Two unused  
sites

11

D’Entrecasteaux ChannelHuon RiverTasman  SeaHuon has a reputation for leading 

innovation across all areas of its operations which is supported by a highly skilled workforce with diverse and extensive expertise.

Huon investment and innovation

Huon has invested $350 million over the past five years to ensure it is able to  
supply the growing demand for salmon in the years ahead. In order to operate on 
a larger scale, Huon has continued to innovate and engineer solutions by leveraging 
and developing technologies to position it at the cutting edge of aquaculture. 
Huon has a reputation for leading innovation across all areas of its operations which 
is supported by a highly skilled workforce with diverse and extensive expertise.

As a vertically integrated salmon producer, Huon’s operations span hatcheries, nurseries, marine farming, 
maintenance, harvesting, processing, value adding, marketing, sales and distribution. 

t c herie

s

a

H

u r series

N

M a r i n e Far

m

s

r vestin

g

a

H

P r o cessin

g

M arket

F e eding

l

l owing

a

F

V a l u e Add

e

d

Fish   H usban

d

r

y

Proces s i

n g

L i g hting

Maintenance

et M a nage

m

e

N

n

t

B a thing

r e dator

P

M

anage m e nt

electi v e Bree

d

i

n

g

S

Progr a m

12

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Huon has a reputation for leading 

innovation across all areas of its operations which is supported by a highly skilled workforce with diverse and extensive expertise.

Feed control-room
Feeding is monitored from Huon’s 
central feed control-room in Hobart. 
Automated feeding software ensures 
fish are fed 24/7, 365 days a year, 
in all weather conditions. 

e eding

F

Forest Home Hatchery
A second generation recirculation 
hatchery that delivers outstanding smolt 
quality and larger smolt sizes with a 
reduced environmental footprint

High-energy offshore sites
Deeper, high-energy sites at Storm Bay mean that pens  
are located in areas with stronger currents and greater 
water movement. Resulting in better fish performance.

Feed Barges
Two of the largest 
unstaffed fully automated 
feed barges are moored 
at Storm Bay. 

e eding

F

Whale Point Salmon Nursery
By growing our salmon larger on 
land, we improve the efficiency of our 
overall production cycle by reducing 
the time our salmon spend at sea from 
14 months, to 9-10 months. Importantly 
the reduced time at sea reduces Huon’s 
agricultural and environmental risks. 

Fortress Pens 
Designed to operate in one of  
the roughest farmable waters in  
the world with a double net system,  
which has reduced predator risk.

Storm  
Bay

Hideaway  
Bay 

Harvesting
There is a direct relationship between 
harvesting and the quality and freshness 
of the end-products and by focussing on 
low-stress, humane, night-harvesting, using 
RSPCA-UK certified equipment, Huon 
consumers experience fresher, high quality 
salmon year-round.

B a thing

Wellboats
Regular bathing and 
grading of salmon 
and harvest grade 
fish transferred to 
Hideaway Bay.

13

HobartTasman  SeaThe Ronja Storm

The Ronja Storm is the final piece of investment in Huon’s Controlled Growth 
Strategy and is pivotal to the Company’s production expansion. The largest 
wellboat in the world will reduce production costs, strengthen biosecurity 
requirements and deliver the safest salmon farming operations in the world.

The Ronja Storm, the world’s largest and most technically advanced wellboat, arrived in Hobart during 
February 2020 and is now operational at Huon’s sites in the South East of Tasmania.

What is a wellboat?
Wellboats have wells or tanks for the storage and 
transport of live fish. The term was first used in the 
17th century and, before modern refrigeration methods, 
wellboats allowed for the delivery of live fish to port. 
Today wellboats are used extensively in the aquaculture 
industry around the world. They eliminate the need 
for time intensive, noisy towing of pens back and forth 
through Tasmanian waterways. Wellboats also provide 
a much safer working environment for employees, 
particularly as Huon grows its offshore farming.

Huon was the first company globally to use 
a wellboat for the purpose of bathing fish 
in freshwater. 

Since 2014, Huon has been farming with the 
Ronja Huon, its first, smaller wellboat. The 
experience gained over that time was applied 
to the design of the Ronja Storm. 

What are the benefits?
–  Strengthened sustainability of farming operations 

through the treatment of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD), 
a key fish health challenge in Tasmania, by bathing 
fish in freshwater in the wells of the wellboat. 

–  Bathing can be timed for when the fish need it rather 

than having to maintain fixed schedules. This is 
expected to save several baths a year.

–  The efficiency and size of the Ronja Storm means we 
will never get behind with our bathing programme.

–  Over a full year more fish can be put into each 

pen, without increasing the stocking density, as the 
Ronja Storm can carry more in each load. Eliminating 
multiple trips will reduce stress on the fish resulting in 
less mortalities.

–  An on-board grader enables fish that are too small for 
harvest to be separated out and returned to the pen. 
This will increase total production from each pen in a 
year from 500 to 800 tonnes up to 1,000 tonnes.
–  Improved biosecurity as wellboats have removed the 
need to tow pens of live fish, thereby eliminating fish 
escapes and the potential spread of communicable 
fish diseases.

14

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 How it works

Live fish grader
The fish loading system 
has a built-in live fish 
grader that allows for 
progressive harvesting 
of fish of a specific size.

On-board desalination
Produces 700,000 litres per hour 
of freshwater. Has 5,000 tonnes of 
extra water storage so new freshwater 
can be made while bathing fish.

Advanced water control 
system monitors the 
levels of CO2, Ammonia 
and oxygen.

Size Matters
•  Length: 116m  
Width: 23m

•  Desalination capacity: 

16.8 million litres a day 

•  Bathing capacity:  

a complete fortress pen  
in one load

•  Fish loading capacity:  
1,000 tonnes per hour

B a thing

Well capacity
The Storm can hold in  

excess of 800 tonnes of fish at 
a time across its four wells.

Bathing 
Salmon are bathed 
in freshwater for a 
few hours to treat 
gill amoeba.

Smaller graded fish are 
returned to fortress pen and 
larger fish retained on-board 

for transportation to harvest.

Size matters 
When farming offshore sites, where conditions are 
challenging almost every day, size matters. The 
Ronja Storm’s well capacity and ability to produce 
freshwater on-board means it can also do considerably 
more work when conditions are fine and easier for 
farm crews.

The Ronja Storm is laden with cutting 
edge technology: 
–  Every well has 30 sensors installed which deliver 

constant, real-time monitoring data back to the bridge. 

–  The well capacity is almost treble that of the 

Ronja Huon, allowing an entire 240 metre pen of fish 
to be bathed at one time (upwards of 800 tonnes) 
significantly improving bathing efficiency. 
–  An on-board desalination plant can produce 

700,000 litres of freshwater every hour, minimising 
use of Tasmania’s freshwater resource and eliminating 
the need for frequent travel movements back to shore 
to get water. 

–  An adjustable live fish grader in the loading system 
which can grade 300 tonnes of fish per hour. This 
allows for removal of small fish which can be returned 
to pens, ensuring only the correct size fish for the 
market are harvested.

The technology is more robust than ever – 
a specialised offshore power management system 
has been fitted to the Ronja Storm, the first in a 
wellboat, which reduces energy use and noise 
emissions. The vessel includes backup power 
systems that ensure it can continue to operate 
with a minimum of 50% power capacity in case 
of system failure. This is essential in delivering 
robust, secure fish welfare practices. 

The Ronja Storm is an investment into Huon’s future 
by enabling expansion in offshore, more challenging 
farming environments. It strengthens Huon’s animal 
welfare and biosecurity practices, delivers unparalleled 
safe working conditions and provides tangible evidence 
that Huon is committed to working with communities 
to reduce its environmental footprint.

15

The Outlook for the Salmon Market 

Huon is committed to growing per capita consumption of salmon and  
ocean trout through a significant investment in advertising and promotion  
in the domestic market. Huon expects to increase its branded distribution  
across Australia as it captures the majority of growth in the market.

Weak global supply growth likely to match 
softened demand in short-mid term
The global salmon market has been in a relatively strong 
position in terms of supply. In 2019 farmed Atlantic salmon 
grew 7% on the previous year to 2.6 Mn tonnes.1

Whilst supply growth in the next 2-3 years is forecast 
in be in the low single digit growth it is likely that there 
will be a supply imbalance (over supply) during this 
time, depending on the strength of food service market 
recovery post COVID-19.

International imports into the Australian market have 
remained stable at around 11,500 tonnes for the last 
three years. That is expected to continue through FY20212, 
if not decline, as Huon targets import replacement in 
food service and retail sales channels. 

Demand for salmon affected by COVID-19 
but outlook remains positive
As land-based proteins continue to increase in price, 
salmon continues to look more affordable to consumers 
year after year. Salmon (and seafood) consumption is low 
in many developed markets with many salmon producers 
and industry lobby groups focused on driving increased 
consumption of salmon both inside and outside the 
home. Farmed salmon is also increasingly being viewed 
as a better ‘green’ alternative than other land-based 
proteins due to its low carbon dioxide output, low water 
consumption and efficient food conversion ratios.

Global price neutral demand is still sitting between 7% 
and 10% according to Pareto Securities but the current 
impact of COVID-19 is driving significant short term 
oversupply as producers seek to move volume in a 
constricted market environment. 

Looking beyond lockdown restrictions, it is unlikely that 
the hotel, restaurant and catering segment (HoReCa) 
which is estimated to be responsible for 45% of global 
salmon consumption, will bounce back overnight. In China 
(one of the first countries to ease restrictions) only half of 
all restaurants have re-opened, and those that have are 
operating at only 40-50% of ‘normal’ capacity. It is also 
unlikely that growth of salmon at the retail level will offset 
this loss, particularly in Australia, due to low consumer 
penetration of salmon for cooking in the home.

Nevertheless, the long-term demand dynamics for salmon 
still remain strong with low levels of penetration in many 
markets indicating there is plenty of room for growth in 
more ‘normal’ market conditions.

Like the international market, the fundamentals of salmon 
as a protein source for Australia are strong over the long 
term. Huon estimates the total impact from COVID-19 
on Australian demand has been a loss of approximately 
2,000 HOG tonnes in FY2020. 

k
a
e
r
b

t

u
O
A
S

I

%
3
1
-

.

9
0
0
2

%
3
1
-

.

0
1
0
2

%
4
2
2

.

%
2

.

2
1

%
1
9

.

%
4
4

.

%
1
2

.

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

m
o
o
B

l

l

e
a
g
A
d
n
a

e
c
i
L

%
7

.

5
-

9
1
0
2

Depending 
on biological 
factors 2-6% 
growth is 
possible in the 
mid term

%
5

.

6

%
3

.

4

%
1
7

.

%
2

.

4

%
1
2

.

%
9
1

.

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

E
0
2
0
2

E
1
2
0
2

F
2
2
0
2

Year on year change  
in global Atlantic Salmon  
supply and forecast (%)

%
0

.

3
1

%
2

.

8

%
0
7

.

%
1
0
1

.

%
9
6

.

%
4

.

5

%
8

.

3

%
5
1

.

1
0
0
2

2
0
0
2

3
0
0
2

4
0
0
2

5
0
0
2

6
0
0
2

7
0
0
2

8
0
0
2

Source: Robobank

1  Kontali Aquaculture Bulletin 2020 No 8
2  ABS Import Data

16

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020  
 
 
 
Huon’s Approach to Marketing 

170%

Growth of 
volume sales in 
the international 
retail channel

50%

Increase in  
users of B2B 
loyalty program
‘Fresher Rewards’

127%

Volume increase  
in e-commerce 
channel use

Strong contract focus for FY2021  
and beyond
FY2021 will be the year when Huon begins to realign 
its sales channels as the business moves more volume 
out of a trading environment, or the spot export 
market, into retail contracts in both the domestic and 
international markets. 

Domestic retail sales volume growth is forecast to be 
strong through FY2021 as Huon benefits from increased 
exposure in this channel via newly won contracts. 

International retail sales are also growing strongly with 
170% volume sales growth recorded in FY2020 from new 
customers in new markets. Huon is in a strong position 
to continue growing this channel as it offers international 
retailers a distinct point of difference focused on Huon’s 
artisanal volumes when compared with global producers. 
Freshness to market in the key Asia region is another 
unique selling proposition. 

Huon has also reduced its exposure to single export 
markets through the development of other regions, 
including North America where initial market interest and 
volume growth has been strong. 

Prior to COVID-19, Huon’s wholesale business was on a 
strong growth trajectory and whilst that channel has been 
the most impacted by lockdown measures, it is expected to 
recover quickly as the economy emerges from COVID-19. 
Key areas of focus in this market continue to be quick 
service restaurants, sushi outlets, independent and 
specialty seafood retailers. At the same time Huon is using 
its strategically located processing facilities to move closer 
to the end customer. 

FY2021 will continue to see high levels of trading volume 
internationally, given the large increase in production the 
business has generated following the completion of its 
controlled growth strategy. A conservative view has been 
adopted when forward pricing this volume and Huon is 
well placed to compete on product size and specifications 
in this market. 

Positioning the Huon brand for long term 
sales growth
Huon expects to continue to expand branded distribution 
in all product segments both domestically and 
internationally over FY2021, following a strong year of 
distribution growth in FY2020. This will be supported by 
a significant above the line investment in marketing at the 
end of the first half to drive Huon Salmon consumption 
domestically. This will be in addition to industry based 
marketing spend on both the seafood and salmon 
categories. This investment will increase salmon’s share 
of voice in the protein market where there is significant 

underlying demand ready to be unlocked. Previous 
spends of this nature domestically have driven single year, 
double digit volume growth whilst maintaining price. 

Huon is therefore confident that this initiative can deliver 
a major increase in domestic per capita consumption, 
even in a COVID-19 affected market. 

There will be a strong focus on the launch of the entire 
Huon Salmon and Ocean Trout fresh pre-packed 
range into a major retailer in the December quarter. This 
will include a revamped Harvested By Night, Fresher 
By Day campaign, building on Huon’s already strong 
freshness credentials (a key purchase driver for consumers 
in seafood). 

At the same time Huon continues to invest in its B2B 
loyalty program, Fresher Rewards, to ensure it maintains 
the strong connections and customer understanding it 
has established across the food service and wholesale 
environment. This program saw a 50% increase in users 
over the last quarter of FY2020 and the outlook remains 
strong for ongoing growth in the program. 

Growth opportunities to watch
Throughout FY2020 Huon continued to explore other 
sales channel opportunities with a particular focus on 
e-commerce. As COVID-19 took hold in the second half 
of FY2020 the business took advantage of its exposure 
to this channel, driving a 127% increase in volume whilst 
increasing value at a faster rate. 

This channel to market is still coming off a low base 
however Huon’s own direct e-commerce experience and 
that of its channel partners in this sector, underpins a high 
level of confidence that there continues to be significant 
growth potential.

Huon is also exploring the opportunity for using salmon 
by-products in the pet food market with initial pet food 
product prototypes currently in development. Huon is set 
to trial these products in independent retail outlets in the 
first half of FY2021.

17

Risk Management and Sustainability

Agricultural Risk
All good farmers take a proactive and holistic approach 
to safeguarding the health and welfare of their stock. 
At Huon Aquaculture, this involves feeding quality diets, 
good site management, fish husbandry, biosecurity 
measures and vaccinating its stock.

Fish welfare is a priority for Huon. 
This is why we participate in the RSPCA 
Approved Farming Scheme, meeting 
the RSPCA’s detailed animal welfare 
standards for farmed Atlantic salmon. 
We are proudly the only seafood  
producer with RSPCA Approval. 

Huon has been farming sustainably for over 30 years 
and, as with any farming endeavour, it is subject to a 
range of events with outcomes that can impact the supply 
of smolt, fish growth and mortality. 

The most effective strategy to minimise exposure to such 
risk is good animal husbandry which demands care and 
innovation throughout the lifecycle of the fish. Preventing 
disease and the effective management of outbreaks, if 
they do occur, is integral to Huon’s farming methods. 

Huon undertakes a range of measures to proactively and 
successfully manage its agricultural risk. 

Biosecurity and Year Class separation
Good biosecurity is critical in preventing and managing 
disease which is why Huon has been actively involved in 
the joint industry-government review and implementation 
of improved biosecurity measures. 

The decision to shift the focus of operations and future 
growth to new lease areas in Storm Bay was reinforced by 
the benefits provided by tighter management of biosecurity 
across its operations. Huon now operates in three distinct 
biosecurity zones – the Huon River and D’Entrecasteaux 
Channel; Storm Bay; Macquarie Harbour.

Different year classes of fish have always been held on 
separate lease sites to avoid the transmission of disease 
organisms from older fish to the younger fish. Huon’s 
separation of smolt and growout by lease and zone is 
illustrated on page 11. 

With the East of Yellow Bluff lease and the reorganisation 
of leases in the Huon River and D’Entrecasteaux Channel 
there is now increased distance between year classes.

Prevention of diseases
Huon’s Veterinary Health Plan is a living document that 
underpins good fish health and welfare practices. Huon 
fish are currently routinely vaccinated for a range of 
bacterial and viral diseases. 

Over the past year, Huon has made continuous 
improvements to the pens including tighter bird nets and 
bird escape hatches. Huon utilises in-situ net cleaners to 
minimise the build-up of biofouling on the Fortress Pens. 
Regular cleaning is a high priority at Huon as this ensures 
high water flow through pens, maintaining maximum 
oxygen levels to fish.

18

Wellboats
Huon was the first company globally to use a wellboat for 
the purpose of bathing fish in freshwater and now has two 
wellboats in service both designed to Huon specifications. 

Both these vessels have supported Huon’s proactive 
approach to managing risk – by enabling the Company to 
safely farm in more exposed sites, improving operational 
efficiency (more fish can be bathed at one time), 
minimising fish losses by treating fish more quickly and 
efficiently (reducing AGD impact) and reducing Huon’s 
reliance on Tasmania’s valuable freshwater supply through 
the Ronja Storm’s on-board desalination facility. 

Stocking density
Lower stocking densities give fish more room to move 
and the freedom to express their natural behaviours. 
Huon operates with one of the lowest stocking densities 
in the world at approximately half the 15kg/m3 maximum 
stocking density allowed under the RSPCA Standards 
for salmon. 

Fallowing
Just as a farmer rests their fields between their crops, 
Huon rests the seabed between stocking. This allows the 
seabed to naturally recuperate and break the cycle of any 
potential disease issues. 

Huon’s strategy includes at least one month whole-lease 
fallowing each year for disease control and up to 18 months’ 
pen-bay fallowing every 2–3 years to return the benthos 
(sea floor) to baseline conditions. In addition, the seafloor 
beneath each stocked lease is inspected by ROV (remotely 
operated underwater vehicle) on a monthly basis with results 
provided periodically to the environmental regulator.

Feed supply
Over 50% of the input costs to salmon production is feed. 
Huon mitigates this risk by maintaining multiple sources 
of feed supply which are all sourced from Tasmanian-
based mills. This reduces the risk of relying on imports and 
expands the supply chains for Tasmanian primary producers. 

With access to regular supply of the right type of feed, 
production is not compromised.

Fortress Pens
Huon’s patented double-netted Fortress Pen technology 
continues to be integral to the successful expansion of 
Huon’s farming operations into high-energy offshore sites 
like Storm Bay. 

When introduced, Huon’s in-house developed Fortress Pens 
were a world first. Key elements of the design include a 
fully enclosed walkway; nets made out of the same material 
used to make bullet proof vests to withstand the buffeting 
Tasmanian winds; and a design which minimises predation 
from seals and birds by restricting their access to the pens 
below and above the waterline. 

Over the past year, Huon has made continuous 
improvements to the pens including tighter bird nets and 
bird escape hatches. Huon utilises in-situ net cleaners to 
minimise the build-up of biofouling on the Fortress Pens. 
Regular cleaning is a high priority at Huon as this ensures 
high water flow through pens, maintaining maximum 
oxygen levels to fish. 

In addition, removing excess weight mitigates the risk 
of holes and tears which may result in wildlife incursion 
or fish escape. 

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Nursery
Huon’s Whale Point Salmon Nursery is the only one of its 
kind in the southern hemisphere. 

Huon’s success in growing salmon to a larger size on land 
(in a controlled environment) has reduced the time spent 
at sea by 30–40%. As a result Huon salmon is now being 
grown to harvest size in less than a year. 

Larger smolt are more robust and less vulnerable to 
predation. This provides increased capacity to manage 
existing leases, lowering the environmental and biosecurity 
risk. The nursery has zero discharge to the environment 
due to the collection and composting of the fish nutrients 
for use by local land farmers. 

Multiple site broodstock supply
Huon has broodstock facilities located at five, 
geographically separate sites around Tasmania, thereby 
guaranteeing supply. 

This segregation of broodstock reduces biosecurity 
and production risks while each population is closely 
monitored to inform future breeding plans and to identify 
potential health issues. 

Centralised Control of Operations including 
feed systems
Huon has long been a pioneer in feeding methods and 
technology. Its centralised feed operation has resulted in 
better control and oversight of on-water operations as well 
as supporting the Company’s move to offshore farming 
without compromising employee safety. 

From the Hobart based control room, fish are remotely fed, 
to appetite, all at the same time. This replicates the fish’s 
natural behaviour and allows less dominant fish equal 
access to feed from anywhere in the pen. 

National award-winning pellet-recognition software uses 
a combination of industrial automation and artificial 
intelligence to determine when the fish are no longer 
hungry. It then automatically turns off the feed, reducing 
feed wastage and minimising impact on the sea floor. 

Locally-built feed barges, moored at each farming lease, 
are remotely operated from the control room. In the past 
year, the 600t Hulk, Huon’s seventh feed barge, joined the 
fleet, operating in Storm Bay.

Lift up System
Huon’s Fortress Pens provide timely, automatic retrieval 
of fish mortalities, which is a critical component of good 
biosecurity management. Early detection and removal 
reduces the risk of potential spread of disease and 
minimises attraction of predators. 

Huon’s control room operators also use cameras 
(positioned on pens and underneath the water) to identify 
and inspect any mortalities which minimises the use of 
divers, improving safety for on-water crews. 

Social/Environmental Risk
As a fully vertically-integrated company, Huon’s compliance 
obligations span across all aspects of its operations. At 
the same time, Huon has a responsibility to ensure that 
its activities are understood by the communities in which 
it operates, and that its communication is transparent and 
authentic. Being part of any community brings with it a 
responsibility to do things that will help keep the community 
safe and connected.

Stakeholder engagement
Huon encourages engagement with the community and 
others connected to, or invested in, activities associated 
with Huon’s operational footprint. Dedicated teams 
at Huon proactively manage relationships with all 
stakeholders including government, regulators, investors, 
suppliers, customers and communities. 

Complaint management is undertaken transparently and 
evidence based data is regularly published in a bid to better 
inform stakeholders. Over the past year, significant effort 
has been invested in community educational activities to 
promote aquaculture as a career pathway. 

Huon invests heavily in Tasmanian owned contractors 
and suppliers as well as providing direct funding into 
community grant schemes and sponsorships that focus on 
building capacity and resilience in regional communities. 

Feed formulations including fishmeal/fish oil
Huon fish are fed specialised diets that optimise health 
and performance at every stage of their lifecycle. All of 
Huon’s feed is now sourced from Tasmanian-based mills 
which reduces the risk of relying on imports, and expands 
the supply chains for Tasmanian primary producers. 

Salmon rely on astaxanthin, an important anti-oxidant, for 
muscle growth and stimulation of the immune system as 
well as improving fertility and growth. It is also the source 
of salmon’s signature flesh colour. In the wild, astaxanthin is 
sourced from krill but is added to the diet of farmed salmon.

Huon has actively worked with feed suppliers to decrease 
the use of marine ingredients in feed. Huon has doubled 
the percentage of vegetables in its feed – now 60% 
compared with 31% in 2015.

Reducing the dependence on marine fish resources for 
aquaculture feed is increasingly receiving attention. This 
is why Huon only works with feed companies that ensure 
full traceability of feed ingredients and responsibly source 
marine ingredients from sustainably managed fisheries. 
Huon has also reduced the proportion of fishmeal in feed 
formulations by 20% from a high of 22% in 2013 to the 
current 18%.

Antibiotics
Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of 
inappropriate or excessive antibiotic use. Huon has not 
used antibiotics in its marine farming since 2016. 

Antibiotics should only be used as a last line of defence and 
as such, Huon is continually working to develop proactive 
diet régimes and vaccines to allow stock to combat known 
illnesses and lead healthy lives. Huon voluntarily publishes 
its antibiotic usage as well as submitting fish stock for flesh 
testing, in addition to participating in the publicly available 
National Residue Survey. 

19

Risk Management and Sustainability

Market Risks
The key market risks relate to the ability to maintain 
supply of product, market disruption factors and 
consumer confidence in the quality and safety of Huon’s 
product.

COVID-19
On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organisation 
officially declared the global spread of the novel 
coronavirus, COVID-19, a pandemic. The potential 
key risks posed to Huon from the pandemic include 
operational, safety and market disruption. 

Huon has adhered to government guidelines with no 
disruptions to the ongoing operations of the business. 

The Australian food services sector of the wholesale 
market has been disrupted by the closure or severe 
restrictions placed on the operations of restaurants, clubs 
and the food catering industry, as a result of government 
imposed lockdowns. Access to the international salmon 
export markets was interrupted due to the disruption 
to international air freight services. Huon’s diversified 
presence in both the domestic and international market 
has enabled it to react and adapt to the changing 
conditions.

Product pricing
Huon’s profitability and the market value of its biological 
assets are sensitive to salmon prices in both the domestic 
and international market. Prices are dependent on 
short and long term supply and demand variations, and 
market conditions. This risk is managed through Huon’s 
customer channel and product diversification strategies, 
through customer supply contracts and category 
marketing investment.

Product acceptance in the market
The sale of any product is dependent on market 
perceptions of its quality and safety. Huon mitigates this 
risk through its rigorous quality assurance systems and 
constant product testing. Significant, ongoing marketing 
continues to raise the profile of the Huon brand as a 
premium product and position it for growth. 

Diversification of channel mix
Reliance on one channel or a limited client base for the 
sale of any product introduces risk. Huon manages this 
through selling into the wholesale market, the retail sector 
both domestic and offshore via contracted sales, as well 
as through the export channel. 

20

Workplace Health and Safety
Providing a workplace that is safe and ensuring that 
staff return home un-injured each day is a fundamental 
duty of all employers. It is also essential for attracting 
and retaining staff as well as providing an environment 
which supports learning, team work and innovation. 
Across the business, strengthening automation and use of 
technology has continued to secure jobs for the industry 
and Huon seeks out more and more ways to improve 
its operations. 

Equipment and work processes
Huon’s Fortress Pens are designed to protect staff from 
interactions with seals and provide a safe working 
environment. Extensive use of automation and technology 
is deployed throughout the business including in the 
areas of net cleaning and repair and remote feeding. 
The introduction of unmanned feed barges moored onsite 
at leases together with automated feeding, reduces the 
number of vessel movements and time employees spend 
on water. 

At the Parramatta Creek processing facility, continuous 
modification to processes has included the introduction 
of automation and robot packers, minimising 
manual handling. 

Training and professional development
Development of staff through training, increases 
productivity and reduces the risk of injury and accidents. 
It also increases the rate of staff retention. Huon staff 
continue to participate in development programs with 
many undergoing professional development including 
VET sector training courses specific to their role. 

In addition, general literacy, numeracy and digital 
literacy support is offered to all employees and Huon 
continues to engage with the tertiary education sector 
to identify future workforce development requirements.

Third party, independent certification 
Huon seeks independent certification of its processes 
to assist with risk mitigation and as a means of validating 
compliance with global best-practice. 

In 2018, Huon was the first (and remains the only) 
seafood producer in Australia to meet the RSPCA’s 
detailed animal welfare standards for farmed Atlantic 
Salmon, and cooperate with the rigorous ongoing 
assessments by the RSPCA to ensure compliance. The 
RSPCA Approved logo offers consumers the assurance 
that Huon Salmon have been farmed humanely and in 
an environment that meets their needs. The RSPCA’s 
standards currently don’t permit farming in Macquarie 
Harbour and therefore these salmon products won’t be 
labelled as RSPCA Approved. Currently less than 10% 
of Huon Aquaculture’s total salmon production is from 
Macquarie Harbour.

In 2012, Huon became the first Australian 
salmon producer to achieve the internationally 
recognised accreditation, Global G.A.P. This 
pre-farm gate standard covers the whole production 
process of the certified product from the hatchery 
to the point of harvest and packing and recognises 
ongoing, continuous improvement. 

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Warming waters are a key challenge of salmon farming 
globally and a joint feed trial between Huon and BioMar, 
a leading feed company, aims to reduce the impact on 
stock by creating a better performing summer diet. 

The aim of the current trial is to help the fish digest and 
convert feed in summer temperatures that are higher 
than their preferred range. Given that warming waters 
are a global issue for salmon farming, it is expected that 
the research taking place in Tasmania will have positive 
implications global. The trial is being conducted at Huon’s 
Hideaway Bay trial pens, which have hosted in-house and 
commercial feed trials for many years. 

A further example of Huon’s commitment to managing 
the impact of climate change on public waterways is our 
participation in a research program into Giant Kelp run 
jointly by the Institute of Marine & Antarctic Studies (IMAS) 
and The Climate Foundation. 

Giant Kelp has endless applications from being used 
in food and fertiliser, bioplastics, and high-value 
nutraceuticals. It also has the added benefit of being 
extremely fast-growing, providing habitat for numerous 
other species and soaks up nutrients in the water. However, 
warming Tasmanian waters have caused an alarming 
reduction in the size of the giant kelp forests in the State, 
leaving valuable food-webs at risk. The strengthening of 
the Eastern Australian Current is the primary reason for 
the decline in giant kelp. This is why Huon is supporting 
IMAS and The Climate Foundation to cultivate warm-water 
tolerant strains on our Storm Bay leases to assess their 
potential for the restoration of Tasmania’s kelp forests. 

There is a company wide focus to reduce the costs of 
energy from the supply side. Huon is also involved in the 
Blue Economy – Cooperative Research Centre, partnering 
with other research institutions to examine current and 
future renewable energy options. 

Huon is also a BRC AA-rated seafood processor. 
The BRC Global Standards specify requirements to be 
met to enable the production, packaging, storage and 
distribution of safe food and consumer products. These 
standards are specified by growing numbers of retailers 
and branded manufacturers across the globe. Huon’s 
Parramatta Creek processing facility first achieved BRC 
AA rating in 2016. At the time it was the first seafood 
processing facility in Australia to achieve the BRC 
AA rating. 

Huon is also HACCP certified. Safe food production 
is achieved by applying HACCP techniques to ensure 
that potential hazards during the process are recognised, 
monitored and controlled. 

Finally the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service 
(AQIS) also undertakes regular inspections and assesses 
Huon’s certification process compliance to approve the 
sale of Huon products overseas. 

In late 2019, Huon’s Forest Home hatchery farmland 
received organic certification from the National 
Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia 
enabling a third party artisan cheese and milk producer 
to label its products as organic. 

Managing Climate and  
Environmental Risk
Huon has proactively taken steps to manage and mitigate 
the impact of climate change on their operations. The first 
step was pioneering offshore farming in Tasmania, where 
dissolved oxygen levels and water temperatures are better 
for the fish. Huon has been successfully farming offshore in 
Storm Bay since 2014 and it is a key component in Huon’s 
proactive management of climate change. 

Other steps include selectively breeding fish that perform 
better in warmer waters; undertaking trials with global 
feed companies to develop an easy-to-digest summer diet; 
and investing in renewable energy sources. 

Salmon farming is one of the most efficient ways of using 
natural resources to produce a healthy protein. It has a 
low carbon footprint, high energy and protein retention 
efficiency and low water footprint. Across all the different 
farmed animals, the Global Salmon Initiative has found 
that the Feed Conversion Ratio of salmon is the most 
efficient of all farmed animals. While a kilogram of beef 
meat requires between 6–10kgs of feed, a kilogram of 
salmon meat requires just 1.2–1.5kgs.

An example of the Huon’s efforts to mitigate the risk of 
climate change is its involvement in an industry selective 
breeding program. This produces high performing 
broodstock adaptable to Tasmania’s farming conditions. 
Since the founder populations were recruited, there has 
been a steady increase in genetic gain where growth 
potential and amoeba resistance have improved by roughly 
2–3% a year. Initial results from the family-based program 
replicated those seen from earlier mass selection which 
identified that amoeba resistance is a heritable trait and 
can be increased through the generations. In the past 
year, Huon purchased a larger share in the program to 
ensure ongoing access to a bigger pool of genetically 
elite breeders.

21

Financial Summary 

 » Harvest tonnage rose 36% to 25,566 tonnes reflecting 
the significant investment made over the past year in 
rebuilding the biomass. This together with optimal growing 
conditions from spring through summer resulted in 
excellent fish performance.

 » Heightened volatility of the international salmon price 

during the first half FY2020 and weaker pricing in the fourth 
quarter due to COVID-19, impacted the overall expected 
return for the year. While revenue increased by 21% on pcp, 
revenue per HOG/kg fell 11% from $14.96 to $13.30.
 » Excellent growing conditions contributed to an above 

average harvest weight of 5.04 kg, the best performance 
in a decade. This also provides the first indication of how 
the extensive changes to the way Huon farms salmon are 
contributing to better fish performance.

 » Operating EBITDA fell 14% to $40.8 million as margins 
were squeezed from 16.8% to 12.0%. While the average 
cost of production (including freight) fell 6% from $12.45/ 
HOG kg in FY2019 to $11.70/HOG kg, it was more than 
negated by the 11% fall in average price over the year.

 » Operating NPAT dropped to $5.5 million as higher 

weakened by lower average prices. Statutory NPAT (pre 
AASB16) eased to $6.5 million assisted by a $1.5 million 
increase in the Fair Value Adjustment of Biological Assets.
 » The increase in harvest volumes resulted in a larger portion 
of production being sold in the export market. This was 
exacerbated in the final months of FY2020 by the effective 
closure of the food services sector in Australia due to 
COVID-19. Overall volume sold into the domestic market 
during FY2020 declined by 10% to 15,280 tonnes while 
export volume increased to 10,286 tonnes.

 » The fair value of Huon’s biomass at year end increased by 
$53.7 million to $262.8 million. Biomass in the water at 
30 June 2020 was 57% higher at 26,429 tonnes compared 
to 30 June 2019.

 » Capital expenditure was down due to the completion of 
all major projects in FY2019. Nevertheless the rebuild 
of the biomass placed increased pressure on working 
capital requirements which rose by 31% over the year. 
This continued to be largely debt funded resulting in net 
debt and gearing increasing to $167.3 million and 53%.
 » Dividends were suspended for the year in order to preserve 

depreciation charges compounded the impact to earnings, 

cash flow for operations.

Statutory Earnings  
Twelve months for the year ended

Post AASB 16
12 Months
FY2020

Pre AASB 16
12 Months
FY2020

Pre AASB 16
12 Months
FY2019

Pre AASB 16
Jun to Jun
Change

Pre AASB 16
Jun to Jun
Change %

Tonnage 
Revenue(1)

Revenue per HOG kg
EBITDA(2)
EBITDA per HOG kg
EBITDA margin
EBIT
NPAT

Fair value adjustment of Biological Assets
Related income tax refund/(expense)(3)
Biological assets

Earnings per share
Return on assets(4)
Operating cash flow
Net debt(5)
Total gearing ratio(6)

Operating Earnings
Operating EBITDA(7)
Operating EBIT
Operating NPAT(8)

t
$M

$/kg
$M
$/kg
%
$M
$M

$M
$M
$M

c 
%
$M
$M
%

$M
$M
$M

 25,566 
 339.9 

 25,566 
 339.9 

 18,849 
 282.0 

 6,717 
 57.9 

 13.30 
 48.8 
 1.91 
14.4%
 9.7 
 4.9 

 1.5 
 (0.5)
 264.0 

 5.63 
1.4%
8.4
 167.3 
54.3%

 13.30 
 42.3 
 1.65 
12.4%
 9.8 
 6.5 

 1.5 
 (0.5)
 262.8 

 7.47 
1.6%
 (4.3)
 167.3 
52.6%

 14.96 
 38.2 
 2.03 
13.5%
 12.5 
 9.5 

 (9.1)
 2.7 
 209.1 

 10.82 
2.2%
 14.5 
 138.8 
44.2%

 (1.66)
 4.1 
 (0.38)
-1.1%
 (2.7)
 (3.0)

 10.6 
 (3.2)
 53.7 

 (3.35)
-0.7%
 (18.8)
 28.5 
8.4%

36%
21%

-11%
11%
-19%
-8%
-22%
-32%

-116%
-119%
26%

-31%
-30%
-130%
21%
19%

FY2020

FY2020

FY2019

Change

Change %

 47.3 
 8.2 
 3.9 

 40.8 
 8.3 
 5.5 

 47.3 
 21.6 
 15.9 

 (6.5)
 (13.3)
 (10.4)

-14%
-62%
-65%

1  Revenue from the sale of goods.
2   EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure which 
is used to measure business performance, 
using net depreciation and amortisation 
recognised in the income statement.
3   Related income tax at current tax rate.

4   Return on Assets is measured as statutory  

EBIT/total assets.

5   Net Debt is total debt net of cash and cash 

equivalents.

6   Total Gearing Ratio is measured as debt  

(net of cash)/net assets.

7   Operating EBITDA excludes the impact of the 
Fair Value Adjustment of Biological Assets.
8    Operating NPAT excludes the impact of the 

Fair Value Adjustment of Biological Assets and 
related tax impact.

22

Changes in accounting policies – AASB 16 Leases The Group has adopted AASB 16 using the modified retrospective approach from 1 July 2019 and as such has not restated comparatives for the 2019 reporting period, as permitted under the specific transitional provisions. Tables and commentary included in the Directors’ Report contain comparisons for before (Pre AASB 16) and after adoption (Post AASB 16) of AASB 16 and are labelled accordingly. The following commentary makes reference to financial information for FY2020 that is Pre AASB 16. This is used as a comparison against the prior corresponding reporting period as the Directors believe this provides more meaningful comparison when understanding the operations of the Company. The table on page 22 shows a comparison of key statistics Pre AASB 16 and Post AASB 16 that are referenced in the following Operating Review. The tables on pages 24 and 25 are presented in Pre AASB 16 format.Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Summary of Operational Performance

There were many operational highlights during FY2020, a year 
in which the last pieces of our strategy to grow production and 
improve operational efficiency fell into place. These included:

 » the first release of salmon from the Whale Point Salmon 

Nursery. The 19 Year Class average size was 20% higher 
on release at 282 grams and represented the first Year 
Class to be produced from hatchery to harvest under 
Huon’s upgraded infrastructure and expanded capacity.
 » the stocking of East of Yellow Bluff, a new lease site 1.5km 
from Bruny Island, with up to 2.5 million smolt. This site 
is crucial in enabling Huon to complete the arrangement 
of all Huon marine leases in Storm Bay to meet key 
components of the industry biosecurity plan.

 » the arrival in Hobart of the Ronja Storm, Huon’s second 

wellboat and the most advanced fish bathing and 
transportation vessel in the world.

 » the launch of Hulk, Huon’s second unmanned, fully 
automated 600 tonne feed barge. Both barges are 
permanently moored in Storm Bay and supplied by the 
Huon Supply, a 1,000 tonne feed delivery boat.

These and other investments in new infrastructure and 
technology have laid the foundation for the ramp up in 
production that commenced in mid-2018.

Biomass in the water at 30 June 2020 was 26,429 tonnes, 
double the 12,960 tonnes two years earlier. This highlights 
the scale of Huon’s rebuild and expansion which is now 
being realised through the 36% increase in this year’s 
harvest volume. A further increase of at least 40% is 
expected in FY2021. The fair value of Huon’s biomass at 
year end increased by $53.7 million from 30 June 2019 to 
$262.8 million.

After a slow start to the year, with fish growth affected by 
health impacts from contact with jellyfish in early 2019, 
growth rates picked up rapidly in spring. This, together with 
optimal growing conditions through summer, resulted in an 
average weight for the year of 5.04kg – the best result in over 
a decade. The increased production volumes supported an 
11% reduction in cost of production per HOG kg to $10.46.

However, the investment in growing and feeding the 
increased volume of fish placed significant demands on 
cash flow, particularly over the past year. Adjusted Cash 
Flow from Operations fell from $24.9 million to minus 
$1.9 million and this, combined with $21.6 million in 
maintenance capital expenditure, resulted in an increase in 
net debt from $138.8 million to $167.3 million. Repayment 
of debt will be a priority over the next two years.

The increase in production volume was sold into the 
international market with around 6% of this going to a 
number of contracted international retail outlets in Asia. 
Sales into the domestic retail channel were below the 
previous year due to the completion of a large MAP contract 
in June 2019, however good gains were made in recovering 
over a third of that volume through new supply agreements. 
The wholesale channel was heavily impacted by the 
restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 in the fourth quarter. 
Huon’s high exposure to the food service channel meant 
that a significant drop in sales in its wholesale market was 
unavoidable. While retail prices held up during this time, 
pricing in both the wholesale and export channels came 
under pressure.

Reduced pricing during the second half, particularly in 
Huon’s dominant wholesale and export channels, resulted 
in revenue increasing by only 21% against a 36% increase in 
tonnage. Despite lower per kg production costs, the slower 
rate of revenue growth resulted in operating margins being 
squeezed from 16.8% to 12.0% and Operating EBITDA 
falling by 14% to $40.8 million.

Huon’s primary focus in FY2021 will be the efficient 
management of the biggest harvest in its corporate 
history. This will be happening at a time of great economic 
uncertainty as the global community navigates its way 
through the travel and trade restrictions imposed by the 
pandemic. While the domestic demand for salmon is likely 
to recover quickly as restrictions ease, there is little certainty 
about how the next twelve months will play out for the global 
salmon market and the impact that will have on pricing.

Operating Earnings and Cash Flow

Sales  
revenue(1)

Operating 
EBITDA(2) 

$339.9M

FY2019: $282.0m

$40.8M

FY2019: $47.3m 

Operating  
NPAT(3) 

$5.5M

FY2019: $15.9m

Operating  
Cash Flow 

($4.3M)

FY2019: $14.5m 

FY2020 
Channel mix
% of total revenue

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

1 
2 
3 

Revenue from the sale of goods.
 Operating EBITDA excludes the impact of the Fair Value Adjustment of Biological Assets.
 Operating NPAT excludes the impact of the Fair Value Adjustment of Biological Assets and related tax impact.

FY20
FY20

FY19

 Wholesale 47% (64%)
  Retail: Domestic 19% (28%) 
  Retail: International 6% (2%)
 Export 28% (6%)

23

Key Financials

Operational Performance
Six months ended

Harvest volume HOG
Revenue from operations
Revenue $/HOG kg
Cost of production
Cost of production $/HOG kg
Freight and distribution
Freight and distribution $/HOG kg
Operating EBITDA*
Operating EBITDA $/HOG kg
Margin 
Fair value adjustment

30 Jun 
2020

 12,245 
 161.8 
 13.21 
 (123.6)
 (10.09)
 (17.8)
 (1.45)
 20.4 
 1.67 
12.6%
 (24.7)

31 Dec 
2019

 13,321 
 178.1 
 13.37 
 (143.7)
 (10.79)
 (14.0)
 (1.05)
 20.4 
 1.53 
11.5%
 26.2 

30 Jun 
2019

 9,830 
 145.7 
 14.82 
 (112.7)
 (11.46)
 (7.2)
 (0.73)
 25.7 
 2.62 
17.7%
 (34.1)

31 Dec 
2018

 9,019 
 136.3 
 15.11 
 (108.4)
 (12.02)
 (6.3)
 (0.70)
 21.6 
 2.39 
15.8%
 25.0 

t
$M
$/kg
$M
$/kg
$M
$/kg
$M
$/kg
%
$M

Operational Performance

–  The increase in harvest volumes is the outcome of the strategy 

$/HOG kg
16

12

8

4

0

DEC 2017

JUN 2018

DEC 2018

JUN 2019

DEC 2019

JUN 2020

Operating EBITDA 
Freight and distribution

Cost of production 
Revenue 

Biological Assets
Six months ended

Biological assets at fair value 
Fair value adjustment (FVA)
Biological assets (excluding FVA)
Total weight of live finfish at sea 
Biological asset value/kg (live)
Fair value adjustment/kg (live)
Biological assets/kg (live) (excluding FVA)
Number of fish (harvest)
Sales volume (HOG kg)
Average HOG weight
Average price/HOG kg (net sales)
Net sales 

Fish weight and price

$/HOG kg
15.50

15.00

14.50

14.00

13.50

13.00

12.50

DEC 2017

JUN 2018

DEC 2018

JUN 2019

DEC 2019

JUN 2020

Average price/HOG kg
Average HOG weight (kg)

to rebuild the biomass.

–  The cost of production per kg fell in the second half to 

$10.09 with production efficiencies and lower mortality costs 
compared to 2H2019 ($11.46) and a record average harvest 
weight (5.04kg). The cost of production could have been even 
lower if the harvest of the 19 Year Class salmon had not been 
slowed due to COVID-19.

–  The majority of the increase in production was sold into the 

lower priced export market. This lifted the proportion of revenue 
exported in the second half to 27% and contributed to the 11% 
fall in the overall average price from $14.82 in 2H2019 to 
$13.21. As a result while volumes for the second half finished 
up 25% on pcp, revenue was up by only 11%.

–  The higher proportion of exports also pushed freight costs up in 
the second half to $1.45/HOG kg from $0.73/HOG kg (pcp).

$M
$M
$M
t
$/kg
$/kg
$/kg
000’s
t
kg
$/kg
$M

kg
6.00

5.50

5.00

4.50

4.00

3.50

3.00

30 Jun 
2020

 262.8 
 28.1 
 234.7 
 26,429 
 9.94 
 1.06 
 8.88 
 2,445 
 12,245 
 5.01 
 13.21 
 161.8 

31 Dec 
2019

 251.6 
 52.8 
 198.8 
 23,001 
 10.94 
 2.30 
 8.64 
 2,629 
 13,321 
 5.07 
 13.37 
 178.1 

30 Jun 
2019

 209.1 
 26.6 
 182.5 
 16,886 
 12.38 
 1.58 
 10.81 
 2,397 
 9,830 
 4.10 
 14.82 
 145.7 

31 Dec 
2018

 228.5 
 60.7 
 167.8 
 18,939 
 12.07 
 3.21 
 8.86 
 1,888 
 9,019 
 4.78 
 15.11 
 136.3 

–  The fair value of biological assets rose 26% (over pcp) to 

$262.8 million while the value at cost rose 29% (over pcp) to 
$234.7 million. This reflects the significant rebuild of the biomass 
that commenced last year to return Huon’s production level to 
its long term average growth rate.

–  The average value of biological assets at cost declined by 18% 
from $10.81/HOG kg (pcp) to $8.88/HOG kg due to lower 
production costs and improved growth.

–  Live weight at sea increased 57% from 16,886 tonnes to 26,429 
tonnes, a combination of the increased number of fish (+27%) 
and a 23% improvement in the average weight over pcp.

–  Average harvest weight rose 22% on pcp in the second half to 
5.01kg. The second half is characterised by the start of the new 
Year Class which typically is lower weight. The new 19 Year Class 
salmon has however grown exceptionally well, delivering a 
record harvest weight for new fish.

*    Operating EBITDA excludes the impact of the Fair Value Adjustment of Biological Assets.

24

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Sales Channel
Six months ended

Wholesale HOG
Retail Domestic HOG 
Retail International HOG 
Export HOG 
Total HOG 
Wholesale % of revenue
Retail Domestic % of revenue
Retail International % of revenue
Export % of revenue 
Wholesale $/HOG kg
Retail Domestic $/HOG kg
Retail International $/HOG kg
Export $/HOG kg

30 Jun 
2020

 4,815 
 2,407 
1,032
3,991
 12,245 
42%
23%
8%
27%
 14.08 
 15.30 
13.14
10.92

31 Dec 
2019

 6,045 
 2,014 
602
4,661
 13,322 
52%
16%
4%
27%
 15.21 
 14.43 
 14.43 
 10.44 

30 Jun 
2019

 5,981 
 2,615 
288
945
 9,830 
63%
26%
3%
8%
 15.46 
 14.30 
14.06
12.48

31 Dec 
2018

 5,507 
 2,895 
213
405
 9,019 
64%
30%
2%
4%
 15.81 
 14.21 
14.08
12.47

t
t
t
t
t
%
%
%
%
$/kg
$/kg
$/kg
$/kg

Distribution Channels by Price and Contribution to Sales

$/HOG kg
16.00

% of revenue
100%

12.00

8.00

4.00

0.00

DEC 2017

JUN 2018

DEC 2018

JUN 2019

DEC 2019

JUN 2020

Export

Retail:

Wholesale Domestic

Retail:
International

$/HOG kg
% of sales

Cash Generation
Six months ended

Operating EBITDA*
Cash flow from operations
Add  – net interest paid

– tax paid/(refunded) 

Adjusted cash flow from operations
EBITDA conversion
Capex
Cash at end of period

Operational Cash Flow

$M
40

20

0

-20

DEC 2017

JUN 2018

DEC 2018

JUN 2019

DEC 2019

JUN 2020

Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations
EBITDA Conversion

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

$M
$M
$M
$M

$M
%
$M
$M

200%

100%

0%

-100%

–  The increase in production has shifted the sales mix heavily 
towards the overseas market (34%). Pricing was unusually 
volatile during the year with the international salmon price falling 
in Q2 to its lowest point in 5 years. The international salmon 
market was further disrupted as the COVID-19 pandemic forced 
the reduction of international airfreight.

–  While the wholesale market continues to be Huon’s dominant 
market (47%), it experienced a challenging year. First quarter 
sales volumes slowed due to underweight fish and pricing came 
under pressure in Q3 as a result of increased supply from all 
Tasmanian producers. In Q4 the pandemic closed restaurants 
and the food service sector, a large portion of Huon’s customers.

–  Sales into the retail channel eased with the loss of the MAP 
contract in FY2019. Nevertheless most of this volume was 
recovered through continued supply into supermarkets outside 
contractual requirements as well as picking up new value added 
and fresh contracts. 

30 Jun 
2020

 20.4 
 (19.2)
 3.9 
 (3.7)

 (19.0)
-93%
 9.1 
 5.9 

31 Dec 
2019

 20.4 
 14.2 
 2.6 
 0.3 

 17.1 
84%
 12.5 
 15.5 

30 Jun 
2019

 25.7 
 16.0 
 5.4 
 (5.2)

 16.2 
63%
 22.9 
 2.6 

31 Dec 
2018

 21.6 
 (1.6)
 2.8 
 7.5 

 8.7 
40%
 41.4 
 4.5 

–  Cash flow was not supported by Operating EBITDA which 
fell 21% on FY2019 due to harvesting of the high cost 18 
Year Class, the slow start to the harvest of the 19 Year Class 
due to COVID-19 and a reduction in the net sales price as a 
result of the increased weighting of sales to exports.
–  Cash flow from operations was impacted by higher 

payments to suppliers, driven predominantly from the build 
of biological stock (+29%). Feed is a high proportion of 
this and also reflects the strong growth performance of fish. 
In addition fuel costs increased due to high fuel prices in 
the first half together with the arrival of the new wellboat in 
February 2020. Higher exports drove increased freight costs 
with the annual spend up 134% to $31.8 million in FY2020.

–  Huon spent $21.6 million in capex in FY2020, focused 
on maintenance following the completion of all major 
infrastructure projects at the end of FY2019.

25

 
 
Huon Board of Directors

Neil Kearney B.Ec
–  Chairman
–  Director since August 2014

Peter Bender
–  Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Director
–  Director since May 2005

Frances Bender
–  Non-independent Executive Director
–  Director since May 2005

Founder of Huon with over 30 years’ 
experience in fish farming operations.

Founder of Huon with over 30 years’ 
experience in fish farming operations.

Peter is responsible for the leadership, 
operations and strategic direction of 
Huon and has always been committed 
to delivering high quality salmon that 
is raised responsibly. He sets business 
strategy and leads the executive team 
to deliver growth.

He is well recognised for farming 
innovation both in Australia and 
internationally and his extensive 
knowledge of aquaculture coupled 
with a strong continuous improvement 
ethic is the foundation on which Huon’s 
success is built.

Peter is a Non-executive Director of 
Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania Pty Ltd.

Frances has been instrumental in the 
design of the Huon brand and its 
marketing direction and continues to 
be responsible for these areas.

Frances was a Member of the 
New South Wales Primary Industry 
Ministerial Advisor Council.

Frances’ former directorships and 
committees include Board member of 
Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries 
Institute, member of the Huon Valley 
Economic Development Advisory 
Committee, member of Huon Valley 
Council Rural Health Advisory 
Committee, member of Tasmanian 
Food Industry Council and member 
of Tasmanian Regional Reference 
Group – South.

Neil has significant leadership 
experience in major Australian and 
international food companies with 
prior senior roles at Goodman Fielder 
Limited and National Foods Limited. He 
is currently the Non-executive Chairman 
of Felton Grimwade Bosisto’s Pty Ltd, a 
Non-executive director of Craig Mostyn 
Holdings Pty Ltd and a Non-executive 
director of Simonds Group Limited.

Neil’s most recent executive role was 
Chief Strategy Officer of ASX-listed 
company Goodman Fielder Limited 
from 2011–2014 and before that 
he was Chief Executive Officer and 
Managing Director of Warrnambool 
Cheese & Butter Factory Co. Holdings 
Limited from 2007–2009.

Neil has previously been a Board 
member for Warrnambool Cheese & 
Butter Factory Co. Holdings Limited 
and Colorpak Limited as well as being 
a Director of National Foods Holdings 
Ltd 2005–2007 and Vitasoy Australia 
Products Pty Ltd 1999–2007 and 
Non-executive director of Brainwave 
Australia.

Special Responsibilities
–  Independent Non-executive 

Director 

–  Member of the Audit and Risk 

Management Committee

–  Member of the Remuneration and 

Nomination Committee

26

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Simon Lester  
CA, BCom, MAppFinInv
–  Independent Non-executive Director
–  Director since August 2014

Tony Dynon  
CPA
–  Independent Non-executive Director
–  Director since August 2016

Simon had previously been an adviser 
to Huon and has extensive experience 
within the salmon industry.

He has over 30 years’ experience 
in corporate finance and corporate 
tax, having advised the Tasmanian 
Government and State owned business 
enterprises.

His former roles include Partner at 
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and PBS 
Partners as well as senior management 
roles at Price Waterhouse and KPMG 
and previously held the position of 
Board member of CatholicCare 
Tasmania.

Simon is currently the Chief Risk 
Officer of The Royal Automobile Club 
of Tasmania. 

He is a member of the Financial 
Services Institute of Australasia, 
Chartered Accountants Australia and 
New Zealand, the Tax Institute and the 
Australian Risk Policy Institute. 

Special Responsibilities
–  Chairman of the Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee 
–  Member of the Audit and Risk 

Management Committee

Tony has extensive leadership and 
finance experience gained largely 
in food, beverage and stockfeed 
businesses with senior roles in 
international and ASX-listed companies. 

The majority of Tony’s career was 
with international food company 
H J Heinz, covering a 20 year period, 
including roles for Heinz Australia as 
Joint Managing director from 1994 to 
1997 and Chief Financial Officer from 
1988 to 1994. He was also Managing 
Director of Farm Pride Foods Ltd and 
Executive Chairman of Palm Springs 
Ltd, both ASX listed companies. 

More recently Tony has had leadership 
roles in privately owned stockfeed 
businesses based in Australia, New 
Zealand and the UK. Tony was also a 
Non-executive director for Colorpak 
Ltd from 2004 to 2010 and a Non-
executive director of Murray River 
Organics Limited from 2019 to 2020.

Tony is a member of CPA Australia.

Special Responsibilities
–  Chairman of the Audit and Risk 

Management Committee 

–  Member of the Remuneration and 

Nomination Committee

27

Huon Aquaculture Group Limited

Annual Report 2020 

28

Directors’ Report

The Directors of Huon present the annual financial report 
of the consolidated entity consisting of the Company and 
the entities it controlled (Consolidated Group) for the 
financial year ended 30 June 2020. 

Directors
The Directors of the Company during the whole of  
the financial year and up to the date of this report  
are as follows:

–  Neil Kearney, Chairman 
–  Peter Bender, Managing Director and  

Chief Executive Officer

–  Frances Bender
–  Simon Lester
–  Tony Dynon

The qualification, experiences and special  
responsibilities of the Directors are provided  
on pages 26 to 27.

Directors’ Interests
Particulars of Directors’ interests as at 30 June 2020 were:

Shareholdings

Peter Bender(i)
Frances Bender(i)
Neil Kearney
Simon Lester
Tony Dynon

Ordinary 
Shares

Performance
Rights

57,872,875
57,872,875
6,316
14,516
6,080

228,624
–
–
–
–

(i) 

Includes direct and indirect interests.

Company Secretary
Thomas Haselgrove B.Ec. CA 

Thomas Haselgrove is the Chief Financial Officer and 
Company Secretary with 28 years’ experience in audit, 
statutory accounting and commerce across a number of 
organisations including Ernst & Young, and in the food, 
beverage and FMCG sectors, including Southcorp Wines 
and Chiquita Brands. Thomas was appointed Company 
Secretary in 2006.

Principal Activities
During the year the principal activities of the Consolidated 
Group were hatching, farming, processing, sales and 
marketing of Atlantic salmon and ocean trout.

There were no significant changes in the nature of the 
activities of the Consolidated Group during the year.

Dividends
Dividends paid to members during the financial year 
were as follows:

Final ordinary dividend for the year ended 
30 June 2019 of 3.0 cents (2018 – 5.0 cents) 
per ordinary share paid on 17 October 2019
Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 
30 June 2020 of nil cents (2019 – 3.0 cents) 
per ordinary share

$’000

2,620

Nil

The Directors have not recommended the payment of a 
final ordinary dividend for the year ending 30 June 2020.

Review of Operations
Information on the operations and financial position of 
the Consolidated Group, and the Business Strategy and 
outlook are set out in the Chairman’s and Managing 
Director’s Review on pages 2 to 3 and the Review of 
Operations on pages 4 to 8 of this Annual Report.

Changes in State of Affairs
There have been no significant changes in the  
state of affairs of the Consolidated Group during  
the financial year.

Matters Subsequent to the end of the 
Financial Year
No matter or circumstance has arisen since 30 June 2020 
that has significantly affected the group’s operations, 
results or state of affairs, or may do so in future years.

Future Developments
Likely developments for the Consolidated Group are 
addressed through the Company’s Business Strategy. 
Further information on these developments are included 
in the Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Review and 
the Review of Operations.

29

Directors’ and Directors’ Meetings
The following table sets out the number of Directors’ 
meetings (including meetings of Committees of Directors) 
held during the financial year and the number of meetings 
attended by each Director (while they were a Director or 
Committee Member).  

Board of Directors 
meetings

Audit and Risk 
Management Committee 
meetings

Remuneration and 
Nominations Committee 
meetings

Number 
Held

Number 
Attended

Number 
Held

Number 
Attended

Number 
Held

Number 
Attended

11
11
11
11
11

11
11
11
11
11

5
*
*
5
5

5
*
*
5
5

3
*
*
3
3

3
*
*
3
3

Director

Neil Kearney
Peter Bender
Frances Bender
Simon Lester
Tony Dynon

* Not a member of the Committee

Share Options and Performance Rights
During or since the end of the financial year, 219,944 
performance rights were granted to Directors and 
Key Management Personnel. Refer to the remuneration 
report for further details of the performance rights 
granted and outstanding.

Environmental Regulation

The Consolidated Group is subject to significant 
regulation at both State and Commonwealth levels in 
respect of its hatchery operations, marine operations, 
land and use tenure and environmental requirements. 
This includes specific environmental permits, licences 
and statutory authorisations, trade and export and 
workplace health and safety.

The Consolidated Group has well established 
management frameworks for routinely and regularly 
monitoring compliance with the relevant regulatory 
requirements and to monitor and manage environmental 
compliance in relation to new regulations as they come 
into effect. Compliance within the regulatory framework 
is routinely reported to the Board.

The Consolidated Group employs a cross-functional team 
to manage compliance within the regulatory framework 
and guide a strategy of continuous improvement in 
environmental management and sustainability. 

Further details regarding the Consolidated Group’s 
sustainability and environmental management credentials 
and policies are outlined in the Chairman’s and Managing 
Director’s Review and the Review of Operations. 

During the prior year the Company was issued with a 
complaint summons alleging a number of breaches 
of the requirements relating to the operation of an 
Environmental Protection Notice at the Port Huon net 
processing site during 2018. On 4 May 2020 Huon 
Aquaculture Company Pty Ltd was fined $40,000 in the 
Hobart Magistrates Court for one charge of depositing a 
pollutant in a place where it could reasonably be expected 
to cause material environmental harm and five charges 
of contravening conditions of its Environment Protection 
Notice at its Whale Point net wash facility in early 2018. 
Huon Aquaculture Company Pty Ltd had pled guilty to 
the charges which were laid under the Environmental 
Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.

The Court made no finding of environmental harm and 
commented that this was not a case where it was alleged 
that Huon Aquaculture Company Pty Ltd offended to 
actively avoid environmental regulations. The Court 
noted that Huon Aquaculture Company Pty Ltd had 
taken active steps to improve processes in order to avoid 
future breaches.

During the prior year the Company was issued with a 
complaint summons alleging a diesel spill at one of the 
Company’s marine lease sites during 2017. During the year 
that complaint was withdrawn.

The Directors are not aware of any other significant 
environmental incidents arising from the operations of the 
Consolidated Group during the financial year and believe 
that all regulations have otherwise been materially met 
during the period covered by the Annual Report.

30

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Directors’ Report continuedRemuneration Report

Introduction
This Remuneration Report for the financial year ended  
30 June 2020 outlines the Company’s remuneration 
structure in accordance with the requirements of 
the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the Act), and the 
Corporations Regulations 2001 (Cth). This report provides 
remuneration information in relation to the Company’s  
Key Management Personnel (KMP) including for the  
Non-executive Directors (NEDs), Executive Directors (EDs), 
and Executive Management Group (EMG). KMP are those 
persons having authority and responsibility for planning, 
directing and controlling the activities of the Company, 
directly or indirectly, including any director (whether 
executive or otherwise) of the Company. This Remuneration 
Report has been audited as required by section 308(3C) 
of the Act.

Key Management Personnel (KMP)
The table below outlines the KMP for the financial year 
ended 30 June 2020 unless otherwise indicated. 

Executive Directors
 – Peter Bender (Managing Director and  

Chief Executive Officer)

–  Frances Bender (Executive Director)

Non-executive Directors
 – Neil Kearney (Chairman and Non-executive Director)
 – Simon Lester (Non-executive Director)
–  Tony Dynon (Non-executive Director)

Executive Management Group
 – Philip Wiese (Deputy Chief Executive Officer)
–  Thomas Haselgrove (Chief Financial Officer  

and Company Secretary)

–  David Morehead (General Manager Marine 

Operations)

–  Charles Hughes (General Manager Commercial 

and Planning)

–  David Mitchell (General Manager Freshwater 

Operations)

–  Anthony Baker (General Manager People,  

Safety and Sustainability) (from March 2020)

Remuneration Governance
Huon’s remuneration framework, policies and practices 
are designed to create value for shareholders by 
ensuring the Company attracts, rewards and retains 
employees responsibly and fairly, with a focus on business 
outcomes, individual performance, the organisation’s risk 
management framework, and applicable regulations. 
Remuneration Policy is reviewed annually. Further 
information on the Company’s Remuneration Policy can 
be viewed on the Company website.

Remuneration and Nomination Committee (RNC)
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee (RNC) 
comprises of three independent NEDs (including the 
Chairman). As at 30 June 2020 the RNC comprised Simon 
Lester (Chairman), Neil Kearney and Tony Dynon.

The RNC has the responsibility for delivering 
remuneration recommendations to the Board to ensure 
that the Company is adopting appropriate and coherent 
remuneration policies that will attract, motivate and retain 
qualified and experienced KMP of the highest calibre.

The Board reviews and, where appropriate, approves the 
remuneration arrangements of the KMP after considering 
the recommendations of the RNC (including awards 
made under the short term incentive (STI) plans and 
long term incentive (LTI) plans). The Board also sets the 
combined remuneration pool for NEDs which is subject 
to shareholder approval. The RNC approves the level of 
the Consolidated Group’s STI plan pool, having regard 
to recommendations made by the CEO. The RNC meets 
throughout the year and the CEO and/or DCEO attends 
these meetings (by invitation only) when management input 
is required. The CEO is not present during discussions 
relating to his own remuneration. 

The RNC reviews the performance of KMP and reviews the 
assessment processes to ensure alignment of assessments 
towards the execution of the Company’s strategy. The 
RNC’s Charter can be viewed on the Company website.

Use Remuneration Consultants
From time to time the Board directly engage external 
advisers to provide input into the Company’s remuneration 
policies and into the process of reviewing KMP remuneration 
arrangements. During the current year the RNC engaged 
Godfrey Remuneration Group to provide market data, 
analysis, modelling and recommendations on executive and 
non-executive remuneration. Godfrey Remuneration Group 
was paid $39,425 for these services.  

Securities Trading Policy
A Securities Trading Policy is in place to ensure that 
employees understand their obligation in relation to 
dealing in Huon shares. Huon Directors and all employees 
must comply with the insider trading prohibitions of the 
Corporations Act 2001. The policy imposes share trading 
blackouts on Directors and Restricted Employees prior 
to financial results announcements and other times as 
required. In addition, Directors and Restricted Employees 
with potential access to inside information are required to 
seek approval before dealing in Huon shares. The policy 
also restricts employees from entering into transactions 
which limit their economic risks, including in relation to 
the long term incentive (LTI) plans. The Securities Trading 
Policy can be viewed on the Company website.

31

KMP Remuneration Arrangements – Executive Directors and Executive Management Group
The  following  information  relates  to  the  remuneration  arrangements  for  the  Executive  Directors  and  Executive  Management 
Group KMP. The NEDs remuneration structure is a separate and distinct framework in accordance with best practice corporate 
governance and is detailed in a separate section of this Remuneration Report.  

Remuneration Principles and Strategy 
Huon’s Remuneration Strategy is designed to attract, motivate and retain qualified and experienced KMP and align the interests 
of KMP with Huon’s shareholders. Huon’s objective is to build long-term shareholder value by continuing to be a recognised 
leader in the aquaculture industry though sustained growth and continuous improvement as a Tasmanian producer of world class 
salmon. Huon sees the retention of KMP as crucial to achieving this objective. 

Remuneration  consists  of  Fixed  Remuneration  and  performance  based  remuneration.  Payments  and  awards  of  performance 
based remuneration under the STI Cash bonus plan and, in certain circumstances, under the LTI Performance Rights plan, are 
subject to Board discretion as well as being subject to performance targets being met.

In the event of serious misconduct or a material misstatement in the Company’s financial statements the Remuneration Committee 
can  cancel  or  defer  performance-based  remuneration  and  may  also  claw  back  performance-based  remuneration  paid  in 
previous financial years.

Components of Remuneration
In the financial year ended 30 June 2020, the KMP remuneration structure comprised of market competitive fixed and variable 
remuneration including STI and LTI plans as detailed in the following table:

Component

Performance Measures

Fixed remuneration 
includes base salary, 
superannuation 
contributions, long service 
and annual leave and 
other benefits
STI Cash bonus

LTI Performance Rights

Multiple sources of data used to 
determine annual changes in fixed 
remuneration including competitive 
market data and each individuals 
performance and contribution 
during the year
 – Operating earnings (earnings 
excluding adjustments for 
biological assets) before 
interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation (80%)

 – Lost time injury frequency rate 

(20%)

 – Operating earnings (earnings 
excluding adjustments for 
biological assets) per share 
growth (50%)

 – Return on assets (50%)

Weighting as  
% of TFR

N/A

 – DCEO  

Target = 40%

 – EMG 

Target = 30%

 – MD/CEO 

Target = 100%

 – DCEO 

Target = 40%

 – EMG  

Target = 30%

Link to Performance

Consolidated Group 
performance as well as 
individual performance are 
considered during the annual 
remuneration review of fixed 
remuneration
To provide short term incentive 
for KMP to remain in the 
Company and to recognise and 
reward contribution to short-
term Company outcomes

The LTI plan provides a reward 
to KMP for their contribution to 
the achievement of forecasted 
objectives and long term 
shareholder value. The LTI 
plan also rewards KMP for 
their continued service with the 
Company and seeks to retain 
KMP in the long-term

32

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued Remuneration Overview 
Huon aims to attract, motivate and retain qualified and experienced KMP by aligning KMP interests with those of shareholders 
and  by  providing  reward  through  market  competitive  fixed  and  variable  remuneration.  The  proportion  of  fixed  and  variable 
remuneration is established for KMP by Board approval following recommendations from the RNC. 

The following summarises the target remuneration mix of KMP for the financial year ended 30 June 2019 and 2020: 

Chief Executive Officer
Executive Director
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Executive Management Group

Fixed

50%
100%
56%
62%

Target STI

Target LTI

Total %

–
–
22%
19%

50%
–
22%
19%

100%
100%
100%
100%

The percentages in this table are based on a split of fixed remuneration and incentives for achieving STI and LTI plan targets as 
determined by the Board.  

Fixed Remuneration
Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR) includes base salary, superannuation contributions, long service and annual leave and other 
benefits (such as termination benefits).

Remuneration levels are reviewed annually to ensure KMP are offered market competitive fixed remuneration that reflects the 
responsibility, qualifications and experience required of the KMP. 

There are a range of fringe benefits which KMP can incorporate into the total cost of their remuneration package. These fringe 
benefits may include, but are not limited to, motor vehicles and car parking. Whatever the cash component and fringe benefit 
value,  the  total  employment  cost  of  any  KMP  remuneration  package  is  taken  into  account  when  determining  fixed  annual 
remuneration for KMP.

Details of 2019 and 2020 fixed remuneration levels are provided below:

KMP

Peter Bender
Frances Bender
Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead 
Charles Hughes 
David Mitchell 
Anthony Baker(i)

(i)   From March 2020.

Fixed remuneration

2020
$

626,044
208,553
569,096
355,662
335,787
300,787
323,479
99,266

2019
$

667,873
215,302
547,173
310,894
331,113
288,857
295,816
–

33

Variable Remuneration – STI Plan
KMP except for the CEO, Executive Director and Non-Executive Directors are eligible to participate in Huon’s STI plan. Huon’s 
annual STI plan is designed to recognise the contribution and achievement of financial and operational targets as determined 
by the Board and CEO. 

The target annual STI that may be awarded to KMP is expressed as a percentage of their respective TFR.

Key Features of STI Plan

Who participates?
How is STI plan 
delivered?

What is the STI plan 
opportunity?

What are the 
performance conditions 
for FY2020?

Why the financial 
measures were chosen?

How is performance 
assessed?

What happens if KMP 
leave?

KMP (Except for the CEO, Executive Director and Non-Executive Directors).
Payment of cash incentive.

Payment will be made subject to Board discretion and subject to performance targets being met.
An opportunity for KMP (except CEO, Executive Director and Non-Executive Directors) 
to earn an annual incentive payment calculated as a percentage of their annual fixed 
remuneration conditional on the achievement of financial and non-financial measures. 
Target STI maximum opportunity of 40% of fixed remuneration for the DCEO and maximum 
opportunity of 30% of fixed remuneration for the EMG.
Actual STI plan payments awarded to each member of KMP depend on the extent to which 
specific targets set at the beginning of the financial year are met. The CEO, Executive Director 
and Non-Executive Directors do not participate in the STI Plan. The target consists of key 
performance indicators (KPIs) including financial objectives. For FY2020 the performance 
measures under the STI plan were as follows:
 – Operating earnings (earnings excluding adjustment for biological assets) before interest, 

tax, depreciation and amortisation

 – Lost time injury frequency rate.
The financial and operational measures were chosen as they represent the key drivers for 
the short term success of Huon’s business and provide a framework for delivery of long term 
value to shareholders from Huon’s strategy.
The RNC considers the performance against financial and operational targets at the end 
of the financial year (with the financial target calculations based on audited accounts) and 
makes recommendations to the Board for the amount, if any, to be paid to the KMP.
Where cessation of employment occurs, the Board may determine the treatment of any award 
that has been granted to KMP in accordance with Plan Rules which may include forfeiture. 

The Board has discretion to award an STI plan amount on a pro-rata basis taking into 
account time and current level of performance of the KMP against the performance hurdles.

The following table represents the target annual STI opportunity as a percentage of TFR for KMP in 2019 and 2020.

STI value 
as % of 
TFR 2020

STI value 
as % of 
TFR 2019

40%
30%
30%
30%
30%
30%

40%
30%
30%
30%
30%
–

KMP

Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead 
Charles Hughes 
David Mitchell 
Anthony Baker(i)

(i)   From March 2020.

34

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued Variable Remuneration – LTI Plan 
Huon’s  LTI  plan  applies  to  KMP  (except  for  the  Executive  Director  and  Non-Executive  Directors)  and  is  designed  to  align 
remuneration with long term shareholder value and assist in the motivation, retention and reward of KMP. The RNC reviews all 
LTI plan offers made to KMP. Shareholder approval is obtained before any LTI plan grants are made to the CEO in accordance 
with ASX Listing Rules.

Key Features of the LTI Plan

Who participates?
How is the LTI plan 
delivered?
What are the 
performance hurdles 
under the FY2020 
LTI performance rights 
grant?

When do the FY2020 
LTI plan performance 
rights vest?

How are grants treated 
on termination?

How are grants treated 
if a change of control 
occurs?

Do participants receive 
distributions or dividends 
on unvested LTI grants?

KMP (except for the Executive Director and Non-Executive Directors).
Granting of performance rights to KMP. These rights provide the KMP with the ability to 
convert the rights to ordinary shares of the Group upon meeting the performance conditions.
Performance rights issued under the FY2020 LTI Plan are subject to two separate 
performance measures:  

 – 50% of the performance rights will be subject to a vesting condition based on earnings  
per share compound annual growth rate (EPS CAGR) over the performance period; and
–  50% of the performance rights will be subject to a vesting condition based on return on 

assets (ROA) over the performance period.

Both performance hurdles have threshold levels which need to be achieved before vesting 
commences. Details of these hurdles and thresholds are outlined in the following section.
The performance period for the 2020 LTI plan is the period from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 
2022. The performance rights granted will vest subject to the performance hurdles associated 
with the grant and to the extent that certain performance based conditions are achieved in 
the relevant performance period. 

Performance rights that have vested may be exercised until the applicable expiry date. If any 
shares are issued following exercise of a vested performance right prior to the applicable 
expiry date then they may not be sold or transferred before 1 July 2022.
Where cessation of a KMP’s employment occurs, any unvested LTI plan performance rights 
(or vested and unexercised performance rights) are forfeited, unless deemed otherwise by  
the Board.

For any other reason, the Board may at its discretion retain a pro-rated (based on time) 
portion of awards on-foot and subject to original performance hurdles.
In the event of a change of control, the performance rights may vest at the Board’s discretion. 
In determining whether to exercise its discretion, the Board will have regard to all relevant 
circumstances, including the level of satisfaction of the performance conditions over the 
performance period from the grant date to the date of the relevant change in control event.

If a company obtains control of the Company as a result of a takeover bid or another 
corporate action, the company acquiring control (Acquiring Company) and the KMPs may 
agree together that on the vesting of performance rights, the KMP receive shares in the 
Acquiring Company in lieu of shares in the Company, on substantially the same terms as 
before.
Participants do not receive distribution or dividends on unvested LTI plan grants.

35

The following table represents the annual LTI allocation as a percentage of TFR for KMP in 2019 and 2020:

KMP

Peter Bender
Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead
Charles Hughes 
David Mitchell
Anthony Baker(i)

(i)   From March 2020.

LTI value 
as % of 
2020

LTI value 
as % of 
2019

100%
40%
30%
30%
30%
30%
30%

100%
40%
30%
30%
30%
30%
–

2020 LTI Plan Hurdles explained
Performance  rights  issued  under  the  2020  LTI  Plan  are  subject  to  two  separate  performance  measures:  50  percent  of  the 
performance rights will be subject to an EPS CAGR vesting condition; and 50 percent will be subject to a ROA vesting condition. 
These performance hurdles were chosen by the Board as they believe both EPS CAGR and ROA are transparent, well understood 
and appropriate mechanisms to measure performance and provide a strong link between KMP reward and shareholder wealth 
creation. Both hurdles are explained in more detail below:

EPS compound annual growth rate (‘CAGR’)

Vesting outcome

Less than 7.5% CAGR
7.5% CAGR
Above 7.5% CAGR but below 10% CAGR
10% CAGR or greater

Nil
50%
Pro-rata from 50-99%
100%

Earnings per share compound annual growth is calculated as the net profit after income tax (NPAT) (excluding adjustment for 
biological assets) divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares on issue. Compared to an absolute profit measure, 
EPS takes into account changes in the equity base and for this reason it is preferred to other profit based metrics. 

ROA (return for the reporting period)

Less than 10% return
10% return
Above 10% return but below 15% return
15% return or greater

Vesting outcome

Nil
50%
Pro-rata from 50-99%
100%

Return on assets (ROA) is calculated as statutory earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) (excluding adjustment for biological 
assets), divided by total assets excluding cash and fair value adjustment on biological assets (average of opening and closing 
balance). ROA is an appropriate measure for asset intensive industries which reinforces the need to invest capital on projects 
with a superior return.  

36

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued KMP Remuneration Outcomes (Including Link to Performance)

Huon’s Financial and Operational Performance 

Performance measure

Unit

2020(i)

2019

2018

2017

Operating earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)
Cash flow from operations (CF)
Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR)(ii)
Earnings per share (EPS) (Operating)(iii) 
Return on Assets (ROA) (Operating)(iv)
Dividend
Dividend payout ratio (Operating)
Share price (30 June)

$m
$m
hours/million
Cents
%
$m
%
$

40.8
(5.0)
5
6.26
1.4%
2.6
47.9%
2.92

47.3
14.5
4
18.13
4.1%
5.2
33.1%
4.50

71.8
57.9
4
40.53
10.4%
8.7
24.7%
4.46

62.8
54.0
3
32.90
10.2%
4.4
15.2%
4.93

(i)  Performance measures before the adoption of AASB16 (Pre AASB16).

(ii) 

 Long term injury frequency rate is the number of lost time injuries within a given year relative to the total number of hours worked in the same period 
multiplied by 1 million).

(iii)   Earnings per share compound annual growth is calculated as the net profit after income tax (NPAT) (excluding adjustment for biological assets) divided 

by the weighted average number of ordinary shares on issue.

(iv)   Return on assets (ROA) is calculated as statutory earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) (excluding adjustment for biological assets), divided by total 

assets excluding cash and fair value adjustment on biological assets (average of opening and closing balance).

Consolidated Group performance and its link to STI

Performance against STI plan targets
The following table shows the Company’s 2020 STI performance scorecard measures, weightings and outcomes as applied to 
the KMP. 

Performance Measures

Description

Weighting

Outcome

Comment

Operating earnings 
before interest, tax, 
depreciation and 
amortisation  
(Operating EBITDA)
Lost time injury  
frequency rate (LTIFR)

80%

20%

Statutory EBITDA excluding  
adjustment for biological 
assets. 

Lost time injury frequency rates 
are the number of lost time 
injuries within a given year 
relative to the total number  
of hours worked in the same 
period multiplied by 1 million.

Target not 
achieved

Target not 
achieved

Operating EBITDA is seen as a 
good guide of the current trading 
performance of the Company as it is 
the profitability adjusted for finance 
cost and reinvestment in assets
Staff are a key asset to Huon and 
as such their safety is paramount. 
A reduction in LTIFR is a key part of 
the safety program.

STI Outcomes for KMP for 2020
The following table provides a summary of STI outcomes and payments for the 2020 performance year. 

KMP

Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead
Charles Hughes
David Mitchell
Anthony Baker

STI target
$

182,409
85,409
85,414
78,436
78,436
68,058

Target 
STI as %
of TFR

Total STI
Foregone
$

40%
30%
30%
30%
30%
30%

–
–
–
–
–
–

Total STI
forfeited
$

182,409
85,409
85,414
78,436
78,436
68,058

Total STI
achieved
as % of 
STI target

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

37

Consolidated Group performance and its link to LTI

Performance Against LTI Plan Targets
The following table shows the performance periods and outcomes for the 2017 LTI Plan which covers the performance period  
1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020 and is assessed in FY2020. The total vesting outcome for the three year period is 9.0% of performance 
rights issued. Any performance rights under the 2017 LTI Plan that do not vest as result of the vesting outcomes will lapse.

The 2018 and 2019 LTI Plans will be assessed against their performance periods and outcomes at the completion of FY2021 
and FY2022 respectively:

LTI Plan

Performance Period/Outcome

2017

Measure
Outcome
1 July 2017 – 30 June 2020

Measure

EPS (cents)
EPS (CAGR)
ROA (%)
EPS
ROA

FY2018

40.53c
23.2%
10.4%
N/A
54%

FY2019

18.13c
(25.8%)
4.1%
N/A
0%

LTI transactions for KMP for 2020
The following table details the Performance Rights made to KMP during FY2020. 

FY2020

Vesting %

6.26c
(42.5%)
1.4%
0%
0%

KMP – Performance rights granted

Peter Bender
Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead
Charles Hughes
David Mitchell
Anthony Baker

(i)    Fair value has been rounded to 2 decimal places.

Grant date

23 Oct 2019
23 Oct 2019
23 Oct 2019
23 Oct 2019
23 Oct 2019
23 Oct 2019
23 Oct 2019

Units 
granted

111,337
38,837
18,184
18,186
16,700
16,700
14,490

Fair value(i) 

$

4.30
4.30
4.30
4.30
4.30
4.30
4.30

KMP – Performance rights held
The following table details the Performance Rights held and the movement during FY2020.

Held 
at Start 
of Year

96,856
96,575
108,595
–

29,273
29,186
32,819
–

15,820
15,773
17,737
–

 Granted
During
Year

–
–
–
111,337

–
–
–
38,837

–
–
–
18,184

Other

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

Forfeited

Vested

–
(87,883)
–
–

–
(26,559)
–
–

–
(14,353)
–
–

(96,856)
–
–
–

(29,273)
–
–
–

(15,820)
–
–
–

Name 
Grant Date
Peter Bender
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017
 – 31 October 2018
 – 23 October 2019
Philip Wiese
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017
 – 31 October 2018
 – 23 October 2019
Thomas Haselgrove
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017
 – 31 October 2018
 – 23 October 2019

38

0%
18%

Total 
fair value
 of grant 
2020
$

478,640
166,961
78,173
78,182
71,794
71,794
62,293

Unvested 
at End 
of Year

–
8,692
108,595
111,337

–
2,627
32,819
38,837

–
1,420
17,737
18,184

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued KMP – Performance rights held (continued)

Name 
Grant Date
David Morehead
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017
 – 31 October 2018
 – 23 October 2019
Charles Hughes
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017
 – 31 October 2018
 – 23 October 2019
David Mitchell
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017
 – 31 October 2018
 – 23 October 2019
Anthony Baker
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017
 – 31 October 2018
 – 23 October 2019

Held 
at Start 
of Year

 Granted
During
Year

Other

Forfeited

Vested

15,821
15,774
17,738
–

14,528
14,486
16,289
–

14,528
14,486
16,289
–

6,720
9,663
11,604
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
18,186

–
–
–
16,700

–
–
–
16,700

–
–
–
14,490

–
(14,354)
–
–

–
(13,182)
–
–

–
(13,182)
–
–

–
(8,793)
–
–

(15,821)
–
–
–

(14,528)
–
–
–

(14,528)
–
–
–

(6,720)
–
–
–

Unvested 
at End 
of Year

–
1,420
17,738
18,186

–
1,304
16,289
16,700

–
1,304
16,289
16,700

–
870
11,604
14,490

KMP Contracts 
Remuneration arrangements for KMP (excluding NEDs) are formalised in employment agreements. The following section of this 
Remuneration Report outlines key contractual details for Executives and KMP.

Contractual arrangements
The following table shows the key contractual arrangements for KMP: 

KMP Member

Peter Bender
Frances Bender
Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead
Charles Hughes
David Mitchell
Anthony Baker

Contract Type

Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract

(i)  Superannuation is paid in addition to fixed remuneration.

Fixed 
Remuneration(i)
$

Access 
to STI

Access 
to LTI

522,926
169,915
456,022
284,696
284,714
261,454
261,454
261,454

No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

39

Managing Director (MD) and CEO
The MD and CEO (the CEO) is employed under an ongoing contract which can be terminated with notice by either the Company 
or the CEO. Termination provisions are as follows:

Resignation
Termination for cause

Termination in cases of death, disablement, 
redundancy or notice without cause

Notice Period
and/or 
Notice in Lieu

12 months
None

Restraint 
Period

3 months
3 months

12 months

3 months

Treatment 
of STI

Treatment 
of LTI

Nil
Nil

Unvested awards forfeited
Vested and unexercised 
awards forfeited
Nil Pro-rated for time and remain 
on-foot subject to original 
performance hurdles

Executive Director (ED)
The Executive Director (ED) is employed under an ongoing contract which can be terminated with notice by either the Company 
or the ED. The ED may be entitled to receive incentive payments or additional benefits (such as performance rights under the 
Long Term Incentive Plan in the future, subject to law and compliance with Listing Rules). Termination provisions are as follows:

Resignation
Termination for cause
Termination in cases of death, 
disablement, redundancy or notice 
without cause

Notice Period
and/or 
Notice in Lieu

12 months
None
12 months

Restraint 
Period

3 months
3 months
3 months

Treatment 
of STI

Nil
Nil
Nil

Treatment 
of LTI

Nil
Nil
Nil

Executive Management Group 
Members of the executive management group are employed under ongoing contracts which can be terminated with notice by 
either the Company or the employee. Termination provisions are as follows:

Notice Period
and/or 
Notice in Lieu

Restraint 
Period

Treatment 
of STI

Treatment 
of LTI

Resignation

3 months

3 months

Termination for cause

None

3 months

Termination in cases of death, 
disablement, redundancy or notice 
without cause

3 months

3 months

Unvested awards 
forfeited
Unvested awards 
forfeited

Pro-rated for time  
and performance

Unvested awards forfeited

Vested and unexercised 
awards forfeited
Pro-rated for time and remain 
on-foot subject to original 
performance hurdles

40

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued  
KMP Remuneration for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2020
The following table of KMP remuneration has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and the Corporations Act 
2001 requirements. The amounts shown relating to share based remuneration are equal to the accounting expense recognised 
in the Company’s financial statements in respect of the LTI grants to KMP. The amounts disclosed do not reflect the actual cash 
amount received in this year or in future years:  

Fixed Remuneration

Variable Remuneration

Year

Salary 
and Fees
$

Non-
Monetary
$

Other
$

Long 
Service and 
Annual
Leave
$

Super-
annuation
$

Cash 
Bonus
$

Performance
Rights(i)
$

Performance
related 
%

Total
$ 

Executive Directors
Peter Bender
2020
2019
Frances Bender
2020
2019

568,050
532,042

176,260
164,797

15,324
15,218

–
–

Key Management Personnel

28,937
16,194

45,817
51,374

248,729
224,745

295,345
276,137

516,693
476,303

Philip Wiese
2020
2019
Thomas Haselgrove
2020
2019
David Morehead
2020
2019
Charles Hughes
2020
2019
David Mitchell
2020
2019
Anthony Baker (from March 2020)
2020
2019

291,329
253,578

271,217
253,578

78,085
–

4,572
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

Total

2020
2019

2,445,708
2,181,180

94,650
82,786

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

16,708
97,301

25,962
23,312

6,340
24,755

25,953
25,750

(573)
30,481

24,039
24,195

35,108
9,747

26,008
25,028

12,384
28,743

28,058
26,233

(14,397)
11,189

23,855
24,090

26,496
18,148

25,766
24,090

8,757
–

7,852
–

90,823
220,364

187,493
172,698

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

73,905
253,470

699,949
921,343

–
–

208,553
215,302

27,541
76,600

596,637
623,773

12,071
41,398

367,733
352,292

12,073
41,400

347,860
372,513

11,085
38,019

311,872
326,876

11,085
38,019

334,564
333,835

3,830
–

103,096
–

151,590 2,970,264
488,906 3,145,934

(i)  Amounts recognised for Performance Rights relate to the expense recognised for the period.

11%
28%

0%
0%

5%
12%

3%
12%

3%
11%

4%
12%

3%
11%

4%
–

5%
16%

41

 
Non-executive Director (NED) Remuneration
The RNC seeks to set a combined remuneration level that provides the Company with the capability to attract and retain NEDs 
of the highest calibre and meets acceptable costing levels for shareholders.

The combined remuneration level sought to be approved by shareholders and the NED fee structure will be reviewed annually 
against fees paid to NEDs from equivalent companies (S&P ASX 200 listed companies with market capitalisation of 50% to 200% 
of the Company as well as similar sized industry comparators). The RNC may also take advice from independent remuneration 
consultants when undertaking the annual review process.

The Company’s Constitution stipulates that the Board shall determine the total amount paid to each NED as remuneration for 
their services to the Company. Under the ASX Listing Rules, the total amount of fees paid to NEDs must not, in any financial year, 
exceed the amount determined by the Company in a general meeting or until so determined by the Board. This amount has been 
determined by the Board to be $800,000. 

NEDs receive a Board fee and fees for chairing or participating on Board Committees (refer table below). NEDs do not receive 
remuneration that is calculated as a commission or a percentage of operating revenue or profits. Superannuation is included in 
all NED remuneration. NEDs do not participate in any incentive programs.

Base fee
Chair (no other fees receivable)
Other non-executive directors
Additional fees
Audit and Risk Management Committee – Chair
Audit and Risk Management Committee – member
Remuneration and Nomination Committee – Chair
Remuneration and Nomination Committee – member

Non-executive Directors
–  Neil Kearney (Chairman and Non-executive Director)
–  Simon Lester (Non-executive Director)
–  Tony Dynon (Non-executive Director)

From 
1 September 
2017 
$

From 
1 August 
2014 
$

160,000
70,000

160,000
70,000

20,000
10,000
20,000
10,000

20,000
–
20,000
–

The table below shows the actual NED remuneration for FY2019 and FY2020. 

Neil Kearney (Chairman)
2020
2019
Simon Lester
2020
2019
Tony Dynon
2020
2019
Total Non-executive Director remuneration
2020
2019

Base
$

146,119
146,119

61,324
61,324

61,324
61,324

268,767
268,767

ARC
$

–
–

10,000
10,000

20,000
20,000

30,000
30,000

RNC
$

–
–

20,000
20,000

10,000
10,000

30,000
30,000

Super-
annuation
$

13,881
13,881

8,676
8,676

8,676
8,676

31,233
31,233

Total 
$

160,000
160,000

100,000
100,000

100,000
100,000

360,000
360,000

42

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued Director and KMP Shareholdings
The table below refers to shareholdings of Directors, KMP and their related parties.  

Neil Kearney(i)
Simon Lester(i)
Tony Dynon(i)
Peter Bender
Frances Bender
Peter and Frances Bender(i)
Philip Wiese(i)
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead
Charles Hughes(i)
David Mitchell
Anthony Baker

(i) 

Includes indirect holdings.

Balance 
at start of 
FY2020 

6,316
14,516
6,080
13,160,973
5,794
44,609,252
33,157
25,222
22,809
15,973
16,218
–

Acquired 
during 
FY2020 

Received on 
vesting of rights 
to deferred 
shares 

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
96,856
–
–
29,273
15,820
15,821
14,528
14,528
6,720

Other 
changes 
during 
FY2020 

–
–
–
–
–
–
(28,343)
–
–
(15,973)
–
–

Balance 
at end of 
FY2020 

6,316
14,516
6,080
13,257,829
5,794
44,609,252
34,087
41,042
38,630
14,528
30,746
6,720

Transactions with KMP and their Related Parties

Loans to KMP and their Related Parties 
The Company has not issued any loans to its Directors or KMP or their related parties.

Other Transactions and Balances with KMP and their Related Parties 

Related Entity Name

Relevant KMP

Nature of transaction

Amount transacted 
during the financial 
year period 
$

James Bender Contracting Pty Ltd (JBC)*
PAB Contracting Pty Ltd (PAB)*

Peter, Frances Bender
Peter, Frances Bender

Lease of equipment to Huon
Lease of equipment to Huon

597,416
96,000

* Based on commercial terms.

43

Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Auditors
The Company indemnifies current and former Directors and officers for any loss arising from any claim by reason of any wrongful 
act committed by them in their capacity as a director or officer (subject to certain exclusions as required by law). During the 2020 
financial year, Huon paid a total of $62,695 in premiums for Directors and Officers Liability insurance. The Company has not 
otherwise, during or since the end of the financial year, except to the extent permitted by law, indemnified or agreed to indemnify 
an officer or auditor of the Company or of any related body corporate against a liability incurred as such by an officer or auditor.

Auditor’s Independence Declaration
There were no former partners or directors of PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Company’s auditor, who are or were at any time 
during the financial year an officer of the Company.

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on 
page 46 and forms part of this Directors’ Report.

Non-Audit Services
The Company may decide to employ the auditor for assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where the auditor’s 
expertise and experience with the Company and/or the Consolidated Group are important.

During the year the following fees were paid or payable for non-audit services provided by the auditor (PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Australia), its related practices and non-related audit firms are set out below:

PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia
Audit and other assurance services
Audit and review of financial statements
Other assurance services
Total remuneration for audit services

Taxation & other advisory services
Taxation & other advisory services
Other advisory services
Total remuneration for taxation & other advisory services

Total remuneration of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia

Consolidated 
2020 
$

Consolidated 
2019 
$

223,500
–
223,500

200,000
6,000
206,000

149,518
19,026
168,544

392,044

114,922
–
114,922

320,922

The Board of Directors has considered the position and, in accordance with advice received from the Audit and Risk Management 
Committee, is satisfied that the provision of the non-audit services is compatible with the general standard of independence for 
auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001.

The Directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services by the auditor, as set out above, did not compromise the 
auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:

(i)    All non-audit services have been reviewed by the Audit and Risk Management Committee to ensure they do not impact the 

impartiality and objectivity of the auditor.

(ii)   None of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110 Code of Ethics 

for Professional Accountants.

44

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Directors’ Report continuedProceedings on Behalf of the Company
There were no proceedings brought, or intervened in, on behalf of the Company with 
leave under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001.

Rounding of Amounts
The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations Instrument 2016/191, 
issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the 
‘rounding off’ of amounts in the directors’ report and financial report. Amounts in the 
directors’ report and financial report have been rounded off to the nearest thousand 
dollars in accordance with that Class Order, or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar.

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of Directors.

Neil Kearney  
Chairman  
27 August 2020

Peter Bender  
Managing Director and CEO  
27 August 2020

45

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
As lead auditor for the audit of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited for the year ended 30 June 2020, 
I declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:  

(a)

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in
relation to the audit; and

(b)

no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

This declaration is in respect of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited and the entities it controlled during 
the period. 

Alison Tait 
Partner 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Melbourne 
27 August 2020 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
2 Riverside Quay, SOUTHBANK  VIC  3006, GPO Box 1331, MELBOURNE  VIC  3001 
T: 61 3 8603 1000, F: 61 3 8603 1999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

46

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Corporate Governance Statement

The Board of Directors (Board) of Huon Aquaculture 
Group Limited (Huon) is responsible for the 
corporate governance of the Company. The Board 
guides and monitors the business and affairs of the 
Company on behalf of the shareholders. Strong 
corporate governance is an important aspect in 
ensuring that Huon creates sustainable long-term 
value for its shareholders.

Huon is committed to ensuring high standards of 
corporate governance. This statement outlines the 
key aspects of Huon’s governance framework and its 
principal governance practices.

The Board believes that Huon’s policies and practices 
comply in all material respects with the ASX Corporate 
Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles 
(3rd Edition) (ASX Principles and Recommendations) with 
the exception of Recommendation 7.3 (Internal Audit 
function) as detailed in this Statement.

This Corporate Governance Statement was approved by 
the Board and is current as at 27 August 2020.

Further information about Huon’s corporate governance 
practices and policies can be found on the Company’s 
website.  

Principle 1:  
Lay solid foundations for management 
and oversight

Role of Board and Management
The Board represents shareholders’ interests and is 
accountable for the overall operation and stewardship of  
the Company and, in particular, for its long-term growth 
and profitability. The Board is responsible for evaluating 
and setting the strategic direction of the Company, 
establishing goals for management and monitoring the 
achievement of these goals. 

Huon’s Board Charter sets out the Board’s key 
responsibilities as follows:

Strategy 
–  providing input to, and approval of, the Company’s 
strategic direction and budgets as developed by 
management;

–  directing, monitoring and assessing the Company’s 
performance against strategic and business plans;
–  reviewing the adequacy of resources for management 
to properly carry out approved strategies and business 
plans; and

–  approving and monitoring capital management and 

major capital expenditure, acquisitions and divestments.

Risk management and reporting
–  identifying the principal risks and overseeing appropriate 

control and management systems for them;

–  reviewing and ratifying the Company’s system of risk 
management and internal compliance and control; 
–  determining that satisfactory arrangements are in place 

for auditing the Company’s financial affairs; and

–  approving and monitoring material internal and external 

financial and other reporting.

Relationship with management
–  appointment and removal of the Chief Executive Officer 

(CEO) and Company Secretary;

–  approving the remuneration framework and overseeing 

remuneration policies and Executive Management 
performance; and

–  establishing and monitoring executive succession 

planning.

Monitoring of performance
–  approving criteria for assessing performance of 

Executive Management and monitoring and evaluating 
their performance; and

–  undertaking an annual evaluation of the performance  

of the Board.

Corporate governance
The Board is responsible for ensuring that policies and 
compliance systems are in place consistent with the 
Company’s objectives and best practice and that the 
Company and its employees act legally, ethically and 
responsibly on all matters.

The Board has adopted a Delegated Authority Policy 
which outlines the reserved and delegated responsibilities 
of the Board and the responsibilities of the Executive 
Management when delegated authority. The CEO and 
Executive Management are responsible for matters 
primarily relating to the day-to-day operations and 
management of the Company and are accountable to 
the Board.

The Board’s role and the Company’s corporate 
governance practices and policies are being continually 
reviewed and improved as the business grows and 
develops.

Board appointments
The responsibility for the selection of potential Directors 
lies with the Board of the Company. Appropriate 
background and other checks are undertaken before 
candidates are considered and appointed by the Board. 
Directors are initially appointed by the Board subject 
to election by shareholders at the next Annual General 
Meeting. Shareholders are provided with all material 
information on whether or not to elect or re-elect a person 
as a Director including whether the person will qualify as 
an independent Director.

Under the Company’s Constitution the tenure of Directors 
is subject to reappointment by shareholders not later than 
the third anniversary following his/her appointment. 

Written agreements with Directors and 
Executive Management
Directors have a formal letter of appointment that sets 
out the key terms and conditions of their appointment. 
All Directors also sign a Deed which covers issues 
including indemnity, directors’ and officers’ liability 
insurance, the right to obtain independent advice and 
requirements concerning confidential information. 
Executive Management are also engaged under a written 
agreement setting out the terms of their employment.

47

Company Secretary
The Company Secretary is accountable to the Board, 
through the Chairman of the Board, on all matters to 
do with the proper functioning of the Board and Board 
Committees. This includes:

–  Board agendas
–  Board papers and minutes 
–  advising the Board and its Committees on governance 

matters 

–  monitoring the implementation of Board and Committee 

policies and procedures; and 

–  statutory and other filings and communication with 

regulatory bodies and the ASX.

Diversity policy
In 2014, Huon’s Board endorsed its Diversity Policy. 
The Diversity Policy reflects the Company’s approach to 
managing its greatest asset, its people.

Huon is recognised as an Employer of Choice by the 
Tasmanian Government in acknowledgement of the highly 
innovative working culture, opportunities for career growth 
and the family culture within the workforce.

Huon’s workforce is made up of many individuals with 
diverse skills, values, experiences and backgrounds. 
The Company is committed to supporting and further 
developing this diversity through attracting, recruiting, 
engaging and retaining diverse talent and aligning its 
culture and systems with this commitment.

The Company believes that commitment to diversity 
creates competitive advantage and enhances employee 
participation which is essential to the success of the 
business. The Board has set measurable objectives and 
the aim of these is to create an environment conducive 
to the appointment of well qualified and experienced 
Board members, Executive Management Group, Senior 
Management team and employees.

Diversity objectives
–  Foster an inclusive culture of workplace diversity
–  Apply and promote Flexible Work Practices Policy
–  Present diversity data on Huon’s Sustainability 

Dashboard

–  Ensure appropriately qualified and relevantly 

experienced women are considered at short list stage for 
Board appointments

–  Progressively increase female representation where the 
business unit is at less than 20% with specific focus on 
operational areas

–  Progressively increase female participation in Huon’s 
Leadership Education and Development Programs

–  Align selection practices to deliver an equal mix 
of male and female students for school-based 
apprenticeships.

Progress with diversity objectives
There has been steady progress towards achieving the 
diversity objectives with systems and structured programs 
in place to support employees from their early career 
stages to assist in developing the necessary skills and 
relevant experience for leadership roles.

Progress for this reporting period is as follows:

–  Overall increase in female representation company wide 
–  A continued increase in female representation in Senior 

Management roles, in 2020 of 3% 

–  Continued review of remuneration across the business 

to ensure equity

–  Promotions of female employees into Management and 

non-Management positions has increased by 13%

The Company continues to prioritise merit and competency 
base selection criteria at the same time recognising 
diversity in each application of its recruitment and 
promotion methods. The Company anticipates a long and 
steady increase in female workforce proportion particularly 
in relevant key roles and as such has not set a gender 
target. 

Diversity outcomes
–  20% (2019: 20%) female proportion on the Board
–  0% (2019: 0%) female proportion in Executive 

Management Group

–  24% (2019: 21%) female proportion in Senior 

Management

–  15% (2019: 14%) female proportion Management
–  22% (2019: 20%) female proportion Company wide

Workplace Gender Equality Agency WGEA Report
The Company lodged its annual public report with the 
Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) including 
gender pay equity and achieved compliance status. A copy 
of the report can be viewed on the Company website.

Board performance evaluation
The Board adopted a self-evaluation process to review its 
own, its Committees’ and individual Directors performance 
during FY2020. The Board also reviews the composition 
and skills mix of the Directors on an ongoing basis to 
ensure that the Board has the necessary and desirable 
competencies to govern effectively.  

Executive Management performance evaluation 
Arrangements are in place by the Board to monitor 
and assess the performance of the CEO and Executive 
Management each financial year. These include:

–  a review of the Company’s financial and operating 

performance against targets; and

–  performance appraisals incorporating an analysis of  
the key performance indicators with each individual.

The Board conducts the performance evaluation of the 
CEO and the CEO conducts the performance evaluations 
of the Executive Management.

48

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Corporate Governance Statement continuedPrinciple 2:  
Structure the Board to add value

Remuneration and Nominations Committee
The Board has a Remuneration and Nomination Committee 
(RNC) comprising three Non-executive Directors, with the 
Chairman being an independent Non-executive Director. 

The RNC Charter outlines the Committee’s role in assisting 
the Board with decisions regarding the composition 
and structure of the Board. It does this by reviewing and 
making recommendations to the Board in relation to:

–  the appointment and re-election of Directors;
–  the induction and continuing professional development 

of Directors;

–  Board succession planning;
–  the recruitment process for a new Director; 
–  Board, Committees and Director performance 

evaluation; and

–  succession plans for the CEO and other Senior 

Management.

Board composition, skills and experience
The Constitution of the Company provides that the number 
of Directors must at any time be no more than ten and no 
less than three. The Huon Board is currently comprised of 
five Directors. A profile of each Director can be found in 
the on pages 26 to 27 of this Annual Report.

In order to govern effectively, Directors must have a 
clear understanding of the Company’s overall strategy, 
together with knowledge of the Company and the industry 
it operates in. Directors must collectively possess the 
appropriate skills and experience to enable the Board to 
effectively discharge its responsibilities. 

The current skills matrix of the Directors of the Board 
brings together extensive expertise and experience in 
relation to all areas of the day-to-day and commercial 
elements of the Company including:

–  industry knowledge – salmon, aquaculture and food;
–  international and domestic food markets;
–  senior corporate leadership;
–  strategy and business development;
–  governance and risk management;
–  corporate finance;
–  brand and marketing; and
–  sustainability practices.

The Company actively seeks a variety of skills, experience 
and expertise to ensure the Board can meet its current and 
future needs.

Board and Director independence
Huon has adopted a definition of independence which is 
consistent with the ASX Principles and Recommendations. 

The Non-executive Chairman of the Board, Neil Kearney, 
and Non-executive Directors, Simon Lester and Tony 
Dynon, are considered to be independent, meaning 
that each is free from any management role or business 
interest or other relationship that could materially interfere 
with their ability to act in the best interests of Huon as 
a whole. The Board is confident that each of the Non-
executive Directors brings objectivity and makes sound 
individual contributions to the Company through their deep 
understanding of Huon’s business.

The two Executive Directors, Peter Bender (CEO and 
Managing Director) and Frances Bender are not 
independent by virtue of being substantial shareholders 
in the Company and employed by the Company in an 
executive capacity.

The Directors are satisfied that there is no individual or 
group of individuals who dominate the Board’s decision-
making, and that the current composition of the Board 
maximises the likelihood that the decisions of the Board 
will reflect the best interests of the Company and its 
shareholders. 

Only those transactions permitted by Huon’s Constitution 
and the Corporations Act are conducted with Directors 
or their related parties. These are on the same terms and 
conditions applying to any other external party, supplier or 
customer. Directors are required to disclose in writing any 
related party transactions.

Directors are also required to identify any conflicts of 
interest they may have in dealing with Huon’s affairs and 
subsequently to refrain from participating in any discussion 
or voting on those matters. If a potential conflict of interest 
is likely to arise, the Director concerned does not receive 
copies of relevant Board papers and withdraws from 
the Board meeting while those matters are considered. 
The Director concerned therefore takes no part in the 
discussion and does not exercise any influence over other 
members of the Board.

The Board has determined that individual Directors have 
the right in connection with their duties and responsibilities 
as Directors to seek independent professional advice at 
the Company’s expense. The engagement of an outside 
adviser is subject to prior approval of the Chairman. If 
appropriate, any advice received will be made available to 
all Board members.

Director induction and ongoing professional 
development
The induction of Directors is the role of the Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee and includes ensuring an 
effective orientation program is in place. Directors are 
encouraged to engage in professional development 
activities and to develop and maintain the skills and 
knowledge needed to perform their role as a Director 
effectively.

Principle 3:  
Act ethically and responsibly
The Company is committed to maintaining ethical 
standards in the conduct of its business activities. The 
Company strongly believes that its reputation as an ethical 
business organisation is important to its ongoing success.

Code of Conduct
The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct which applies 
to all Directors and employees of the Company and where 
relevant and to the extent possible, consultants, secondees 
and contractors of the Company.

The Code addresses issues including; ethics, personal and 
business conduct, conflicts of interest, mutual respect and 
business agreements and contracts.

49

All suspected breaches of the Code will be thoroughly 
investigated by the Company. If these investigations 
reveal breaches of the Code appropriate disciplinary and 
remedial action will be taken depending on the nature of 
the breach.

If an employee suspects that a breach of the Code 
has occurred or will occur, he or she must report that 
breach to the appropriate person. No employee will be 
disadvantaged or prejudiced if he or she reports, in good 
faith, a suspected breach. All reports will be acted upon 
and kept confidential where appropriate.

The Huon Code of Conduct can be viewed on the 
Company website.

Principle 4:  
Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting

Audit and Risk Management Committee 
An Audit and Risk Management Committee is in place to 
assist the Board of the Company in fulfilling its corporate 
governance and oversight responsibilities in relation to 
the Company’s financial reports and financial reporting 
process and internal control structure, risk management 
systems (financial and non-financial), and the internal and 
external audit process. The Audit and Risk Management 
Committee Charter outlines its key responsibilities as 
follows:

–  review and approve internal audit and external audit 

plans;

–  update the internal and external audit plans;
–  review and approve financial reports; and
–  review the effectiveness of the Company’s compliance 

and risk management functions.

The Committee consists of three Non-executive Directors 
and a majority of independent Directors. The Chairman of 
the Committee is an independent Director and is not the 
Chairman of the Board.

Integrity of Financial Reporting –  
CEO and CFO Certification
The CEO, Deputy CEO and CFO respectively provide 
assurance to the Board that:

–  Huon’s financial reports for each half year and full year 
present a true and fair view of the financial position and 
performance of the Company and are in accordance 
with the accounting standards;

–  their opinion is based on a sound system of risk 

management and internal compliance and control; and

–  the Company’s risk management and internal 

compliance and control system is operating effectively.

Role of the External Auditor at the AGM 
The Company’s external auditor attends the Company’s 
AGM and is available to answer questions about the 
conduct of the audit and the preparation and content  
of the auditor’s report.

Principle 5:  
Make timely and balanced disclosure

Continuous Disclosure
The Company is committed to effective communication 
with its customers, shareholders, market participants, 
employees, suppliers, financiers, creditors, other 
stakeholders and the wider community. The Company 
will ensure that all stakeholders, market participants and 
the wider community are informed of its activities and 
performance on a timely basis.

Subject to the ASX Listing Rules, the Company will make 
publicly available all information to ensure that trading 
in its shares takes place in an efficient, competitive and 
informed market.

The Board has adopted a Continuous Disclosure Policy 
to ensure the Company complies with all disclosure 
obligations. The Policy addresses all continuous disclosure 
requirements under the Listing Rules and Corporations Act 
and incorporates best practice guidelines recommended 
by ASX, ASIC and the Australasian Investor Relations 
Association (AIRA). The Company Secretary is responsible 
for the overall administration and monitoring of the 
Continuous Disclosure Policy. 

Huon’s Continuous Disclosure Policy can be viewed on 
the Company website. 

Principle 6:  
Respect the rights of security holders

Information about Huon and its 
Governance for Investors
Huon places considerable importance on effective 
engagement and communications with shareholders.

It recognises the value of providing current and relevant 
information to its shareholders. The Board has adopted  
a Communications Policy which is designed to ensure that 
the Company:

–  provides timely and accurate information equally to all 
shareholders and market participants regarding the 
Company including its financial situation, performance, 
ownership, strategies, activities and governance; and
–  adopts channels for disseminating information that are 

fair, timely and cost efficient.

This information is made available through:

–  the Company’s website;
–  the Huon Aquaculture Sustainability Dashboard;
–  briefings and the investor relations program;
–  the media; 
–  continuous disclosure to the ASX; 
–  Company meetings; and
–  the Annual Report.

The Annual Report (which includes Huon’s 
Corporate Governance Statement) can be viewed on 
the Company website. 

50

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Corporate Governance Statement continuedInvestor Relations Program
Huon is committed to the promotion of investor confidence 
by ensuring trading in the Company’s shares takes place in 
an efficient, competitive and informed market. The Deputy 
CEO of the Company leads the investor relations program 
and is responsible for the Company’s relationship with 
major shareholders, institutional investors and analysts 
and is the primary point of contact for those parties. 
A key component of leading this program is ongoing 
availability. Huon’s Continuous Disclosure Policy and 
its Communications Policy are integral elements of the 
investor relations program.

Any written material containing new price-sensitive 
information to be used in briefing the media, institutional 
investors and analysts are lodged with ASX prior to the 
briefing commencing. On confirmation of receipt by ASX, 
the briefing material is posted to Huon’s website. Briefing 
materials may also include information that may not strictly 
be required under the continuous disclosure requirements.

Huon will not disclose price-sensitive information in 
any meeting with investors or analysts before formally 
disclosing it to the market. The Company considers that 
one-on-one discussions and meeting with investors and 
analysts are an important part of pro-active investor 
relations.

Policies and processes to facilitate and encourage 
participation at meetings of security holders
The Company strongly encourages all shareholders 
to attend meetings and uses and relies on its 
Communications Policy to ensure awareness and 
accessibility of those meetings. The Board encourages 
full participation of shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting to ensure a high level of accountability and 
understanding of the Company’s strategy and goals. 
Shareholders are able to submit questions prior to the 
Annual General Meeting if they are unable to attend.

Give security holders the option to receive 
communications from, and send communications 
to, the entity and its security registry electronically
Shareholders are able to receive and send communications 
to the Company and its share registry electronically via the 
Link Investor Centre. Shareholders are also able to sign 
up for regular email alerts which include notification of 
announcements, reports, presentations and summaries. 
Huon posts all reports, ASX and media releases and copies 
of significant business presentations on its website. Both 
email alerts and the Link Investor Centre can be accessed 
via the Investor section of the Company website.  

Principle 7:  
Recognise and manage risk

Committee to oversee Risk
The Board is responsible for risk oversight and the 
management and internal control of the processes by 
which risk is considered for both ongoing operations 
and prospective actions. In specific areas the Board is 
assisted by the Audit and Risk Management Committee 
which is responsible for establishing procedures which 
provide assurance that major business risks are identified, 
consistently assessed and appropriately addressed. The 
Committee’s focus is on risk assessment, including the 
identification and management of risks as they relate to:

–  operational and environmental risk;
–  workplace health and safety management; and
–  financial risk.

The Committee consists of three Non-executive Directors 
and a majority of independent Directors. The Chairman of 
the Committee is an independent Director and is not the 
Chairman of the Board.

Review Huon’s Risk Management Framework
The Risk Management Policy and Risk Management 
Framework are reviewed on an annual basis. Any 
amendments to the Policy and/or Risk Management 
Framework must be approved by the Board. In addition 
the Board reviews the Company’s risk management 
at Board meetings, and where required, makes 
improvements to its risk management and internal 
compliance control systems.

Internal Audit Function
The Company does not have an internal audit function 
due to the nature and size of the Company and the 
extent of its Risk Management Framework. The Company 
currently relies on oversight by management, the Audit 
and Risk Management Committee and the Board to 
ensure compliance with Huon’s Risk Management Policy. 
The Audit and Risk Management Committee has decided 
not to introduce an internal audit function, but has 
engaged the services of third parties to further support 
the internal audit function during FY2020.

Management of material exposure to economic, 
environmental and social sustainability risks
A key pillar of the Company’s business strategy is to grow 
safely and sustainably. Sustainability and environmental 
measures continue to be a priority for Huon with 
significant time invested in community consultation and 
the refinement of systems and procedures directed at 
positive economic, environmental, animal welfare and 
social outcomes across the business operations. Risk 
recognition and management are viewed by the Company 
as integral to its objectives of creating and maintaining 
shareholder value and to the successful execution of the 
Company’s strategies.

51

There are a number of risks, both specific to Huon 
and of a general nature which may threaten the future 
operating and financial performance of the Company 
and its investment value including:

Risk Type

Identified Risk 

Agricultural

Supply, growth and mortality of fish
Ability for fresh water bathing
Fish feed formulation
Biosecurity and farming practices
Disease management and vaccine 
availability
Broodstock and smolt supply

Environmental Climate change 

Resource availability
Predator threats
AGD, algae and jellyfish
Extreme weather events
High water temperature and 
environmental influences
Fresh water supply
Social license to operate
Regulatory or compliance breaches
Animal welfare
Antibiotics use
Composition of feed formulations
Fish feed prices, supply and quality
Market disruption and credit risk
Brand reputation and food safety
Fuel and energy prices
Key facility reliance
Legal and contractual
IT reliability and reliance
Staff recruitment and retention
Equipment and work practices
Staff health, wellbeing and training

Social

Economic

PSC

These risks may change over time as the external 
environment changes and as the Company expands its 
operations. The Company’s Risk Management Policy 
outlines processes Huon has adopted for the regular 
assessment and identification of risks as well as providing 
a management and response framework including the 
mitigation of risks where appropriate. Further information 
on Huon’s assessment of the principal risks which could 
have a material impact on the Company are set out on 
pages 18 to 21 in this Annual Report.

Principle 8:  
Remunerate fairly and responsibly

Remuneration and Nominations Committee
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee 
(RNC) assists the Board by reviewing and making 
recommendations on remuneration arrangements for 
Directors and Executives of the Company including:

–  the Company’s remuneration framework;
–  the Company’s recruitment, retention and termination 

policies;

52

–  the Company’s remuneration policies including as they 

apply to Directors; 

–  equity based remuneration plans for Executive 

Management and other employees; and

–  the remuneration packages for Directors, the CEO  

and Executive Management. 

When needed, the Company has also sought advice from 
external advisers in relation to the development of appropriate 
incentive plans for Key Management Personnel (KMP).  

Policies and practices regarding the  
remuneration of Non-executive Directors 
and the remuneration of executive Directors 
and other Executive Management
The Company is committed to attracting and retaining 
the best people to work in the organisation including 
Directors and Executive Management. The Board adopted 
a Remuneration Policy which aims to:

–  ensure that coherent remuneration policies and practices 
are observed which enable the attraction and retention 
of Directors and management who will create value for 
shareholders;

–  fairly and responsibly reward Directors and Executive 

Management having regard to the Company’s 
performance, the performance of the Executive 
Management and the general pay environment; and
–  comply with all relevant legal and regulatory provisions.

Remuneration for Executive Directors and Executive 
Management incorporates fixed and variable pay 
performance elements with both a short and long term 
focus. Remuneration packages may contain any or all of 
the following:

–  annual base salary; 
–  performance based remuneration; 
–  equity based remuneration;
–  other benefits such as holidays, sickness benefits, 

superannuation payments and long service benefits;

–  expense reimbursement; and
–  termination payments.

The remuneration of Non-executive Directors is 
determined by the Board as a whole reflecting the value 
of the individual’s time commitment and responsibilities. 
Remuneration packages may contain any or all of annual 
fees, equity based remuneration and other benefits such as 
superannuation payments. The total remuneration of Non-
executive Directors must not exceed the maximum annual 
amount approved by Company’s shareholders (currently 
$800,000). Detailed information on the Company’s 
remuneration policy and key principles and also the 
remuneration received by Directors and Key Management 
Personnel in FY2020 is set out in the Remuneration Report 
on pages 31 to 42 in this Annual Report.

Equity based remuneration
Both the Remuneration and Nomination Committee 
Charter and the Remuneration Policy contain oversight 
regarding equity-based remuneration. Huon’s long term 
incentive (LTI) plan is delivered through the granting 
of performance rights which convert to shares in the 
Company on achievement of specified performance 
conditions. Participants in the LTI plan are not permitted 
to enter into transactions which limit the economic risk of 
participating in the plan.

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Corporate Governance Statement continuedFinancial Report
For the year ended 30 June 2020

Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated balance sheet 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Consolidated statement of cashflows

54
55
56
57 
58

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

About this report

Basis of preparation 
Principles of consolidation 
Application of new and revised Accounting Standards

Performance

1.
Revenue
2. Other Income
3.
4.
5.
6. Dividends

Profit for the year before tax
Biological assets
Earnings per share (EPS)

Investment in growth strategy

Property, plant and equipment

7.
8. Other non-current assets
9.

Leases

Net debt and working capital

10. Notes to the statement of cashflows
11. Trade and other receivables
12. Inventories
13. Other assets
14. Trade and other payables
15. Borrowings
16. Issued capital
17.  Other reserves

Signed reports

Directors’ Declaration 
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members 

Shareholder information 

Other

18. Investments in financial assets 
19. Derivative assets
20. Fair value measurements
21. Financial risk management
22.  Parent information 
23. Deed of cross guarantee
24.  Income tax 
25. Key management personnel compensation
26. Share-based payment
27. Related party transactions
28. Remuneration of auditors
29.  Goodwill 
30. Impairment
31. Other intangible assets
32. Interests in subsidiaries
33.  Derivative liabilities
34. Provisions 
35. Other liabilities
36.  Contingent liabilities and contingent assets
37.  Segment information 
38.  Subsequent events 
39 Company details

59
59
60

61
61
62
63
64
65

66
69
69

72
73
74
74
 74
75
77
78

102
103

110

79
79
79
81
85
86
87
90
90
93
94
95
96
97
98
98
99
100
100
101
101
101

53

Consolidated income statement
For the year ended 30 June 2020

Revenue from operations

Other income

Expenses
Fair value adjustment of biological assets
Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress
Raw materials and consumables used
Employee benefits expense
Depreciation and amortisation expense
Finance costs
Freight & distribution expenses
Other expenses
Total expenses

Profit before income tax expense
Income tax benefit/(expense)

Net profit for the period attributable to members of the Company

Earnings per ordinary share
Basic (cents per share)
Diluted (cents per share)

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000 

Note 

1

2

4

3
3
3

24

339,869

281,955

13,594

9,258

1,507
59,896
(218,997)
(80,764)
(52,089)
(8,370)
(31,764)
(21,588)
(352,169)

1,294
3,621

4,915

(9,118)
49,299
(184,410)
(69,363)
(30,321)
(8,174)
(13,454)
(21,374)
(286,915)

4,298
5,154

9,452

Cents 
per share
2019 

Cents 
per share
2019 

Note 

5
5

5.63
5.63

10.82
10.82

The number of shares used to determine earnings per ordinary share (EPS) is disclosed in note 5 to the accounts.

The above consolidated income statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

54

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Financial statements Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 30 June 2020

Profit for the period
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period (net of tax)

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000 

4,915
–

4,915

4,915

4,915

9,452
–

9,452

9,452

9,452

The above consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

55

Financial statements Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020  
Consolidated balance sheet
As at 30 June 2020

Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Biological assets
Derivative assets
Current tax receivable
Other assets
Total current assets

Non-current assets
Investments in financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right of use assets
Other non-current assets
Intangible assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets

Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Derivative liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Provisions
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Other non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Contributed equity
Other reserves
Retained earnings

Total equity

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000 

Note 

10
11
12
4
19
24
13

18
7
9
8
29,31

14
15
9
33
24
34
35

15
9
24
34
35

16
17

5,934
24,472
19,321
264,021
2,255
382
12,844
329,229

1,342
305,581
162,590
8,411
3,325
481,249
810,478

82,865
23,413
16,777
3,025
–
8,688
3,534
138,302

149,772
152,459
53,186
5,506
3,022
363,945
502,247

2,611
30,468
12,810
209,129
56
1,578
9,168
265,820

1,342
320,386
–
8,853
3,325
333,906
599,726

72,430
9,652
–
2,222
–
7,581
464
92,349

131,742
–
58,190
1,365
1,960
193,257
285,606

308,231

314,120

164,999
810
142,422

164,302
1,324
148,494

308,231

314,120

The above consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

56

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Financial statements Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 June 2020

Contributed
Equity
$’000

Retained
Earnings
$’000

Note 

Share-based
Payment 
Reserve
$’000

Total 
Equity
$’000

Balance at 1 July 2018
Profit for the period

164,302
–

146,029
9,452

1,374
–

311,705
9,452

Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax
Contributions of equity, net of transactions costs
Issue of shares pursuant to executive long-term incentive plan
Share-based payment expense
Dividends paid or provided for

17
3(b)
6

–
–
–
–
–

9,452
–
–
–
(6,987)

–
–
(601)
551
–

9,452
–
(601)
551
(6,987)

Balance at 30 June 2019

164,302

148,494

1,324

314,120

Contributed
Equity
$’000

Note 

Balance at 1 July 2019
Adjustment on adoption of AASB 16 (net of tax)

Restated total equity at beginning of period
Profit for the period

Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax
Contributions of equity, net of transactions costs
Issue of shares pursuant to executive long-term incentive plan
Share-based payment expense
Dividends paid or provided for

17
3(b)
6

164,302
–

164,302
–

–
–
697
–
–

Retained
Earnings
$’000

148,494
8,367

140,127
4,915

4,915
–

–
(2,620)

Balance at 30 June 2020

164,999

142,422

Share-based
Payment 
Reserve
$’000

1,324
–

1,324
–

–
–
(697)
183
–

810

Total 
Equity
$’000

314,120
8,367

305,753
4,915

4,915
–
–
183
(2,620)

308,231

The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

57

Financial statements Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Consolidated statement of cashflows
For the year ended 30 June 2020

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000 

Note 

10

Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from customers
Payments to suppliers and employees

Interest received
Interest and other costs of finance paid
Interest on lease liabilities
Income tax (paid)/refunded
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Payments for property, plant and equipment
Payment for business
Payments for other assets
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issues of shares
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Payment of lease liabilities
Dividends paid to company’s shareholders
Payment of shares for employee share plan
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of financial year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year

10

362,080
(344,709)
17,371
115
(6,626)
(5,883)
3,399
8,376

–
(21,554)
–
–
(21,554)

–
37,834
(6,043)
(12,670)
(2,620)
–
16,501

3,323
2,611

5,934

295,934
(271,034)
24,900
7
(8,174)
–
(2,243)
14,490

190
(64,211)
–
(330)
(64,351)

–
66,330
(9,057)
–
(6,987)
(601)
49,685

(176)
2,787

2,611

The above consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

58

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Financial statements Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2020

About this report
These consolidated financial statements and notes 
represent those of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited and 
Controlled Entities (the ‘Consolidated Group’). Huon 
Aquaculture Group Limited is a company incorporated 
in Australia, and whose shares are publicly traded on the 
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

The separate financial statements and notes of Huon 
Aquaculture Group Limited have been presented within this 
financial report as an individual Parent Entity (‘Parent Entity’).

The financial statements were authorised for issue on 
27 August 2020 by the Directors of the Company.

All press releases and other information are available on our 
website www.huonaqua.com.au.

Basis of preparation
These general purpose financial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, 
Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations of 
the Australian Accounting Standards Board and also 
comply with International Financial Reporting Standards 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards 
Board. The Consolidated Group is a for-profit entity for 
financial reporting purposes under Australian Accounting 
Standards. Material accounting policies adopted in the 
preparation of these financial statements are presented 
below and have been consistently applied unless stated 
otherwise. 

The financial statements except for cash flow information, 
have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based 
on historical costs (unless otherwise stated). 

The functional currency of each group entity is measured 
using the currency of the primary economic environment 
in which that entity operates. The consolidated financial 
statements are presented in Australian dollars which is the 
Parent Entity’s functional and presentation currency.

Critical estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial statements requires the use 
of accounting estimates which, by definition, will seldom 
equal the actual results. Management also needs to exercise 
judgement in applying the group’s accounting policies.

This note provides an overview of the areas that involved 
a higher degree of judgement or complexity, and of items 
which are more likely to be materially adjusted due to 
estimates and assumptions turning out to be wrong. Detailed 
information about each of these estimates and judgements 
is included in other notes together with information about 
the basis of calculation for each affected line item in the 
financial statements. 

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated. They 
are based on historical experience and other factors, 
including expectations of future events that may have a 
financial impact on the entity and that are believed to be 
reasonable under the circumstances.

The areas involving significant estimates or judgements are:

 –

 –

 –
 –
 –

Recognition of deferred tax asset and carried-forward 
tax losses (note 24)
Estimation uncertainties and judgements made in 
relation to lease accounting (note 9)
Impairment of assets (note 30)
Fair value less costs to sell of biological assets (note 4)
Borrowings (forecast for compliance with covenants – 
note 15)

Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets 
and liabilities of all subsidiaries of Huon Aquaculture Group 
Limited (Parent Entity) as at 30 June 2020 and the results of 
all subsidiaries for the year then ended. Huon Aquaculture 
Group Limited and its subsidiaries together are referred to in 
this financial report as the Consolidated Group.

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the group has control. 
The group controls an entity when the group is exposed to, 
or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with 
the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through 
its power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries 
are fully consolidated from the date on which control is 
transferred to the group. They are deconsolidated from the 
date that control ceases.

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for 
business combinations by the group.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains 
on transactions between group companies are eliminated. 
Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction 
provides evidence of an impairment of the transferred asset. 
Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where 
necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by 
the group.

59

Application of new and revised Accounting Standards

Amendments to AASBs and the new Interpretation that are mandatorily effective for the current year:
In the current year, the Consolidated Group has applied a number of amendments to AASB’s and new Interpretations issued by 
the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that are mandatorily effective for an accounting period that begins on or after 
1 July 2019, and therefore relevant for the current year end.

The Group adopted all of the following new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the AASB that are relevant to its 
operations and effective for the current annual reporting period.

New and revised Standards and Interpretations effective for the current half-year relevant to the Group include:

(i)  AASB 16 Leases

AASB 16 Leases became effective for the Group on 1 July 2019, and as a result the Group changed its accounting policies 
and made adjustments to opening retained earnings at 1 July 2019. The impact of adopting AASB 16 Leases is disclosed in 
note 9 – Leases.

(ii)  AASB 2018-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Annual Improvements 2015-17 Cycle

The  adoption  of  this  amending  Standard  did  not  have  any  impact  on  the  disclosures  or  the  amounts  recognised  in  the 
Group’s annual financial report.

(iii) Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

The  adoption  of  this  amending  Standard  did  not  have  any  impact  on  the  disclosures  or  the  amounts  recognised  in  the 
Group’s annual financial report.

The standards did not require any retrospective adjustments.

Standards and Interpretations in issue not yet adopted:

AASB 2018-6 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Definition of a Business’
AASB 2018-7 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Definition of Material’
AASB 2019-1 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
References to Conceptual Framework’
AASB 2019-3 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Interest Rate Benchmark Reform’
AASB 2019-5 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Disclosure of the Effect of New IFRS Standards Not Yet Issued 
in Australia’
AASB 2019-7 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Disclosure of GFS Measures of Key Fiscal Aggregates and  
GAAP/GFS Reconciliations’

Effective for annual 
reporting periods 
beginning on or after

Expected to be 
initially applied in the 
financial year ending

1 January 2020
1 January 2020

30 June 2021
30 June 2021

1 January 2020

30 June 2021

1 January 2020

30 June 2021

1 January 2020

30 June 2021

1 January 2020

30 June 2021

There are no other standards or interpretations that are not yet effective and that would be expected to have a material impact 
on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

60

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continuedPerformance

1. Revenue

2020
Segment Revenue
Revenue from external customers
Timing of revenue recognition

 At a point in time

2019
Segment Revenue
Revenue from external customers
Timing of revenue recognition

 At a point in time

Sale of Goods

Domestic
$’000

Export
$’000

225,657
225,657

225,657

225,657

258,073
258,073

258,073

258,073

114,212
114,212

114,212

114,212

23,882
23,882

23,882

23,882

Total
$’000

339,869
339,869

339,869

339,869

281,955
281,955

281,955

281,955

Revenue recognition and measurement
Sale of goods
The Consolidated Group hatches, farms, processes, markets and sells Atlantic salmon and ocean trout. Sales are recognised 
when control of the products has been transferred, being when the products are delivered to the customer.

Delivery occurs when the products have been delivered to their final destination, the risk of loss and obsolescence has been 
transferred and acknowledged by the customer.

Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable after taking into account 
any trade discounts and volume rebates allowed.

All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax.

2. Other income

Interest income
Supplier rebates and freight income
Government grants
Other

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

115
5,423
4,181
3,875

13,594

7
4,943
1,370
2,938

9,258

Revenue recognition and measurement
Interest income
Interest  income  is  recognised  using  the  effective  interest  method.  When  a  receivable  is  impaired,  the  Consolidated  Group 
reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount, being the estimated future cash flow discounted at the original effective 
interest rate of the instrument, and continues unwinding the discount as interest income. Interest income on impaired loans is 
recognised using the original effective interest rate.

Rebates and freight income
Rebates  and  freight  income  are  recognised  as  income  when  the  right  to  receive  the  payment  has  been  established.  This  is 
generally when the Company has satisfied the necessary regulatory requirements.

61

2. Other income (continued)

Government grants
Government  grants  are  assistance  by  the  government  (including  Job  Keeper)  in  the  form  of  transfers  of  resources  to  the 
Consolidated Group in return for past or future compliance with certain conditions relating to the operating activities of the 
Consolidated Group. Government grants include government assistance where there are no conditions specifically relating to 
the operating activities of the Consolidated Group other than the requirement to operate in certain regions or industry sectors.

Government grants relating to income are recognised as income over the periods necessary to match them with the related costs 
which they are intended to compensate. Government grants that are receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already 
incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the Consolidated Group with no future related costs are 
recognised as income of the period in which it becomes receivable.

Government grants relating to assets are treated as deferred income and recognised in profit and loss over the expected useful 
lives of the assets concerned. Refer to note 35.

3. Profit for the year before tax
Profit before income tax from continuing operations includes the following items of revenue and expense:

(a)  Significant revenue and expenses
The following significant revenue and expense items are relevant in explaining 
the financial performance:
Revenue:
 –
 –
Expense:
 –
 –
 –

accrued employee incentives
legal fees
derivative contracts

supplier rebates and claims
insurance and supplier claims

(b)  Expenses
Gross Depreciation of non-current assets
Gross Depreciation of right of use assets
Gross Amortisation of non-current assets
Total Gross depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation – net impact recognised in changes in inventories  
of finished goods and work in progress
Net depreciation and amortisation

Interest & fees
Interest rate swap
Lease interest
Total Gross finance costs

Lease interest – net impact recognised in changes in inventories  
of finished goods and work in progress
Net finance costs

Employee benefits expense
Share-based payment expense
Total employee benefits costs

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

543
2,846

–
396
–

36,359
15,288
442
52,089

426
1,623

–
1,249
(7)

29,879
–
441
30,320

(12,938)
39,151

(4,558)
25,762

6,840
3,025
5,883
15,748

(4,353)
11,395

80,581
183
80,764

6,001
2,173
–
8,174

–
8,174

68,812
551
69,363

Net (gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

–

79

62

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued4. Biological assets

Biological assets at fair value(i)
Opening balance
Increase due to production
Decrease due to sales/harvest/mortality
Movement in fair value of biological assets

Closing fair value adjustment on biological assets
Total weight of live finfish at sea (kg 000’s)

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

209,129
350,407
(297,022)
1,507

169,361
273,557
(224,671)
(9,118)

264,021

209,129

28,065
26,429

26,558
16,886

(i)  

 Members of the Consolidated Group, Huon Aquaculture Company Pty Ltd and Springfield Hatcheries Pty Ltd grow fish from juveniles through to harvest.

Fair value measurement

Recurring fair value measurements
Biological Assets

Total financial assets recognised at fair value

Recurring fair value measurements
Biological Assets
Total financial assets recognised at fair value

30 June 2020

Level 1
$’000

Level 2
$’000

Level 3
$’000 

Total
$’000

–

–

–

–

264,021

264,021

264,021

264,021

30 June 2019

Level 1
$’000

Level 2
$’000

Level 3
$’000 

Total
$’000

–
–

–
–

209,129
209,129

209,129
209,129

Fair value measurements using significant unobservable input 
The following table summarises the quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in level 3 fair value 
measurements:

Description

30 June 2020

30 June 2019

Biological assets at fair value ($’000)

264,021

209,129

Unobservable Inputs

Relationship of Unobservable  
Inputs to Fair value

Adjusted weight of live finfish for fair 
value measurement: 23,361 tonne 

Adjusted weight of live finfish for fair 
value measurement: 14,395 tonne

Price per HOG kg $12.57 to $13.07
Increase in price would increase  
fair value

Price per HOG kg $14.53 to $15.03
Increase in price would increase  
fair value

63

4. Biological assets (continued)

Recognition and measurement
Biological assets include broodstock, eggs, juveniles, smolt and live finfish. Biological assets are measured at fair value less costs 
to sell in accordance with AASB 141. Where fair value cannot be reliably measured biological assets are measured at cost less 
impairment losses.

For broodstock, eggs, juveniles, smolt and live finfish below 1kg, these biological assets are measured at cost, as the fair value 
cannot be measured reliably. Live finfish between 1kg and 4kg are measured at fair value less cost to sell, including a proportionate 
expected net profit at harvest. Live finfish above 4kg are measured at fair value less cost to sell.

The valuation is completed for each year class of finfish, for each species and, each significant location and takes into consideration 
input based on biomass in sea, estimated growth rate and mortality. The market prices are derived from observable market prices 
(when available), achieved prices and estimated future prices for harvest finfish. The prices are reduced for harvesting costs and 
freight costs to market, to arrive at a net fair value at farm gate.

The change in estimated fair value is charged to the income statement on a separate line as fair value adjustment of biological assets.

Sensitivity analysis – Biological assets
Based on the market prices and weights utilised at 30 June 2020, with all other variables held constant, the consolidated group’s 
pre-tax profit for the period would have been impacted as follows:

 – A pricing increase/decrease of $0.10 would have been a change of $1,993,164 higher/lower (2019: $1,244,457)
 – A weight increase/decrease of 5% would have been a change of $1,403,239 higher/lower (2019: $1,327,840)

Critical accounting estimates
Biological assets are measured at fair value less costs to sell in accordance with AASB 141. Broodstock, eggs, juveniles, smolt 
and live fish below 1kg are measured at cost, as the fair value cannot be measured reliably. Biomass beyond this is measured at 
fair value in accordance with AASB 141, and the measurement is categorised into Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, as the input 
is an unobservable input. Live fish over 4kg are measured to fair value less cost to sell, while a proportionate expected net profit 
at harvest is incorporated for live fish between 1kg and 4kg. The valuation is completed for each year class of finfish, for each 
species and, each significant location.

The valuation is based on a market approach and takes into consideration inputs based on biomass in sea for each significant 
location,  estimated  growth  rates,  mortality  and  market  price.  There  is  no  effective  market  for  live  finfish  produced  by  the 
Consolidated Group so market price is determined on a model based on market prices for both salmon and trout, derived from 
observable market prices (when available), achieved prices and estimated future prices for harvest finfish.

5. Earnings per share (EPS)

Earnings per ordinary share
Basic (cents per share)(i)
Diluted (cents per share)(ii)

Consolidated
2020
cents per share

Consolidated
2019
cents per share

5.63
5.63

10.82
10.82

(i)  

 Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares of 
the company

(ii)    Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 

outstanding including dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in the calculation of EPS

Number for basic EPS 
Number for diluted EPS 

Earnings used as the numerator in the calculation of EPS

Earnings for basic EPS(i)
Earnings for diluted EPS(i)

2020 

2019

87,372,077
87,372,077

87,337,207
87,337,207

2020
$’000 

4,915
4,915

2019
$’000

9,452
9,452

(i)   Earnings used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as per net profit in the consolidated income statement.

64

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued6. Dividends

Fully paid ordinary shares
Final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2019 of 3 cents 
(2018 – 5 cents) per fully paid share
Interim dividend for the year ended 30 June 2020 of 0 cents 
(2019 – 3 cents) per fully paid share
Total dividends provided for or paid

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

2,620

–
2,620

4,367

2,620
6,987

The Directors have not recommended the payment of a final ordinary dividend for the year ending 30 June 2020.

Franking credits available for subsequent reporting periods based  
on a tax rate of 30% (2019: 30%)

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

5,989
5,989

8,794
8,794

The above amounts represent the balance of the franking account as at the end of the reporting period, adjusted for:

(a)   franking credits that will arise from the payment of the amount of the provision for income tax or the receivable of income tax 

refund after the end of year,

(b)  franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the reporting date, and

(c)  franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables at the reporting date.

The consolidated amounts include franking credits that would be available to the Parent Entity if distributable profits of subsidiaries 
were paid as dividends.

Recognition and measurement
Provision is made for the amount of any dividend declared, being appropriately authorised and no longer at the discretion of the 
Consolidated Group, on or before the end of the reporting period but not distributed at the end of the reporting period.

65

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

5,294
5,294

5,294
5,294

67,552
(12,346)
55,206
60,500

67,084
(9,040)
58,044
63,338

422,640
(188,272)
234,368

392,531
(155,219)
237,312

10,713
10,713

19,736
19,736

245,081

257,048

305,581

320,386

Investment in growth strategy

7. Property, plant and equipment

Land and buildings
Freehold land
Cost
Total land

Buildings
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Total buildings
Total land and buildings

Plant and equipment
Plant and equipment
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Total plant and equipment

Capital work in progress
Cost
Total capital work in progress

Total plant and equipment

Total property, plant and equipment

66

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued7. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Consolidated

Year ended 30 June 2020
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount

Movement
Net carrying amount at the beginning of the year
Additions
Disposals and write-offs
Work in Progress Additions
Depreciation and amortisation
Acquisition in business combination
Capitalisation to asset categories
Transfers between classes
Net carrying amount at the end of the year

Consolidated

Year ended 30 June 2019
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount

Movement
Net carrying amount at the beginning of the year
Additions
Disposals and write-offs
Work in Progress Additions
Depreciation and amortisation
Acquisition in business combination
Capitalisation to asset categories
Transfers between classes
Net carrying amount at the end of the year

Land and Buildings

Plant and Equipment

Freehold
$’000

Buildings
$’000

Plant and
equipment
$’000

Capital
work in
progress
$’000 

Total
$’000

5,294
–
5,294

5,294
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
5,294

67,552
(12,346)
55,206

422,640
(188,272)
234,368

10,713
–
10,713

506,199
(200,618)
305,581

58,044
–
–
–
(3,307)
–
469
–
55,206

237,312
598
–
–
(33,052)
–
29,510
–
234,368

19,736
–
–
20,956
–
–
(29,979)
–
10,713

320,386
598
–
20,956
(36,359)
–
–
–
305,581

Land and Buildings

Plant and Equipment

Freehold
$’000

Buildings
$’000

Plant and
equipment
$’000

Capital
work in
progress
$’000 

Total
$’000

5,294
–
5,294

5,256
–
–
–
–
–
38
–
5,294

67,084
(9,040)
58,044

36,234
76
–
–
(2,585)
–
24,319
–
58,044

392,531
(155,219)
237,312

19,736
–
19,736

484,645
(164,259)
320,386

177,686
809
(269)
–
(27,294)
–
86,380
–
237,312

67,147
–
–
63,326
–
–
(110,737)
–
19,736

286,323
885
(269)
63,326
(29,879)
–
–
–
320,386

67

7. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Capital expenditure commitment

Capital expenditure commitments
Plant and equipment
Capital expenditure projects

Payable:
Not longer than 1 year
Longer than 1 year and not longer than 5 years
Longer than 5 years

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

1,042
–
1,042

1,042
–
–
1,042

Recognition and measurement
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly 
attributable to the acquisition of the items. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a 
separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the 
Consolidated Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.

Assets are derecognised when replaced. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the profit and loss during the period 
in which they are incurred.

Assets are depreciated on a straight line basis. 

Land is not depreciated. The following estimated useful lives are used in the calculation of depreciation:

Class of Fixed Asset

Buildings
Leasehold improvements
Plant and equipment

Useful Life

10 – 40 years
5 – 20 years
2 – 30 years

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than 
its estimated recoverable amount.

Gains  and  losses  on  disposals  are  determined  by  comparing  proceeds  with  the  carrying  amount.  These  gains  or  losses  are 
recognised in consolidated income statement when the item is derecognised. When revalued assets are sold, amounts included 
in the revaluation surplus relating to that asset are transferred to retained earnings. 

68

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued8. Other non-current assets

Marine farming sites
Cost
Accumulated amortisation

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

16,244
(7,833)

8,411

16,244
(7,391)

8,853

Recognition and measurement
Marine farming sites are recorded at cost. Amortisation is based on the term of the lease and the expense is charged through 
the consolidated income statement. All marine sites are held for a term of 15–30 years.

9. Leases
The Group has leases primarily in relation to buildings, marine leases and equipment including boats, motor vehicles and office 
equipment.

Set out below are the carrying amounts of the right-of-use assets and movements during the financial year.

Right-of-use assets

Buildings
$’000

Plant and 
Equipment
$’000

Marine 
Leases
$’000

Total
$’000

Year ended 30 June 2020
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount

Movement
At 1 July 2019 (restated)
Additions
Depreciation and amortisation

Net carrying amount at the end of the year

22,943
(1,356)
21,587

148,640
(13,245)
135,395

20,738
2,205
(1,356)

21,587

62,348
86,638
(13,591)

135,395

5,949
(341)
5,608

5,720
229
(341)

5,608

Set out below are the carrying amounts of the lease liabilities and the movements during the year.

Consolidated
At 1 July 2019 (restated)
Additions
Accretion of interest
Lease payments
Carrying amount at 30 June 2020

Current
Non-current

177,532
14,942
162,590

88,806
89,072
(15,288)

162,590

2020
$’000

99,429
82,477
5,883
(18,553)
169,236

16,777
152,459

169,236

69

9. Leases (continued)

Change in accounting policies
The Group has adopted AASB 16 using the modified retrospective approach from 1 July 2019 and as such has not restated 
comparatives for the 2019 reporting period, as permitted under the specific transitional provisions.

Adopting AASB 16 resulted in the Group recognising lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as 
operating leases under AASB 117 Leases.

These liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the Group’s incremental 
borrowing rate as at 1 July 2019. The Group’s incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities was between 2.38% 
and 5.38%, depending on the term of the lease. For the majority of the lease liabilities the incremental borrowing rate applied 
was 5.38%.

The Group previously had no finance leases recorded.

Impact on Financial Statements
Lease liabilities recognised on adoption of the standard are reconciled as follows:

Operating lease commitments disclosed at 30 June 2019
Removal of assets not available for use(i)
Discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate
Add: Adjustments for reasonably certain options
Lease liability recognised as at 1 July 2019
Comprising: 
Current lease liabilities
Non-current lease liabilities

1 July
2019
$’000

232,565
(129,838)
(22,343)
19,045
99,429

12,268
87,161

99,429

(i)  Removal of assets not available for use include a range of equipment, the most significant portion relating to the ‘Ronja Storm’.

The associated right of use assets for marine and other higher value leases were measured on a retrospective basis as if the new 
rules had always been applied. Other right of use assets were measured at the amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by 
the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to that lease recognised in the balance sheet as at 30 June 2019.

In addition to the adoption of AASB 16, the Group also reassessed its accounting estimate for the allowance for make good on 
leased plant & equipment, which is included as a provision in the balance sheet. The reassessment resulted in an increase in the 
make good provision with the corresponding increase recognised in the right of use asset which will be amortised over the term 
the asset is held for use.

The effect of these changes on the balance sheet at 1 July were as follows:

Right-of-use assets – increase
Deferred tax assets – increase
Total impact on assets

Lease liabilities – increase
Provisions – increase
Total impact on liabilities

Net impact on retained earnings – decrease

70

1 July
2019
$’000

88,806
3,586
92,392

99,429
1,330
100,759

8,367

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued9. Leases (continued)

Recognition and Measurement
The  Group  leases  various  assets.  Rental  contracts  are  typically  made  for  fixed  periods,  but  may  have  extension  options  as 
described below. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. 
The lease agreements do not impose any covenants, but leased assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.

Leases are recognised as a right of use asset and a corresponding liability at the date at which the leased asset is available for 
use by the Group. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or 
loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each 
period. The right of use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight line basis.

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present 
value of the following lease payments:

Fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable
Variable lease payment that are based on an index or a rate

 –
 –
 – Amounts expected to the payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees.

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, if that rate can be determined, or the Group’s 
incremental borrowing rate.

Right of use assets are measured at cost compromising the following:

The amount of the initial measurement of lease liability

 –
 – Any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, less any lease incentives received
 – Any initial direct costs, and
 –

Restoration costs.

Payments associated with short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense 
in profit or loss. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less.

Practical Expedients Applied
In applying AASB 16 for the first time, the Group has used the following practical expedients permitted by the standard:

 –
 –
 –

the exclusion of initial direct costs for the measurement of the right of use asset at the date of initial application; 
the use of hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease; and
accounting for operating leases with a remaining lease term of less than 12 months as at 1 January 2019 as short-term leases.

The Group has also elected not to apply AASB 16 to contracts that were not identified as containing a lease under AASB 17 and 
Interpretation 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease.

Extension Options
Extension and termination options are included in a number of property and equipment leases across the Group. These terms 
are used to maximise operational flexibility in terms of managing contracts. The majority of extension and termination options 
held are exercisable only by the Group and not by the respective lessor.

Critical Estimates
The lease term is a significant component in the measurement of both the right-of-use asset and lease liability. Judgement is 
exercised in determining whether there is reasonable certainty that an option to extend the lease or purchase the underlying 
asset will be exercised, or an option to terminate the lease will not be exercised, when ascertaining the periods to be included 
in the lease term. In determining the lease term, all facts and circumstances that create an economical incentive to exercise an 
extension option, or not to exercise a termination option, are considered at the lease commencement date. Factors considered 
may include the importance of the asset to the consolidated entity’s operations; comparison of terms and conditions to prevailing 
market rates; incurrence of significant penalties; existence of significant leasehold improvements; and the costs and disruption 
to replace the asset. The Group reassesses whether it is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, or not exercise a 
termination option, if there is a significant event or significant change in circumstances.

71

Net debt and working capital

10. Notes to the statement of cashflows

(a)   Cash and cash equivalents as at the end of the financial year  

as shown in the consolidated statement of cashflows is reconciled  
to the related items in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

(b)   Reconciliation of profit for the period to net cash inflow  

from operating activities:

Profit for the period
Non-cash items
  Depreciation and amortisation
  Net (gain)/loss on disposal of non-current assets

Share-based payment expense

(Increase)/decrease in assets

Trade and other receivables
Biological assets and inventories

  Current tax receivable

Prepayments

Increase/(decrease) in liabilities
Trade and other payables

  Current tax liabilities
  Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions
  Other liabilities

Net cash inflow from operations

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

5,934

5,934

2,611

2,611

4,915

9,452

52,089
–
183

3,797
(61,403)
1,196
(3,676)

7,187
–
(1,418)
1,374
4,132

8,376

30,321
79
551

2,970
(40,181)
(1,578)
(4,198)

22,341
(6,432)
613
1,016
(464)

14,490

Recognition and measurement
For the purpose of presentation in the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held 
at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are 
readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

72

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued 
 
 
 
 
 
11. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Loss allowance
Other receivables

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

22,168
(237)
2,541

29,228
(304)
1,544

24,472

30,468

Recognition and measurement
Trade receivables include amounts due from customers for goods sold and services performed in the ordinary course of business. 
Receivables expected to be collected within 12 months of the end of the reporting period are classified as current assets. All 
other  receivables  are  classified  as  non-current  assets.  Trade  and  other  receivables  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value  and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any loss allowance.

The Group holds the trade receivables with the objective of collecting the contractual cash flows and therefore measures them 
subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Details about the Group’s impairment policies and the 
calculation of the loss allowance are provided below.

Fair values of trade and other receivables
Due to the short-term nature of the current receivables, their carrying amount approximates to fair value.

Credit risk
The  Consolidated  Group  has  no  significant  concentration  of  credit  risk  with  respect  to  any  single  counterparty  or  group  of 
counterparties other than those receivables specifically provided for and mentioned above. The main source of credit risk to the 
Consolidated Group is considered to relate to the class of assets described as ‘trade and other receivables’.

The  Consolidated  Group  applies  the  AASB  9  simplified  approach  to  measuring  expected  credit  losses  which  uses  a  lifetime 
expected loss allowance for all trade receivables.

To measure expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days 
past due. The expected loss rates are based on historical loss rates, adjusted to reflect current information and credit quality of 
the customer. 

Trade receivables are written off where there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable 
expectation of recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a repayment plan and a failure to make 
contractual payments in line with agreed terms.

Impairment losses on trade receivables are presented as net impairment losses within operating profit. Subsequent recoveries of 
amounts previously written off are credited against the same line item.

On this basis, the loss allowance as at 30 June 2020 was determined as follows for trade receivables:

30 June 2020
Expected loss rate
Gross carrying amount – Trade and other receivables
Loss allowance

30 June 2019
Expected loss rate
Gross carrying amount – Trade and other receivables
Loss allowance

More than 
30 days 
past due

More than 
60 days 
past due

6.58%
76
5

6.22%
530
33

80%
180
144

88.6%
202
179

Current

0.43%
20,454
88

0.38%
24,470
92

Total

20,710
237

25,202
304

73

11. Trade and other receivables (continued)
The closing loss allowances for trade receivables as at 30 June 2020 reconcile to the opening loss allowances as follows:

Loss allowance 
Increase in loss allowance recognised in profit or loss during the year
Receivables written off as uncollectable
Loss allowance at year end

12. Inventories

Processed fish & finished goods
Feed and packaging
Inventory provisions

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

(304)
(48)
115
(237)

(296)
(48)
40
(304)

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

9,129
10,499
(307)

3,776
9,341
(307)

19,321

12,810

Recognition and measurement
Inventories  are  measured  at  the  lower  of  cost  and  net  realisable  value.  The  cost  of  manufactured  products  includes  direct 
materials, direct labour and an appropriate portion of variable and fixed overheads. Overheads are applied on the basis of 
normal operating capacity. Costs are assigned on the basis of weighted average costs.

13. Other assets

Prepayments
Rights to smolt(i)

(i) 

Includes rights to selective breeding program with Saltas.

14. Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Other payables
Goods and services tax (GST) payable

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

8,984
3,860

12,844

7,622
1,546

9,168

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

71,141
11,724
–

82,865

67,315
5,115
–

72,430

Recognition and measurement
Trade and other payables represent the liabilities for goods and services received by the Consolidated Group that remain unpaid 
at the end of the reporting period. The balance is recognised as a current liability with the amounts normally paid within 45 days 
of recognition of the liability.

Fair values of trade and other payables
Due to the short-term nature of trade and other payables, their carrying amount approximates to fair value.

74

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued15. Borrowings

Current
Secured

Bank Loans
  Other Loans
Unsecured
  Other loans

Non-current
Secured

Bank Loans
  Other Loans
Unsecured
  Other loans

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

19,404
4,009

–
23,413

6,157
3,495

–
9,652

149,726
–

131,696
–

46
149,772

46
131,742

173,185

141,394

The weighted average effective interest rate on the bank loans is 2.45% per annum (2019: 3.35% per annum).

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

Limit

Undrawn
Balance

Limit

Undrawn
Balance

Amortising Term Loan
Term Loan
Term Loan
Working Capital
Bank Guarantee
Uncommitted foreign exchange contracts
Uncommitted interest rate swaps
Aggregate Facility Limit
Aggregate Undrawn Balance

45,000
110,000
20,000
15,000
2,500

192,500
–

–
–
15,000
5,500
2,500
– Discretionary
– Discretionary
–
23,000

46,250
110,000
20,000
10,000
2,500

–
18,000
20,000
10,000
200
 – Discretionary
– Discretionary

188,750

48,200

75

 
 
15. Borrowings (continued)
The borrowings are secured by means of a charge over the Consolidated Group’s total assets. The carrying amounts of assets 
pledged as security are as recognised in the Consolidated Group’s balance sheet.

The Consolidated Group has facility agreements (“Facilities”) in place with its key banking partners to source debt and working 
capital  funding.  The  Facilities,  together  with  certain  proceeds  from  the  issue  of  shares  under  the  Initial  Public  Offering,  are 
being utilised to fund operations and Huon’s Controlled Growth Strategy. The Facilities are reviewed periodically to maintain an 
optimal capital structure consistent with the Consolidated Group’s Capital Management strategy.

The Facilities have a variable interest rate on amounts drawn calculated at a variable rate by reference to the Australian dollar 
BBSY and are subject to line fees on drawn and undrawn facilities.

Facility Renewal:
The Consolidated Group entered into an agreement to refinance its debt facilities in October 2018. The total debt facility increased 
from $113,500,000 to $192,500,000 for a maximum of five years. In FY2020 there was an increase to the Working Capital limit 
by $5,000,000.  Since commencement there has been amortisation without redraw of $5,000,000.

Loan covenants:
Under the terms of the Facilities, the group is required to comply with certain financial covenants. During the financial year as 
part of the annual review of the Consolidated Group’s Facilities, the covenants were updated to the following:

 –
 –

 –

Equity Ratio (Tangible Net Worth/Total Tangible Assets) greater than 50% (measured annually on 30 June);
Leverage Ratio (Net Debt/Operating EBITDA) not greater than a maximum of 6.50 times at 30 June 2020, 5.50 times at 
30 September 2020, 6.50 times at 31 December 2020 and 31 March 2021, 5.00 times at 30 June 2021 and 2.75 times 
for following periods (measured quarterly on a rolling 12 month basis);
Interest  Cover  Ratio  (Operating  EBITDA/Total  Finance  Costs)  greater  than  3.5  times  (measured  quarterly  on  a  rolling 
12 month basis); and

 – Actual capital expenditure not more than 110% of the annual capital expenditure budget approved by financiers.

The group complied with the financial covenants throughout the reporting period.

Recognition and measurement

Borrowings 
Borrowings  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value,  net  of  transaction  costs  incurred.  Borrowings  are  subsequently  measured 
at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised 
in  consolidated  income  statement  over  the  period  of  the  borrowings  using  the  effective  interest  method.  Fees  paid  on  the 
establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of 
the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that 
it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a prepayment for liquidity services and 
amortised over the period of the facility to which it relates.

Borrowings are removed from the balance sheet when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired. 
The difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability that has been extinguished or transferred to another party and 
the consideration paid, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in consolidated income 
statement as other income or finance costs.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Consolidated Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of 
the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period.

Borrowing Costs
General and specific borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying 
asset are capitalised during the period of time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. 
Qualifying assets are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in consolidated income statement in the period in which they are incurred.

Critical accounting estimates
The  Consolidated  Group  has  reviewed  its  ongoing  compliance  with  financial  covenants  under  the  Facilities,  in  particular, 
compliance with the Leverage Ratio (Net debt/Operating EBITDA) for each quarter up to 30 June 2021. The review has been 
based on financial budgets approved by the Board, and the Directors and management have considered and assessed reasonably 
possible changes in key assumptions in considering Operating EBITDA and the net debt position.

The Directors believe the Group will continue to comply with its financial covenants. 

76

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued16. Issued capital

Consolidated
2020 

Consolidated
2019

Number

$’000

Number

$’000

(a)  Ordinary share capital (fully paid):
Ordinary shares

87,545,281

164,999

87,337,207

164,302

The Company has authorised share capital amounting to 87,545,281 ordinary shares of no par value.

2020

2019

Note

Number

$’000

Number

$’000

(b)  Movements in ordinary share capital
At the beginning of the reporting period
Issue of shares pursuant to executive long-term 
incentive plan

(i)

87,337,207

164,302

87,337,207

164,302

208,074

697

–

–

At the end of the reporting period

87,545,281

164,999

87,337,207

164,302

(i)  Ordinary shares have no par value and the Company does not have a limited amount of authorised capital.

Ordinary shares participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the Parent Entity in proportion to the number 
of shares held.

The voting rights attaching to ordinary shares are, on a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person or by 
proxy shall have one vote, and upon a poll each share shall have one vote.

There are no unquoted equity securities on issue.

There is no current on-market buy-back in respect of the Company’s ordinary shares.

(c)  Capital Management
Management controls the capital of the Consolidated Group in order to maintain a good debt to equity ratio, provide the shareholders 
with adequate returns and ensure that the Consolidated Group can fund its operations and continue as a going concern.

The Consolidated Group’s debt and capital include ordinary share capital and financial liabilities, supported by financial assets.

There are no externally imposed capital requirements.

Management effectively manages the Consolidated Group’s capital by assessing the Consolidated Group’s financial risks and 
adjusting its capital structure in response to changes in these risks and in the market. These responses include the management 
of debt levels, distributions to shareholders and share issues.

There have been no changes in the strategy adopted by management to control the capital of the Consolidated Group since 
the prior year.

77

16. Issued capital (continued)

Total borrowings
Less cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Total equity

Gearing ratio

Recognition and measurement
Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

173,185
(5,934)

141,394
(2,611)

167,251

138,783

308,231

314,120

54.3%

44.2%

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from 
the proceeds.

Where any group company purchases the Company’s equity instruments, for example as the result of a share buy-back or a 
share based payment plan, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes) is 
deducted from equity attributable to the owners of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited as ordinary share capital until the shares 
are cancelled or reissued. Where such ordinary shares are subsequently reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly 
attributable incremental transaction costs and the related income tax effects, is included in equity attributable to the owners of 
Huon Aquaculture Group Limited.

17. Other reserves
Share-based payment reserve

Balance at the beginning of financial year
Shares issued under employee share plan
Share-based payment expense

Balance at the end of financial year

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

1,324
(697)
183

810

1,374
(601)
551

1,324

The share-based payment reserve is used to recognise the grant date fair value of performance rights issued to employees. 

The performance rights are issued to the Chief Executive Officer and Management as part of the LTI plan. Refer to note 26 for 
further details.

78

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continuedOther

18. Investments in financial assets

Investment in Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania Pty Ltd (“Saltas”)(i)
Investment in Commercial Fishermans Co-operative

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

1,341
1

1,342

1,341
1

1,342

(i)  The Consolidated Group holds ordinary share capital of Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania Pty Ltd (“Saltas”).

The Directors of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited do not believe that the Consolidated Group is able to exert significant influence 
over Saltas.

Recognition and Measurement 
Investments in financial assets are classified as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI).

The investments are not held for trading, and which the Consolidated Group has irrevocably elected at initial recognition to 
recognise in this category. These are strategic investments and the Consolidated Group considers this classification to be more 
relevant.

At initial recognition, the Consolidated Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not 
at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset.

On disposal of these investments, any related balance within the FVOCI reserve is reclassified to retained earnings.

19. Derivative assets

Derivatives carried at fair value:
Foreign currency forward contracts
Commodity forward contract

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

2,255
–

2,255

–
56

56

Refer to note 20 for fair value measurement and hierarchy.

20. Fair value measurements
The Consolidated Group measures and recognises the following assets at fair value on a recurring basis after initial recognition:

Biological assets (refer to note 4)

 –
 – Derivative assets (refer to note 19)
 –
 – Derivative liabilities (refer to note 33)

Investments in financial assets (refer to note 18)

The Consolidated Group does not subsequently measure any liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, or any assets or liabilities 
at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

Fair value hierarchy
AASB  13  requires  the  disclosure  of  fair  value  information  by  level  of  the  fair  value  hierarchy,  which  categorises  fair  value 
measurements into one of three possible levels based on the lowest level that an input that is significant to the measurement can 
be categorised into as follows:

Level 1:   Measurements based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can 

access at the measurement date.

Level 2:   Measurements based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, 

either directly or indirectly.

Level 3:   Measurements based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The  fair  values  of  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  not  traded  in  an  active  market  are  determined  using  one  or  more  valuation 
techniques. These valuation techniques maximise, to the extent possible, the use of observable market data. If all significant 
inputs required to measure fair value are observable, the asset or liability is included in Level 2. If one or more significant inputs 
are not based on observable market data, the asset or liability is included in Level 3. 

79

20. Fair value measurements (continued)
Valuation techniques
The Consolidated Group selects a valuation technique that is appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is 
available to measure fair value. The availability of sufficient and relevant data primarily depends on the specific characteristics 
of the asset or liability being measured.

There has been no change in the valuation technique(s) used to calculate the fair values disclosed in the financial statements. 

There has been no transfers between the fair value measurement levels during the financial year.

Recognition and measurement
Financial instruments
The Consolidated Group enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign exchange 
rate risk, including forward foreign exchange contracts. The derivative financial instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. 
Changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments are recognised immediately in consolidated income statement.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured 
to their fair value at each reporting date. In accordance with Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Consolidated Group classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories:

 –
 –

those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through OCI or through profit or loss), and 
those to be measured at amortised cost. 

The classification depends on the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

For assets measured at fair value, gains and losses will either be recorded in profit or loss or OCI. For investments in equity 
instruments that are not held for trading, this will depend on whether the Consolidated Group has made an irrevocable election 
at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI).

The Consolidated Group reclassifies debt investments when and only when its business model for managing those assets changes.

Recognition and derecognition 
Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on trade-date, the date on which the Consolidated Group 
commits to purchase or sell the asset. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial 
assets have expired or have been transferred and the Consolidated Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards 
of ownership. 

Measurement 
At initial recognition, the Consolidated Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not 
at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. 
Transaction costs of financial assets carried at FVPL are expensed in profit or loss.

Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely 
payment of principal and interest.

Debt instruments
Subsequent measurement of debt instruments depends on the Consolidated Group’s business model for managing the asset and the 
cash flow characteristics of the asset. There are three measurement categories into which the group classifies its debt instruments:

 –

 – Amortised cost: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments 
of principal and interest are measured at amortised cost. Interest income from these financial assets is included in finance 
income using the effective interest rate method. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition is recognised directly in profit or 
loss and presented in other gains/(losses) together with foreign exchange gains and losses. Impairment losses are presented 
as separate line item in the statement of profit or loss. 
FVOCI: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows and for selling the financial assets, where the assets’ 
cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at FVOCI. Movements in the carrying amount 
are  taken  through  OCI,  except  for  the  recognition  of  impairment  gains  or  losses,  interest  income  and  foreign  exchange 
gains and losses which are recognised in profit or loss. When the financial asset is derecognised, the cumulative gain or 
loss previously recognised in OCI is reclassified from equity to profit or loss and recognised in other gains/(losses). Interest 
income from these financial assets is included in finance income using the effective interest rate method. Foreign exchange 
gains and losses are presented in other gains/(losses) and impairment expenses are presented as separate line item in the 
statement of profit or loss. 
FVPL: Assets that do not meet the criteria for amortised cost or FVOCI are measured at FVPL. A gain or loss on a debt 
investment that is subsequently measured at FVPL is recognised in profit or loss and presented net within other gains/(losses) 
in the period in which it arises. 

 –

Impairment
The Consolidated Group assesses on a forward looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its debt instruments 
carried at amortised cost and FVOCI. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant 
increase in credit risk.

For trade receivables, the Consolidated Group applies the simplified approach permitted by AASB 9, which requires expected 
lifetime losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the receivables, see note 11 for further details. 

80

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued21. Financial risk management
The Consolidated Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk and 
price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Consolidated Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability 
of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Consolidated Group. The 
Consolidated Group uses derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps to manage 
certain risk exposures. i.e. not used as trading or other speculative instruments. The Consolidated Group uses different methods to 
measure different types of risk to which it is exposed. These methods include sensitivity analysis in the case of interest rate, foreign 
exchange and other price risks, aging analysis for credit risk and beta analysis in respect of investment portfolios to determine 
market risk.

Risk management is carried out under policies approved by the Board.

The Consolidated Group holds the following financial instruments:

Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Investments in financial assets
Derivative assets

Total Financial Assets

Financial Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Derivative liabilities

Total Financial Liabilities

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

5,934
24,472
1,342
2,255

34,003

2,611
30,468
1,342
56

34,477

82,865
173,185
169,236
3,025

72,430
141,394
–
2,222

428,311

216,046

81

21. Financial risk management (continued)
(a) Credit risk
Credit risk is managed on a Consolidated Group basis. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, favourable derivative 
financial instruments and deposits with banks exposures to wholesale, commercial and retail customers, including outstanding 
receivables and committed transactions.

Credit risk also arises in relation to financial guarantees given to certain parties (see notes 22 and 27(c)(ii) for details). Such 
guarantees are only provided in exceptional circumstances and are subject to specific Board approval.

(b)  Liquidity risk
Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Consolidated Group’s liquidity reserve (comprising the undrawn borrowing facilities 
below) and cash and cash equivalents (note 10) on the basis of expected cash flows.

Financing arrangements
The Consolidated Group had access to the following undrawn borrowing facilities at the end of the reporting period:

Floating rate
Expiring within one year (bank loans)
Expiring beyond one year (bank loans)

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

20,500
–

20,500

15,000
13,000

28,000

Maturities of financial liabilities
The table below analyses the Consolidated Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings as follows:

(a)  based on their contractual maturities:

(i)   all non derivative financial liabilities

(ii)   net and gross settled derivative financial instruments for which the contractual maturities are essential for an understanding 

of the timing of cash flows.

(b)  based on the remaining period to the expected settlement date:

(i)    derivative financial liabilities for which the contractual maturities are not essential for an understanding of the timing of 

cash flows.

The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 12 months equal their 
carrying balances as the impact of discounting is not significant.

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities

Within 
1 year 
$’000 

1 to 5 
years 
$’000

Over 
5 years 
$’000 

Total
$’000

Carrying 
Amount
$’000 

At 30 June 2020
NON DERIVATIVES
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables

Total expected outflows

DERIVATIVES
Net settled (forward foreign exchange contracts 
and interest rate swaps)
– (inflow)
– outflow

Total expected (inflow)/outflow

26,187
24,929
82,865

155,595
130,214
–

–
68,307
–

181,782
223,450
82,865

173,555
164,236
82,865

133,981

285,809

68,307

488,097

425,656

–
1,115

1,115

–
1,910

1,910

–
–

–

–
3,025

3,025

–
3,025

3,025

82

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued21. Financial risk management (continued)

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities

Within 
1 year 
$’000 

1 to 5 
years 
$’000

Over 
5 years 
$’000 

Total
$’000

Carrying 
Amount
$’000 

At 30 June 2019
NON DERIVATIVES
Borrowings
Trade and other payables

Total expected outflows

DERIVATIVES
Net settled (forward foreign exchange contracts 
and interest rate swaps)
– (inflow)
– outflow

Total expected (inflow)/outflow 

(c)  Market risk management

13,454
72,430

144,779
–

85,884

144,779

(56)
772

716

–
1,450

1,450

–
–

–

–
–

–

158,233
72,430

141,394
72,430

230,663

213,824

(56)
2,222

2,166

(56)
2,222

2,166

INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT

(i) 
The  Consolidated  Group’s  main  interest  rate  risk  arises  from  long-term  borrowings  with  variable  rates,  which  expose  the 
Consolidated Group to cash flow interest rate risk. Group policy is to maintain up to 50% of its borrowings at fixed rate using 
floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to achieve this when necessary. Generally, the Consolidated Group enters into long-term 
borrowings  at  floating  rates  and  swaps  them  into  fixed  rates  that  are  lower  than  those  available  if  the  Consolidated  Group 
borrowed at fixed rates directly.

At 30 June 2020: 98% (2019: 98%) of Consolidated Group debt is floating. The Consolidated Group also manages interest rate 
risk by ensuring that, whenever possible, payables are paid within any pre-agreed credit terms.

The net effective variable interest rate borrowings (i.e. unhedged debt) expose the Consolidated Group to interest rate risk which 
will impact future cash flows and interest charges and is indicated by the following floating interest rate financial liabilities:

The following table details the notional principle amounts at the end of the reporting period.

Floating rate instruments
Bank Loans

Weighted average  
interest rate

Consolidated notional 
principal value

2020
% 

2019
%

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

2.45%

3.35%

169,500

138,250

169,500

138,250

83

21. Financial risk management (continued)
Interest rate sensitivity analysis
Profit or loss is sensitive to higher/ lower interest income from cash and cash equivalents, and higher/ lower interest expense on 
variable rate borrowings as a result of changes in interest rates. 

Interest rates – increase by 50 basis points
Interest rates – decrease by 50 basis points

Impact on  
post-tax profit

2020
$’000

(638)
(707)

2019
$’000

348
(348)

(ii)  FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK
The Consolidated Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, 
predominantly with respect to the US Dollar and Japanese Yen.

Foreign  exchange  risk  arises  when  future  commercial  transactions  and  recognised  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  are 
denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s functional currency. The risk is measured using sensitivity analysis and cash flow 
forecasting.

The Consolidated Group hedges its foreign exchange risk exposure arising from future commercial transactions and recognised 
assets and liabilities using forward contracts. The Consolidated Group’s risk management policy is to hedge between 75% – 125% 
of  cash  flows  arising  from  known  inventory  purchase  commitments,  mainly  denominated  in  US  dollars  for  the  subsequent  six 
months.

The Consolidated Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk at the end of the reporting period, expressed in Australian dollar, was 
as follows:

Trade payables (import creditors)
Trade receivable (import debtors)
Forward exchange contracts
Buy foreign currency (cash flow hedges)
Sell foreign currency (cash flow hedges)

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

12,521
4,408

6,903
30,017

24,470
2,089

12,088
11,742

Consolidated Group sensitivity
Based on the financial instruments held at 30 June 2020, had the Australian dollar strengthened/weakened by 10% against the 
US dollar and the Japanese Yen with all other variables held constant, the Consolidated Group’s pre-tax profit for the period 
would have been $6,160,804 higher /$1,515,777 lower (2019: $167,204 lower/$38,052 lower), mainly as a result of foreign 
exchange gains/losses on translation of US dollar and JPY Yen denominated financial instruments as detailed in the above table.

Recognition and measurement
Foreign Currency Transactions and Balances

FUNCTIONAL AND PRESENTATION CURRENCY
The functional currency of each group entity is measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which that 
entity operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian dollars which is the Parent Entity’s functional 
and presentation currency.

TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES
Foreign  currency  transactions  are  translated  into  functional  currency  using  the  exchange  rates  prevailing  at  the  date  of  the 
transaction. Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the year-end exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at 
historical cost continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair 
value are reported at the exchange rate at the date when fair values were determined.

Exchange  differences  arising  on  the  translation  of  monetary  items  are  recognised  in  consolidated  income  statement,  except 
where deferred in equity as a qualifying cash flow or net investment hedge. 

Exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items are recognised directly in other comprehensive income 
to  the  extent  that  the  underlying  gain  or  loss  is  directly  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income,  otherwise  the  exchange 
difference is recognised in consolidated income statement.

84

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued22. Parent information
The following information has been extracted from the books and records of the parent and has been prepared in accordance 
with Australian Accounting Standards.

Statement of financial position
Assets
Current assets
Non-current assets
Total assets

Liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities

Equity
Issued capital
Share-based payment reserve
Retained earnings
Dividends provided for or paid
Total equity

Financial performance
Profit/(loss) for the period

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

382
170,766
171,148

1,578
161,709
163,287

–
–

–
–

164,999
810
7,959
(2,620)
171,148

164,302
1,324
4,648
(6,987)
163,287

10,298

10,298

4,505

4,505

Parent Entity financial information
The financial information for the Parent Entity, Huon Aquaculture Group Limited, disclosed above has been prepared on the 
same basis as the consolidated financial statements, except as set out below. Huon Aquaculture Group Limited is the ultimate 
parent entity.

Transactions with related entities
The profit of the Parent Entity shown above is due to the transfer of dividend payable within the Group.

Investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint venture entities are accounted for at cost in the financial statements of Huon 
Aquaculture  Group  Limited.  Dividends  received  from  associates  are  recognised  in  the  Parent  Entity’s  consolidated  income 
statement when its right to receive the dividend is established.

85

22. Parent information (continued)

Tax consolidation legislation
Huon Aquaculture Group Limited and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation 
legislation.

The  head  entity,  Huon  Aquaculture  Group  Limited,  and  the  controlled  entities  in  the  tax  Consolidated  Group  account  for 
their own current and deferred tax amounts. These tax amounts are measured as if each entity in the tax Consolidated Group 
continues to be a stand alone taxpayer in its own right.

In  addition  to  its  own  current  and  deferred  tax  amounts,  Huon  Aquaculture  Group  Limited  also  recognises  the  current  tax 
liabilities (or assets) and the deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and unused tax credits assumed from controlled 
entities in the tax Consolidated Group. In the current year tax losses of $15,226,061 (tax effected at 30%) (2019: $10,482,819 

(tax effected at 30%)) have been assumed from controlled entities in the tax Consolidated Group.

The entities have also entered a tax funding agreement under which the wholly-owned entities fully compensate Huon Aquaculture 
Group Limited for any current tax payable assumed and are compensated by Huon Aquaculture Group Limited for any current tax 
receivable and deferred tax assets relating to unused tax losses or unused tax credits that are transferred to Huon Aquaculture 
Group  Limited  under  the  tax  consolidation  legislation.  The  funding  amounts  are  determined  by  reference  to  the  amounts 
recognised in the wholly-owned entities’ financial statements.

The amounts receivable/payable under the tax funding agreement are due upon receipt of the funding advice from the head 
entity, which is issued as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year. The head entity may also require payment of 
interim funding amounts to assist with its obligations to pay tax instalments.

Assets or liabilities arising under tax funding agreements with the tax consolidated entities are recognised as current amounts 
receivable from or payable to other entities in the Consolidated Group.

Any  difference  between  the  amounts  assumed  and  amounts  receivable  or  payable  under  the  tax  funding  agreement  are 
recognised as a contribution to (or distribution from) wholly-owned tax consolidated entities.

23. Deed of cross guarantee
The  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  disclosed  in  note  32  are  parties  to  a  deed  of  cross  guarantee  under  which  each  company 
guarantees the debts of the others. By entering into the deed, the wholly-owned entities have been relieved from the requirement 
to prepare a financial report and directors’ report under Instrument 2016/785 issued by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission.

The closed group financial information for 2019 and 2020 is identical to the financial information included in the consolidated 
financial statements. The wholly-owned subsidiaries became a party to the deed of cross guarantee dated 28 June 2016.

The companies disclosed in note 32 represent a ‘closed group’ for the purposes of the Instrument, and as there are no other 
parties to the deed of cross guarantee that are controlled by Huon Aquaculture Group Limited, they also represent the ‘extended 
closed group’.

86

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued24. Income tax

(a) Income tax recognised in profit or loss:
Tax (expense)/income comprises:
  Current tax (expense)/income

Adjustments for current tax of prior periods
Increase in deferred tax assets
Increase in deferred tax liabilities

Total tax benefit/(expense)

The prima facie tax on profit from ordinary activities before income tax 
is reconciled to the income tax expense as follows:
Profit from continuing operations before income tax expense
Prima facie tax payable on profit from ordinary activities before income tax 
at 30% (2019: 30%) for the Consolidated Group.

Adjustment recognised in the current year in relation to prior years:

Research and development tax credit

  Other
Non-tax deductible items
Income tax benefit/(expense)

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

382
3,543
17,164
(17,468)
3,621

1,578
4,871
11,161
(12,456)
5,154

1,294

4,298

(389)

(1,290)

4,007
7
(4)
3,621

6,448
–
(4)
5,154

The applicable weighted average effective tax rates are as follows:

(279.8%)

(119.9%)

(b) Income tax recognised directly in equity:
Deferred tax:

Share issue costs

(c) Current tax balances:
Current tax receivables comprise:
Income tax receivable attributable to:

Entities in the tax-Consolidated Group

Net current tax balance

Current tax liabilities comprise:
Income tax payable attributable to:

Entities in the tax-Consolidated Group

Net current tax balance

–

–

382

382

1,578

1,578

–
–

–
–

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24. Income tax (continued)
(d) Deferred tax balances: 

Taxable and deductible temporary differences, comprise of the following and arise from the following movements:

2020

Gross deferred tax liabilities:
Biological assets
Property, plant and equipment
Trade and other receivables
Other non-current assets
Other financial assets
Lease liabilities

Gross deferred tax assets:
Provisions
Other financial assets
Trade and other receivables
Property, plant and equipment
Other intangibles
Blackhole expenditure
Tax Losses
Research and development
Borrowing costs
Share-based payments
Deferred Revenue
Trade and other payables

Opening
balance
$’000

(56,746)
(14,686)
(85)
(1,804)
(254)
–
(73,575)

2,684
–
92
166
3
–
10,493
–
–
397
727
823
15,385

Charged
to income
$’000 

Adjustments
for current tax
of prior periods
$’000

(15,469)
(23,253)
–
165
147
20,942
(17,468)

412
–
(697)
(14)
–
67
15,226
–
–
(154)
1,240
1,084
17,164

–
(24,688)
–
(1,716)
–
29,829
3,425

–
–
–
–
–
–
(320)
1,804
–
–
–
399
1,883

5,308

Net deferred tax asset/(liability)

(58,190)

(304)

2019

Gross deferred tax liabilities:
Biological assets
Property, plant and equipment
Trade and other receivables
Other non-current assets
Other financial assets

Gross deferred tax assets:
Provisions
Other financial assets
Trade and other receivables
Property, plant and equipment
Other intangibles
Share issue expenses
Tax Losses
Research and development
Borrowing costs
Share-based payments
Deferred Revenue
Trade and other payables

Opening
balance
$’000

(46,597)
(12,821)
(146)
(1,937)
(300)
(61,801)

2,379
–
(82)
185
3
335
–
–
3
412
866
123
4,224

Charged
to income
$’000 

Adjustments
for current tax
of prior periods
$’000

(10,149)
(2,547)
61
133
46
(12,456)

305
–
174
(19)
–
(335)
10,483
–
7
(15)
(139)
700
11,161

–
682
–
–
–
682

–
–
–
–
–
–
10
–
(10)
–
–
–
–

Closing
balance
$’000

(72,215)
(62,627)
(85)
(3,355)
(107)
50,771
(87,618)

3,096
–
(605)
152
3
67
25,399
1,804
–
243
1,967
2,306
34,432

(53,186)

Closing
balance
$’000

(56,746)
(14,686)
(85)
(1,804)
(254)
(73,575)

2,684
–
92
166
3
–
10,493
–
–
397
727
823
15,385

Net deferred tax asset/(liability)

(57,577)

(1,295)

682

(58,190)

88

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued24. Income tax (continued)

Recognition and measurement
(Refer to note 22 for Tax Consolidation legislation)

The income tax expense/income for the year comprises current income tax expense/income and deferred tax expense/income.

Current income tax expense charged to the consolidated income statement is the tax payable on taxable income. Current tax 
liabilities/assets are measured at the amounts expected to be paid to/recovered from the relevant taxation authority.

Deferred income tax expense reflects movements in deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability balances during the year as well 
as unused tax losses. 

Huon Aquaculture Group Limited and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation 
legislation. As a consequence, these entities are taxed as a single entity and the deferred tax assets and liabilities of these entities 
are set off in the consolidated financial statements.

Current and deferred tax is recognised in consolidated income statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised 
in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or 
directly in equity, respectively.

Except  for  business  combinations,  no  deferred  income  tax  is  recognised  from  the  initial  recognition  of  an  asset  or  liability, 
excluding a business combination, where there is no effect on accounting or taxable consolidated income statement.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised 
or  the  liability  is  settled  and  their  measurement  also  reflects  the  manner  in  which  management  expects  to  recover  or  settle 
the carrying amount of the related asset or liability. With respect to non-depreciable items of property, plant and equipment 
measured at fair value and marine leases, the related deferred tax liability or deferred tax asset is measured on the basis that the 
carrying amount of the asset will be recovered entirely through sale. 

Deferred tax assets relating to temporary differences and unused tax losses are recognised only to the extent that it is probable 
that future taxable profit will be available against which the benefits of the deferred tax asset can be utilised.

Where temporary differences exist in relation to investments in subsidiaries, branches, associates, and joint ventures, deferred 
tax assets and liabilities are not recognised where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it 
is not probable that the reversal will occur in the foreseeable future.

Current tax assets and liabilities are offset where a legally enforceable right of set-off exists and it is intended that net settlement 
or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are 
offset where: (a) a legally enforceable right of set-off exists; and (b) the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes 
levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities, where it is intended that net 
settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur in future periods in which 
significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled.

The Group is subject to income taxes and is entitled to claims for certain tax deductions. Judgements and estimates are required 
in determining the provision for income taxes and claims for deductions. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different 
from  the  carrying  amounts,  such  differences  will  impact  the  current  and  deferred  tax  provisions  in  the  period  in  which  such 
determination is made.

Companies within the Consolidated Group may be entitled to claim special tax deductions for investments in qualifying assets 
or in relation to qualifying expenditure (e.g. the Research and Development Incentive regime in Australia). The Consolidated 
Group accounts for such allowances as tax credits, which means that the allowance reduces income tax payable and current tax 
expense. A deferred tax asset is recognised for unclaimed tax credits that are carried forward.

89

25. Key management personnel compensation
The totals of remuneration for key management personnel (KMP) of the Consolidated Group during the year are as follows:

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Long-term benefits
Termination benefits
Share-based payments

No remuneration was paid by the Parent Entity to the KMP.

26. Share-based payment

Consolidated
2020
$ 

Consolidated
2019
$ 

2,959,948
218,726
–
–
151,590

2,813,097
203,931
–
–
488,906

3,330,264

3,505,934

(a)  Share-based payment arrangements
The  Consolidated  Group  offers  the  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Executive  Management  Group  and  senior  management  the 
opportunity to participate in the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“the Plan”), which involves performance rights to acquire shares in 
Huon Aquaculture Group Limited. The Plan is designed to:

 –

 –

assist  in  the  motivation,  retention  and  reward  of  employees,  including  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  members  of 
management; and
align  the  interests  of  employees  participating  in  the  Plan  more  closely  with  the  interests  of  shareholders  by  providing   
an  opportunity  for  those  employees  to  receive  an  equity  interest  in  the  Huon  Aquaculture  Group  through  the  granting   
of performance rights.

Performance period
Under the Plan, performance rights were issued to the Chief Executive Officer and members of management as the LTI component 
of their remuneration. Performance rights granted under the LTI offer have the following vesting conditions:

 –
 –

50% of the performance rights will be subject to a vesting condition based on the Company’s earnings per share (EPS); and
50% of the performance rights will be subject to a vesting condition based on the Company’s return on assets (ROA)

If the specific performance criteria are satisfied, the Board has resolved to issue, or procure the transfer of Shares, or alternatively 
pay the cash amount of equivalent value, to Mr Bender and management on the vesting of those performance rights.

In the event that a performance right holder ceases to be an employee prior to the completion of the performance period due to 
a qualifying reason (i.e. other than for dismissal for cause) and such cessation occurs within the first twelve months of the grant 
of the performance rights, then the performance rights will be forfeited on a pro-rata basis for the number of months employed 
in the full year.

Performance rights that have vested may be exercised until the applicable expiry date. If any shares are issued following exercise 
of a vested performance right prior to the applicable expiry date then they may not be sold or transferred before three years after 
the beginning of the performance period.

90

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued26. Share-based payment (continued)

Number of Shares to be Allocated
The  percentage  of  performance  rights  that  vest  at  the  end  of  each  applicable  performance  period  will  be  determined  by 
reference to the following schedule:

Earnings Per Share (EPS) – 50% of LTI

EPS compound annual growth rate (‘CAGR’)

Less than 7.5% CAGR
7.5% CAGR
Above 7.5% CAGR but below 10% CAGR
10% CAGR or greater

Return On Assets (ROA) – 50% of LTI

ROA (return for the reporting period)

Less than 10% return
10% return
Above 10% return but below 15% return
15% return or greater

Vesting outcome

Nil
50%
Pro-rata from 50-99%
100%

Vesting outcome

Nil
50%
Pro-rata from 50-99%
100%

Earnings per share compound annual growth is calculated as the net profit after income tax (NPAT) (excluding adjustment for 
biological assets) divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares on issue. Compared to an absolute profit measure, 
EPS takes into account changes in the equity base and for this reason it is preferred to other profit based metrics. 

Return on Assets (ROA) is calculated as statutory earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) (excluding adjustment for biological 
assets), divided by total assets excluding cash and fair value adjustment on biological assets (average of opening and closing 
balance). ROA is an appropriate measure for asset intensive industries which reinforces the need to invest capital on projects 
with a superior return. 

(b)  Performance rights granted
Set out below is a summary of performance rights granted under the LTI plan.

2020

Performance Period

Grant Date

From

To

Balance 
at Start 
of Year

Granted 
During 
Year

Other

Forfeited

Vested

Balance 
at End 
of Year

30 Nov 16
30 Nov 16
30 Nov 17
31 Oct 18
23 Oct 19

1 Jul 16
1 Jul 16
1 Jul 17
1 Jul 18
1 Jul 19

30 Jun 18
30 Jun 19
30 Jun 20
30 Jun 21
30 Jun 22

110,424
97,650
210,429
237,360
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
263,502

–
–
(191,488)
–
–

(110,424)
(97,650)
–
–
–

–
–
18,941
237,360
263,502

2019

Performance Period

Grant Date

From

To

Balance 
at Start 
of Year

Granted 
During 
Year

Other

Forfeited

Vested

Balance 
at End 
of Year

25 Nov 15
25 Nov 15
19 Oct 15
19 Oct 15
30 Nov 16
30 Nov 16
30 Nov 17
31 Oct 18

1 Jul 15
1 Jul 15
1 Jul 15
1 Jul 15
1 Jul 16
1 Jul 16
1 Jul 17
1 Jul 18

30 Jun 17
30 Jun 18
30 Jun 17
30 Jun 18
30 Jun 18
30 Jun 19
30 Jun 20
30 Jun 21

30,136
32,360
32,561
34,964
110,424
144,340
210,429
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
237,360

–
–
–
–
–
(46,690)
–
–

(30,136)
(32,360)
(32,561)
(34,964)
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
110,424
97,650
210,429
237,360

FV per 
Share

$3.71
$3.71
$4.01
$4.26
$4.30

FV per 
Share

$4.04
$4.04
$4.01
$4.01
$3.71
$3.71
$4.01
$4.26

91

26. Share-based payment (continued)

(c)  Fair value of performance rights granted
For the performance rights granted during the current financial year, the fair values were measured at the grant date of 23 October 
2019 for those granted to the Chief Executive Officer and to management.

The  fair  value  of  the  performance  rights  granted  under  the  Plan  was  calculated  using  the  Black-Scholes  option  pricing 
methodology. The fair value of these performance rights do not take into account the EPS and ROA hurdles being met, as they 
are non-market related vesting conditions.

The following were the key assumptions used in determining the valuation:

Share price at grant date
Dividend yield (per annum effective)
Risk free discount rate (per annum)
Expected price volatility
Term of performance right
Fair value of performance right

Chief 
Executive
Officer

Senior
Management

$4.47
1.3%
1.37%
13.80%
 1-3 years 
$4.30

$4.47
1.3%
1.37%
13.80%
 1-3 years 
$4.30

The expense recognised in relation to performance rights applicable to the Chief Executive Officer and management for the year 
ended 30 June 2020 is $182,742 (2019: $551,261).

Recognition and measurement
The Consolidated Group provides benefits to the Chief Executive Officer and certain management in the form of share-based 
payment, whereby services are rendered in exchange for rights over shares (performance rights). These benefits are provided as 
part of the Consolidated Group’s long-term incentive plan.

The fair value of the performance rights is recognised as an employee benefits expense, with a corresponding increase in equity. 
The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the performance rights granted, which includes 
any market performance conditions and the impact of any non-vesting conditions, but excludes the impact of any service and 
non-market performance vesting conditions. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of 
performance rights that are expected to vest.

The total expense is recognised over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled (the vesting 
period), ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award (the vesting date).

At the end of each reporting period, the Consolidated Group revises its estimates of the number of awards that are expected to 
vest based on the non-market vesting conditions. The impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit 
or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

92

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued27. Related party transactions

Identity of related parties
The following persons and entities are regarded as related parties:

(a)  Controlled entities:
Refer to note 31 for details of equity interests in entities controlled by Huon Aquaculture Group Limited.

(b)  Key Management Personnel:
Directors and other Key Management Personnel (KMP) also include close members of the families of Directors and other KMP.
In  determining  the  disclosures  noted  below,  the  KMP  have  made  appropriate  enquiries  to  the  best  of  their  ability  and  the 
information presented reflects their knowledge.
All transactions entered into during the year were on normal commercial terms and conditions no more favourable than those if 
the entity was dealing with an unrelated party at on an arm’s length basis.

(i)  Compensation of KMP
Details of KMP compensation are disclosed in the Remuneration Report  
and in note 24 to the financial statements.

(ii)  Compensation of close family members
Other transactions

Short-term employee benefits

Superannuation Contributions

Consolidated
2020
$ 

Consolidated
2019
$

331,433

289,172

Contributions to superannuation funds on behalf of employees 

28,995

24,182

(iii) Dividend revenue

Key Management Personnel

(iv) Purchases from entities controlled by Key Management Personnel
The group acquired the following goods and services from entities that are controlled  
by members of the group’s Key Management Personnel:

Land, Buildings and Property, Plant and Equipment
Leases of assets

(v)  Outstanding balances arising from sales/purchases of goods and services
Current Payables:

Entities controlled by close family members
Entities controlled by key management personnel

–

–

–
693,416

693,416

–
455,357

455,357

233,393
–

233,393

164,340
–

164,340

(c)  Investments
(i)  Purchase (sales) of goods and services

The Consolidated Group entered into transactions with Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania Pty Ltd for the supply of smolt (juvenile 
salmon)  and  the  sale  of  other  goods  and  services.  These  transactions  were  conducted  on  normal  commercial  terms  and 
conditions.

Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania Pty Ltd

(ii)  Financial guarantee contract

Consolidated
2020
$ 

Consolidated
2019
$

3,394,611

2,237,632

During the 2012 financial year the Consolidated Group became party to a $7.02 million facility that Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania 
Pty Ltd entered into with BankWest through a financial guarantee contract. The facility was amended during the 2018 financial year. 
The Consolidated Group’s guarantee is for $0.98 million.

93

 
28. Remuneration of auditors
During  the  year  the  following  fees  were  paid  or  payable  for  services  provided  by  the  auditor  of  the  Parent  Entity,  its  related 
practices and non-related audit firms:

(a)  PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia
(i)   Audit and other assurance services

Audit and review of financial statements
Other assurance services 
Total remuneration for audit and other assurance services

(ii)  Taxation & other advisory services

Taxation advisory services
Other advisory services
Total remuneration for taxation and other advisory services

Total remuneration of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia

(b)  Non PricewaterhouseCoopers firms
(i)   Audit and other assurance services

Other
Total remuneration for audit and other assurance services

(ii)  Taxation and other advisory services

Taxation advisory services
Other advisory services
Total remuneration for taxation services

(iii) Other services

Legal services
Total remuneration for other services

Consolidated
2020
$ 

Consolidated
2019
$

223,500
–
223,500

200,000
6,000
206,000

149,518
19,026
168,544

114,922
–
114,922

392,044

320,922

–
–

–
–

70,580
87,110
157,690

33,096
–
33,096

–
–

–
–

Total remuneration of non-PricewaterhouseCoopers firms

157,690

33,096

The Parent Entity’s audit fees were paid for by Huon Aquaculture Company Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary.

94

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued29. Goodwill

Gross carrying amount
Balance at the beginning of financial year
Additions
Balance at the end of financial year

Accumulated impairment losses
Balance at the beginning of financial year
Impairment losses for the year
Balance at the end of financial year

Net book value
Balance at the beginning of financial year

Balance at the end of financial year

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

4,496
–
4,496

4,496
–
4,496

(1,601)
–
(1,601)

(1,601)
–
(1,601)

2,895

2,895

2,895

2,895

Goodwill  relates  to  the  Consolidated  Group’s  acquisition  of  the  wholly-owned  controlled  entities,  Huon  Ocean  Trout  Pty  Ltd, 
Southern Ocean Trout Pty Ltd, Morrison’s Seafood Pty Ltd, Meadowbank Hatchery Pty Ltd.

Recognition and measurement
Goodwill
Goodwill  acquired  in  a  business  combination  is  initially  measured  at  fair  value,  being  the  excess  of  the  cost  of  the  business 
combination over the acquirer’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised. 
Goodwill is subsequently measured at its deemed cost less any impairment losses. 

Goodwill is not amortised but is reviewed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that they might be impaired. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Consolidated 
Group’s cash-generating units expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Cash-generating units to which goodwill 
has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. 
If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce 
the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying 
amount of each asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is recognised immediately in consolidated income 
statement and is not reversed in a subsequent period.

Impairment testing is performed annually for goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives.

Critical accounting estimates
The  Consolidated  Group  tests  annually  whether  goodwill  has  suffered  any  impairment.  The  recoverable  amounts  of  cash 
generating units have been determined based on value in use calculations. These calculations require the use of assumptions 
regarding gross margins growth rates and discount rates applicable to each CGU.

Impairment tests for goodwill
All goodwill relates to the domestic operating segment and is tested annually for impairment using a value-in-use calculation.

The calculation uses cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by the Board, over a 5 year period, before any 
fair value adjustments of biological assets.

The  Directors  and  management  have  considered  and  assessed  reasonably  possible  changes  in  key  assumptions  and  have  not 
identified any instances that could cause the carrying amount of the Domestic operating segment to exceed its recoverable amount.

95

30. Impairment
Impairment of assets

At the end of each reporting period, the Consolidated Group assesses whether there is any indication that an asset may be 
impaired. The assessment will include considering external sources of information and internal sources of information. If such 
an indication exists, an impairment test is carried out on the asset by comparing the recoverable amount of the asset, being the 
higher of the asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use to the asset’s carrying amount. Any excess of the asset’s 
carrying amount over its recoverable amount is recognised immediately in consolidated income statement.

Where  it  is  not  possible  to  estimate  the  recoverable  amount  of  an  individual  asset,  the  Consolidated  Group  estimates  the 
recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit (CGU) to which the asset belongs. The Consolidated Group identified one CGU 
representing the activities of generating its revenue output of aquaculture (Atlantic salmon and ocean trout).

The  recoverable  amount  of  the  CGU  has  been  determined  using  a  value-in-use  calculation.  The  calculation  uses  cash  flow 
projections  based  on  financial  budgets  approved  by  the  Board,  over  a  5  year  period,  before  any  fair  value  adjustments  of 
biological assets.

The following table sets out the key assumptions used in the calculations:

Volume

Price

Production costs

Annual Capital Expenditure

Long-term growth rate

Post-tax discount rates

Volume growth over the five-year forecast period has been set at 11.0% average annual growth, 
consisting of industry recognised growth rates plus growth based on resources available to the 
Group to allow expansion of production at a rate greater than the industry average.
Pricing growth over the five-year forecast period has been set at 1.5% average annual growth, 
recognising a period of lower average prices in FY2021 and progressive increase as markets 
recover from COVID-19 restrictions and the underlying improvement driven by more favourable 
channel mix for the Group.
Production costs per hog kg are expected to decline at a moderate rate, following the completion 
of Huon’s two-year program of investing in infrastructure to drive the expansion of its production 
capacity, drive biological performance improvements and reduce production risk.
Capital expenditure requirements estimated to maintain the current production assets which are 
in operation and able to meet forecast volume projections.
The  weighted  average  growth  rate  used  to  extrapolate  cash  flows  beyond  the  budget  period. 
The rates are consistent with economic forecast growth rates published by the Reserve Bank of 
Australia.
Discount rates represent the current market assessment of the risks relating to the CGU.

In performing the value-in-use calculations for the CGU, the Consolidated Group has applied 
post-tax  discount  rates  to  discount  the  forecast  future  attributable  post-tax  cash  flows.  The 
equivalent pre-tax discount rates are disclosed in the table below.  

Long-term growth rate 
Post-tax discount rate
Pre-tax discount rate

2020

2019

1.75%
8.4%
12.1%

3.00%
7.9%
11.3%

The market capitalisation of the Group at 30 June 2020 was $255 million, which represented a $53 million deficiency against the 
net assets of $308 million.  The Group considered reasons for this difference, and concluded the recoverable amount resulting from 
the value in use methodology is appropriate in supporting the value of the CGU.

The recoverable amount of the CGU is estimated to exceed the carrying amount of the CGU at 30 June 2020 by $72 million.

The Directors and management have considered and assessed reasonably possible changes in key assumptions. The recoverable 
amount of the CGU would equal its carrying amount if the key assumptions were to change as follows:

Volume 
Price
Post-tax discount rate

Reduction in growth rate by 15% from 11.0% to 9.5%
Reduction in growth rate by 23% from 1.5% to 1.2%
Increase from 8.4% to 9.2%

96

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued31. Other Intangible Assets

Gross carrying amount
Balance at the beginning of financial year
Additions
Balance at the end of financial year

Accumulated impairment losses
Balance at the beginning of financial year
Impairment losses for the year
Balance at the end of financial year

Net book value
Balance at the beginning of financial year

Balance at the end of financial year

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

430
–
430

–
–
–

430

430

100
330
430

–
–
–

100

430

Other intangible assets relate to hatchery establishment costs and trademarks. Additions during the 2019 financial year relate to 
the acquisition of rights to feeding systems software.

Licences and trademarks recognised by the Consolidated Group have an indefinite useful life and are not amortised. They are 
recorded at cost less any impairment.

Refer to note 30 for impairment tests for other intangible assets.

97

32. Interests in subsidiaries
The subsidiaries listed below have share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares, which are held directly by the Consolidated 
Group. The proportion of ownership interests held equals the voting rights held by the Consolidated Group. Each subsidiary’s 
principal place of business is also its country of incorporation or registration.

Name of subsidiary

Principal place of business

Note

Huon Aquaculture Company Pty Ltd
Springs Smoked Seafoods Pty Ltd
Springfield Hatcheries Pty Ltd
Huon Ocean Trout Pty Ltd
Huon Shellfish Co Pty Ltd
Huon Salmon Pty Ltd
Huon Smoked Seafoods Pty Ltd
Huon Smoked Salmon Pty Ltd
Huon Seafoods Pty Ltd
Huon Tasmanian Salmon Pty Ltd
Springs Smoked Salmon Pty Ltd
Southern Ocean Trout Pty Ltd
Morrison's Seafood Pty Ltd
Meadowbank Hatchery Pty Ltd

961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
32-36 Headquarters Road, South Springfield, TAS, 7260
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
2 Esplanade, Strahan, TAS, 7468
2 Esplanade, Strahan, TAS, 7468
2 Esplanade, Strahan, TAS, 7468

(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)

Ownership interest  
held by the  
Consolidated Group

2020
%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

2019
%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Significant restrictions
There are no significant restrictions over the Consolidated Group’s ability to access or use assets, and settle liabilities, of the 
Consolidated Group.

The wholly-owned subsidiaries above are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for the preparation, audit and 
lodgement of financial reports. Refer to note 23 for further details.

(i)  Subsidiary became a party to the deed of cross guarantee on 28 June 2016.

33. Derivative Liabilities

Derivatives carried at fair value:
Foreign currency forward contracts
Interest rate swap

Refer to note 20 for fair value measurement and hierarchy.

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

–
3,025

3,025

49
2,173

2,222

98

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued34. Provisions

Annual Leave
Long-Service Leave
Make good provision(i) 

2020
Current
$’000 

2020
Non-current
$’000 

6,257
2,431
–

8,688

–
1,633
3,873

5,506

 2020
Total
$’000

6,257
4,064
3,873

14,194

2019
Current
$’000 

2019
Non-current
$’000 

5,444
2,137
–

7,581

–
1,365
–

1,365

 2019
Total
$’000

5,444
3,502
–

8,946

(i) 

 At the conclusion of the leases of both the Ronja Huon and Ronja Storm, the Consolidated Group is required to return the vessels to their original location. 
A provision has been recognised for the present value of the estimated expenditure required.

These costs have been capitalised as part of the respective right of use assets, and are being amortised over the life of the related lease.

Carrying amount at start of year
Adjustment for Adoption of AASB 16
Additional provisions recognised
Amounts used during the year

Carrying amount at end of year

Make
good
$’000

–
1,330
2,543
–

3,873

Annual
leave
$’000 

Long-service
leave
$’000 

5,444
–
4,424
(3,611)

6,257

3,502
–
785
(223)

4,064

 Total
$’000

8,946
1,330
7,752
(3,834)

14,194

Amounts not expected to be settled within the next 12 months
The current provision for employee benefits includes accrued annual leave and long service leave. For long service leave it covers 
all unconditional entitlements where employees have completed the required period of service and also those where employees 
are entitled to pro-rata payments in certain circumstances. The entire amount of the annual leave provision of $6,257 (2019: 
$5,444) is presented as current, since the Consolidated Group does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for any 
of these obligations. However, based on past experience, the Consolidated Group does not expect all employees to take the 
full amount of accrued leave or require payment within the next 12 months. The following amounts reflect leave that is not to be 
expected to be taken or paid within the next 12 months.

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

Leave obligations expected to be settled after 12 months

7,116

6,302

Recognition and measurement
Provisions are recognised when the Consolidated Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past 
event, it is probable that the Consolidated Group will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made 
of the amount of the obligation.

The  amount  recognised  as  a  provision  is  the  best  estimate  of  the  consideration  required  to  settle  the  present  obligation  at 
reporting date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using 
the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows.

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the 
receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable 
can be measured reliably.

99

 
34. Provisions (continued)

Employee Benefits
Short-term employee benefits

Provision  is  made  for  the  Consolidated  Group’s  obligation  for  short-term  employee  benefits.  Short-term  employee  benefits 
are  benefits  (other  than  termination  benefits)  that  are  expected  to  be  settled  wholly  before  12  months  after  the  end  of  the 
annual reporting period in which the employees render the related service, including wages, salaries and sick leave. Short-term 
employee benefits are measured at the (undiscounted) amounts expected to be paid when the obligation is settled.

The Consolidated Group’s obligations for short-term employee benefits such as wages, salaries and sick leave are recognised 
as a part of current trade and other payables in the statement of financial position.

Other long-term employee benefits

Provision is made for employees’ long service leave and annual leave entitlements not expected to be settled wholly within 12 
months after the end of the annual reporting period in which the employees render the related service. Other long-term employee 
benefits are measured at the present value of the expected future payments to be made to employees. Expected future payments 
incorporate anticipated future wage and salary levels, durations of service and employee departures and are discounted at rates 
determined by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting period on corporate bond rates that have maturity dates that 
approximate the terms of the obligations. Upon the remeasurement of obligations for other long-term employee benefits, the net 
change in the obligation is recognised in consolidated income statement as a part of employee benefits expense. 

The obligations are presented as current liabilities in the balance sheet if the entity does not have an unconditional right to defer 
settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting period, regardless of when the actual settlement is expected to occur.

The Consolidated Group’s obligations for long-term employee benefits are presented as non-current provisions in its statement 
of financial position, except where the Consolidated Group does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 
12 months after the end of the reporting period, in which case the obligations are presented as current provisions.

35. Other liabilities

Deferred government grants
Current
Non-Current

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

3,534
3,022

6,556

464
1,960

2,424

During the 2015 financial year government grants of $5,000,000 were received relating to the Parramatta Creek Smokehouse 
and Product Innovation Centre. The nature of the grants related to both income and to assets. During the financial year $464,000 
(2018: $464,000) was recognised in the income statement. Future compliance with certain conditions relating to jobs creation 
could impact $1,237,000 of the deferred government grants amount. Included in the current portion are amounts relating to 
Jobkeeper grant income.

36. Contingent liabilities and contingent assets
There are no contingent liabilities or contingent assets at the date of this Annual Financial Report.

100

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Notes to the financial statements continued37. Segment information
The chief operating decision maker for the Consolidated Group is the Chief Executive Officer of the Parent Entity. The Parent 
Entity determines operating segments based on information provided to the Chief Executive Officer in assessing performance 
and determining the allocation of resources within the Consolidated Group. Consideration is given to the Consolidated Group’s 
products, the manner in which they are sold, the organisational structure of the Consolidated Group and the nature of customers.

The Consolidated Group hatches, farms, processes, markets and sells Atlantic salmon and ocean trout. Revenue associated with 
exports meets the quantitative thresholds and management concludes that this segment is reportable.

The chief operating decision maker only reviews export market sales.  The total of the reportable segments’ results, profit, assets 
and liabilities is the same as that of the Consolidated Group as a whole and as disclosed in the consolidated income statement, 
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the consolidated balance sheet.

All of the non-current assets are located in Australia being the domicile country of the Consolidated Group.

Revenue from the sale of goods
Domestic market
Export market

Total revenue from the sale of goods

Consolidated
2020
$’000 

Consolidated
2019
$’000

Note

225,657
114,212

258,073
23,882

1

339,869

281,955

38. Subsequent events
On 27 August 2020 Huon announced its intention to raise equity, through an institutional placement and share purchase plan, 
to reduce net debt levels to a more sustainable level of gearing, given the continuing uncertainties associated with the pandemic.

39. Company details

The registered office of the company is:
Huon Aquaculture Group Limited 
Level 13, 188 Collins Street 
Hobart 
Tasmania 7000

The principal place of business is:
Huon Aquaculture Group Limited 
961 Esperance Coast Road 
Dover 
Tasmania 7109

101

Directors’ Declaration

In the directors’ opinion; 
(a)   The financial statements and notes set out on pages 53 to 101 are in accordance with 

the Corporations Act 2001 including:

a.   Complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and  

other mandatory professional reporting requirements; and

b.   Giving a true and fair view of the Consolidated Group’s financial position as at  

30 June 2020 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date; and

(b)   There are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as  

and when they become due and payable; and

(c)   At the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members 
of the extended closed group identified in note 32 will be able to meet any obligations or 
liabilities to which they are, or may become subject by virtue of the deed to cross guarantee 
described in note 23.

The Basis of Preparation note in the notes to the financial statements confirms that the financial 
statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board. 

The directors have been given the declarations by the chief executive officer, deputy chief executive 
officer and the chief financial officer required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors made pursuant to section 298(2) of 
the Corporations Act 2001. 

On behalf of the Directors

Neil Kearney  
Chairman  
27 August 2020

Peter Bender  
Managing Director and CEO  
27 August 2020

102

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020  
 
Independent auditor’s report

Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited 

Report on the audit of the financial report 

Our opinion 

In our opinion: 

The accompanying financial report of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited (the Company) and its 
controlled entities (together the Consolidated Group) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, 
including: 

(a)

giving a true and fair view of the Consolidated Group's financial position as at 30 June 2020 and
of its financial performance for the year then ended

(b)

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

What we have audited 
The Consolidated Group financial report comprises: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

the consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2020

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended

the consolidated income statement for the year then ended

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant
accounting policies

the directors’ declaration.

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
report section of our report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion. 

Independence 
We are independent of the Consolidated Group in accordance with the auditor independence 
requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting 
Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants 
(including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in 
Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
2 Riverside Quay, SOUTHBANK  VIC  3006, GPO Box 1331, MELBOURNE  VIC  3001 
T: 61 3 8603 1000, F: 61 3 8603 1999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

103

103

Independent auditor’s report

continued

Our audit approach 

An audit is designed to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from 
material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if 
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of the financial report. 

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an 
opinion on the financial report as a whole, taking into account the geographic and management 
structure of the Consolidated Group, its accounting processes and controls and the industry in which it 
operates. 

Materiality 

Audit scope 

•

For the purpose of our audit we used overall
Consolidated Group materiality of $1,281,000,
which represents approximately 2.5% of the
earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and
amortisation (EBITDA) adjusted for the fair value
adjustment for biological assets and averaged for
the current and two previous financial years. The
depreciation and amortisation used in our
materiality calculation is as outlined in note 3(b) to
the financial report.

•

•

Our audit focused on where the Consolidated
Group made subjective judgements; for example,
significant accounting estimates involving
assumptions and inherently uncertain future
events.

The Consolidated Group’s accounting processes
are performed by a central finance function at the
corporate head office in Hobart.

• We applied this threshold, together with

qualitative considerations, to determine the scope
of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of
our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of
misstatements on the financial report as a whole.

• We chose EBITDA prior to any fair value

adjustment for biological assets because, in our
view, it is the metric against which the
performance of the Consolidated Group is most
commonly measured. An average was used due to
fluctuations in EBITDA from year to year caused
by a number of factors, which include (but are not
limited to) environmental conditions and domestic
and export pricing and demand.

• We utilised a 2.5% threshold based on our

professional judgement, noting it is within the
range of commonly acceptable thresholds.

104

104

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report for the current period. The key audit matters were addressed in the 
context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do 
not provide a separate opinion on these matters. Further, any commentary on the outcomes of a 
particular audit procedure is made in that context. We communicated the key audit matters to the 
Audit and Risk Management Committee. 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Carrying value of goodwill, plant and 
equipment, and right of use assets 
(Refer to note 30)  

The Consolidated Group has $2.9 million of goodwill, 
$305.6 million of plant and equipment and $162.6 
million of right of use assets as at 30 June 2020. 
Australian Accounting Standards require the 
Consolidated Group to assess goodwill and indefinite 
life intangibles annually for impairment and to assess 
the carrying value of other assets if impairment 
indicators exist.

In order to assess the recoverability of these assets, the 
Consolidated Group prepared a financial model to 
determine if the carrying values were supported by 
forecast future cash flows, discounted to present value 
(the "model").

This was a key audit matter due to the financial 
significance of the goodwill, plant and equipment and 
the right of use asset balances and the significant 
judgements and assumptions applied in estimating 
future cash flows and the discount rate.

We performed the following procedures amongst 
others:

•

•

•

•

•

•

Assessed whether the Consolidated Group’s
determination of Cash Generating Units (CGUs)
was consistent with our knowledge of the nature
of the Consolidated Group’s operations and
internal Group reporting.

Tested the mathematical accuracy of the
calculations in the model.

Compared the forecast future cash flows used in
the model with the forecasts formally approved by
the Board.

Evaluated the Consolidated Group's ability to
forecast future cash flows by comparing historical
budgets with reported actual results for the past 3
years.

Assessed whether the forecast growth rate
assumptions used in the model were reasonable
with reference to our understanding of the key
drivers, such as forecast harvest volumes and
pricing.

Compared the terminal growth rate used in the
models to historical growth rates achieved and
external economic forecasts.

• With the assistance of PwC valuation experts,

assessed whether the discount rates used in the
model were reasonable by comparing them to
market data, comparable companies and industry
research.

•

•

Considered the Consolidated Group’s sensitivity
analysis on the key assumptions used in the
impairment model to assess under which
assumptions an impairment would occur and
whether this was reasonably possible.

Evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures made in
note 30, including key assumptions and
sensitivities to changes in such assumptions, in
light of the requirements of Australian Accounting
Standards

105

105

Independent auditor’s report

continued

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Borrowings 
 (Refer to note 15) 

At 30 June 2020, the Consolidated Group held interest 
bearing debt of $23.4 million in current liabilities with 
$149.8 million classified as non-current liabilities. The 
accounting for the Consolidated Group’s borrowings 
was considered a key audit matter due to:

•

•

Borrowings being represent the largest
liability in the consolidated balance sheet and
an important funding mechanism; and

Judgement is required by the Consolidated
Group in the assessment of compliance with
financial covenants.

Lease accounting and adoption of new 
accounting standard AASB 16 - Leases  
(Refer to note 9)  

The Consolidated Group has adopted Australian 
Accounting Standard AASB 16 Leases (AASB 16).  The 
new policy and its transition impact are disclosed in 
note 9.

This was a key audit matter due to the:

•

•

Significance of the impact on transition to the
financial report; and

The judgement involved in applying the new
AASB 16 requirements to determine an
incremental borrowing rate to discount lease
payments.

Our procedures included, but were not limited to the 
following procedures:

• Obtained confirmations directly from the

Consolidated Group’s financiers to confirm the
borrowing’s balance, tenure and conditions.

•

•

Read the borrowing agreements between the
Consolidated Group and its financiers to develop
an understanding of the terms associated with the
facilities.

Evaluated selected data and assumptions used in
the Consolidated Group’s cash flow forecasts for
at least 12 months from the date of signing the
auditor’s report.

• Where debt was regarded as non-current, we

evaluated the Consolidated Group's assessment
that they had the unconditional right to defer
payment such that there were no repayments
required within 12 months from the balance date.

•

Evaluated whether the disclosures were consistent
with the requirements of Australian Accounting
Standards.

We performed the following procedures, amongst 
others:

•

•

•

Assessed whether the Consolidated Group’s new
accounting policies are in accordance with the
requirements of AASB 16

Evaluated the methodology adopted by the
Consolidated Group to identify lease
arrangements

Evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures in note
9 in light of the requirements of Australian
Accounting Standards.

For a sample of lease agreements, we:

•

•

•

•

Evaluated the lease calculation against the terms
of the lease agreement and the requirements of
Australian Accounting Standards

Tested the mathematical accuracy of the lease
calculations

Assessed the incremental borrowing rates applied
to the lease calculations

Assessed the reasonableness of judgements
including likelihood of renewal options

106

106

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Key audit matter 
Fair value of biological assets 
(Refer to note 4) 
Fair value of biological assets 
(Refer to note 4) 
The Consolidated Group held biological assets of $264 
million at 30 June 2020. The biological assets include 
The Consolidated Group held biological assets of $264 
broodstock, eggs, juveniles, smolt and live finfish.
million at 30 June 2020. The biological assets include 
Australian Accounting Standards require biological 
broodstock, eggs, juveniles, smolt and live finfish.
assets to be measured at fair value less costs to sell or, 
Australian Accounting Standards require biological 
in the absence of a fair value, at cost less impairment.
assets to be measured at fair value less costs to sell or, 
The Consolidated Group has valued each of the 
in the absence of a fair value, at cost less impairment.
biological assets. We considered the valuation of live 
The Consolidated Group has valued each of the 
finfish above 1kg to be a key audit matter due to the 
biological assets. We considered the valuation of live 
significant judgement involved in estimating:
finfish above 1kg to be a key audit matter due to the 
•
The total weight of live finfish at sea (based on
significant judgement involved in estimating:
number of fish and weight);
The total weight of live finfish at sea (based on
expected mortalities of finfish prior to harvesting
number of fish and weight);

•
•

•
•

•

selling price per HOG/kg
expected mortalities of finfish prior to harvesting

selling price per HOG/kg

•

•

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 
Our procedures in relation to the Consolidated Group’s 
fair value calculation of live finfish above 1kg, included, 
Our procedures in relation to the Consolidated Group’s 
but were not limited to the following procedures:
fair value calculation of live finfish above 1kg, included, 
•
Considering the valuation methodology against
but were not limited to the following procedures:
the requirements of the relevant Australian
Considering the valuation methodology against
Accounting Standard.
the requirements of the relevant Australian
Testing the mathematical accuracy of the
Accounting Standard.
calculations.
Testing the mathematical accuracy of the
Assessing the historical accuracy of forecasting
calculations.
and estimation by comparing the prior year
Assessing the historical accuracy of forecasting
estimate to actual performance.
and estimation by comparing the prior year
We performed the following procedures over specific 
estimate to actual performance.
valuation inputs, amongst others: 
We performed the following procedures over specific 
valuation inputs, amongst others: 
Number and weight of live finfish at sea

•
•

•

Number and weight of live finfish at sea
• We performed a reconciliation of the number of
live finfish by obtaining the opening balance and
• We performed a reconciliation of the number of
comparing the known movements (fish intakes,
live finfish by obtaining the opening balance and
harvest and mortalities for the year) to underlying
comparing the known movements (fish intakes,
documentation on a sample basis in order to
harvest and mortalities for the year) to underlying
assess the reasonableness of the number of live
documentation on a sample basis in order to
finfish at year end.
assess the reasonableness of the number of live
• We assessed year end fish loss adjustments made
finfish at year end.
to either the count or weight by comparing them
• We assessed year end fish loss adjustments made
to actual data recorded on bathing or close out of
to either the count or weight by comparing them
pens.
to actual data recorded on bathing or close out of
pens.
2020 based on actual weights of finfish harvested
• We assessed the weight assumption at 30 June
subsequent to the year end and bath weight data
2020 based on actual weights of finfish harvested
recorded during the year (independently of the
subsequent to the year end and bath weight data
finance function).
recorded during the year (independently of the
• We assessed the sensitivity of the calculations to
finance function).
changes in the Consolidated Group’s estimate of
• We assessed the sensitivity of the calculations to
weight by applying other values within a
changes in the Consolidated Group’s estimate of
reasonably possible range.
weight by applying other values within a
reasonably possible range.
Expected mortalities of finfish

• We assessed the weight assumption at 30 June

• We assessed the expected mortality rates applied
Expected mortalities of finfish

• We assessed the expected mortality rates applied

at year-end by comparing them to actual mortality
rates recorded by the Consolidated Group over the
at year-end by comparing them to actual mortality
year and subsequent to year end.
rates recorded by the Consolidated Group over the
year and subsequent to year end.

Selling price per HOG/kg

• We checked the selling price per HOG/kg
Selling price per HOG/kg

• We checked the selling price per HOG/kg

achieved over a 12 month period for domestic and
export sales to customer invoices on a sample
achieved over a 12 month period for domestic and
basis
export sales to customer invoices on a sample
• We compared the 12 month average selling price
basis
per HOG/kg for domestic and export sales to the
• We compared the 12 month average selling price
price per HOG included in the calculation of fair
per HOG/kg for domestic and export sales to the
value of finfish.
price per HOG included in the calculation of fair
value of finfish.

107

107

107

Independent auditor’s report

continued

Other information 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
information included in the annual report for the year ended 30 June 2020, but does not include the 
financial report and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial 
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the date of 
this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we 
are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial report 

The directors of the Company  are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the 
Consolidated Group to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate 
the Consolidated Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

108

108

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an 
audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material 
if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial report. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the 
Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: 
https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/ar1_2020.pdf. This description forms part of 
our auditor's report. 

Report on the remuneration report 

Our opinion on the remuneration report 

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 31 to 43 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 30 June 2020. 

In our opinion, the remuneration report of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited for the year ended 30 
June 2020 complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

The directors of the Company   are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the 
remuneration report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with 
Australian Auditing Standards.  

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Alison Tait 
Partner 

Melbourne 
27 August 2020 

109

109

Shareholder information

The shareholder information set out below was applicable as at 21 August 2020.

Voting rights
The voting rights attaching to ordinary shares fully paid are, on a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person 
or by proxy shall have one vote, and upon a poll each share shall have one vote.

Substantial shareholders
Substantial  shareholders  in  the  Company  pursuant  to  notices  lodged  with  the  ASX  in  accordance  with  section  671B  of  the 
Corporations Act:

Ordinary shares

PETER JAMES BENDER  
FRANCES ROBYN BENDER  (spouse of Peter Bender)
SURVEYORS INVESTMENTS PTY LTD ACN 602 004 179  
MR PETER BENDER & MRS FRANCES BENDER  
P & F BENDER SUPER PTY LTD  

Regal Funds Management Pty Ltd (RFM) Total Balance of register Grand total Distribution of securities Range 100,001 and Over 10,001 to 100,000 5,001 to 10,000 1,001 to 5,000 1 to 1,000 Total Number of shares 13,257,829 5,794 44,527,252 60,000 22,000 7,399,630 65,272,505 22,272,776 % 15.14% 0.01% 50.86% 0.07% 0.03% 8.45% 74.56% 25.44% 87,545,281 100.00% Number of Holders Securities % 12 85 102 480 1,055 83,180,928 2,051,747 744,821 1,174,691 393,094 95.01% 2.34% 0.85% 1.34% 0.45% 1,734 87,545,281 100.00% The number of holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares, equivalent to 160 ordinary shares, was 180 and they held 14,056 shares (based on a market price of $3.11 at the close of trading on 21 August 2020). 110 Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Top 20 largest shareholders Rank Name 21 August 2020 % SURVEYORS INVESTMENTS PTY LTD ACN 602 004 179 PETER JAMES BENDER CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED UBS NOMINEES PTY LTD WARBONT NOMINEES PTY LTD J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED CS THIRD NOMINEES PTY LIMITED CS FOURTH NOMINEES PTY LIMITED NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED NEWECONOMY COM AU NOMINEES PTY LIMITED <900 ACCOUNT> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 WARBONT NOMINEES PTY LTD 13 14 15 16 MATRAVILLE INVESTMENT CO PTY LIMITED 17 MR MICHAEL GREGORY PETERSON & MS SAMANTHA ANNE WAKE NETWEALTH INVESTMENTS LIMITED HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED - A/C 5 FUND A/C> 18 MR PETER BENDER & MRS FRANCES BENDER 19 20 WALLBAY PTY LTD BOSKENNA PTY LTD Total Balance of register Grand total Restricted equity securities There are no equity securities subject to restriction. Unquoted equity securities There are no unquoted equity securities on issue. 44,527,252 13,257,829 7,767,628 4,163,009 3,712,270 2,903,311 2,536,887 1,587,120 1,346,908 887,799 341,290 149,625 98,042 86,842 76,650 70,000 69,200 60,000 59,000 55,000 83,755,662 3,789,619 50.86% 15.14% 8.87% 4.76% 4.24% 3.32% 2.90% 1.81% 1.54% 1.01% 0.39% 0.17% 0.11% 0.10% 0.09% 0.08% 0.08% 0.07% 0.07% 0.06% 95.67% 4.33% 87,545,281 100.00% On market buy-back There is no current on-market buy-back in respect of the Company’s ordinary shares. Managing shareholding online Shareholders are able to manage their shareholdings online through the Link Investor Centre which is available on the Investor section of the Huon website, http://investors.huonaqua.com.au/investors/?page=My-Shareholding. The Link Investor Centre can be contacted on 1300 554 474 or registrars@linkmarketservices.com.au. 111 Glossary of Terms $ AASB AASBs or Australian Accounting Standards or Accounting Standards Australian dollars Australian Accounting Standards Board Australian Accounting Standards AASB141 Relates to the fair value adjustment of biological assets required by AASB 141 ABS AGD ASIC ASX Australian Bureau of Statistics Amoebic Gill Disease, a fish disease that compromises gill function Australian Securities and Investments Commission ASX Limited (ABN 98 008 624 691) and, where the context requires, the Australian Securities Exchange operated by ASX Limited Atlantic salmon or salmon A fish in the family Salmonidae, which is typically found in the northern Atlantic Ocean and in rivers that flow into the north Atlantic Bender Family Biological assets Bonus Plan Peter Bender and Frances Bender, the founders of Huon and (as applicable) Surveyors Investments Pty Ltd (an entity controlled by Peter and Frances Bender) Farm animals that are classified as assets which, according to International Accounting Standards, must be recorded on balance sheets at their market value. Once the assets have either been slaughtered or harvested, then the assets will become agricultural produce A component of the LTI plan whereby the Board may determine to offer KMP LTI plan performance rights in lieu of a bonus where the Employee agrees to contractually forgo part of their future pre-tax bonus. British Retail Consortium (BRC) BRC Global Standard A leading safety and quality certification program Broodstock CAGR CBA Constitution A group of mature fish used in aquaculture for breeding purposes Compound annual growth rate Commonwealth Bank of Australia The constitution of the Company Control event refers to: (a) A Court orders a meeting to be convened in relation to a proposed compromise or arrangement for the purposes of, or in connection with: a. a scheme which would, if it becomes effective, result in any person (either alone or together with its related bodies corporate) owning all of the shares in the Company; or b. a scheme for the reconstruction of the Company or its amalgamation with any other company or companies; (b) members of the Company approve any compromise or arrangement referred to in paragraph (a); (c) any person becomes bound or entitled to acquire shares in the Company under: a. any compromise or arrangement referred to in paragraph (a) which has been approved by the Court; b. section 414 of the Corporations Act; or c. Part 6A.1 or Part 6A.2 of the Corporations Act; (d) a resolution is proposed to be put to shareholders proposing a voluntary winding up; or (e) an order is sought for the compulsory winding up of the Company. The strategy under which Huon planned to roll out a number of strategic capital projects across its operations which are intended to expand production, increase efficiency and maintain the consistency and high quality of fish produced Controlled Growth Strategy Corporations Act Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) DPIPWE EBIT EBITDA FAO 112 Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Earnings before interest and tax. This is a non-IFRS measure Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. This is a non-IFRS measure Food and Agriculture Organization is specialised agency of the United Nations Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Fortress Pens GLOBAL G.A.P. GSI GST Hatchery HOG Fish pens which have been designed by Huon in order to be predator resistant and incorporate a patented stanchion design Non-governmental organisation that sets voluntary standards for the certification of agricultural products around the globe Global Salmon Initiative, a leadership initiative by global farmed salmon producers focused on making significant progress towards a shared goal of providing a highly sustainable source of healthy protein to feed a growing global population, whilst minimising the environmental footprint and continuing to improve our social contribution Goods and services tax A facility where eggs are hatched under artificial conditions Head-on gutted fish Huon or the Company or the Consolidated Group Huon Aquaculture Group Limited (ACN 114 456 781) and its subsidiaries as the context requires Huon Method Huon’s unique method of farming salmon which places the welfare of fish at the centre of operations and ensures salmon are provided an environment which mimics their natural habitat and are raised i) stress free; ii) well nourished; iii) clean and healthy; and iv) responsibly Husbandry The care, cultivation and breeding of crops and animals IASB IFRSs Listing NPAT OECD Operating EBITDA Performance Right Plan POMV PwC R&D International Accounting Standards Board International Financial Reporting Standards Admission to the official list of the ASX, 23 October 2014 Net profit after tax Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Operating EBITDA refers to Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation exclusive of the fair value adjustment of biological assets. Performance Right means a right to acquire one Share in the capital of the Company in accordance with Plan Rules and an Invitation Plan refers to the Huon Aquaculture Group Ltd Long Term Incentive Plan and Bonus Plan as set out in the Plan Rules Pilchard Orthomyxovirus PricewaterhouseCoopers Research and development Rabobank Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A. Related Body Corporate Has the meaning given by section 50 of the Corporations Act Rules Salmonids Smolt Sustainability Dashboard TPD TPDNO TSGA Rules refer to the terms and conditions of the Plan Collective name for all salmon fish species, including trout A young salmon A dashboard on Huon’s website which provides information concerning Huon’s salmon farming practices, management of the welfare of its fish and the impact on the environment Total permanent disability Total Permissible Dissolved Nitrogen Output Tasmanian Salmonid Growers’ Association, Tasmania’s peak body representing salmon growers throughout Tasmania Value added products Raw fish which undergo processing in order to be turned into other products such as skin-on or skin-off fillets, portions, cutlets, smoked products, pate or caviar WFE Year Class Whole fish equivalent The calendar year in which the smolt (salmon) or fingerling (trout) enters the sea for on-growing 113 Corporate Directory Directors – Neil Kearney, Chairman – – – – Peter Bender, Managing Director and CEO Frances Bender, Executive Director Tony Dynon, Non-executive Director Simon Lester, Non-executive Director Auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers 2 Riverside Quay Southbank VIC 3006 Bankers Commonwealth Bank of Australia Level 20, Tower One Collins Square, 727 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3008 Rabobank Darling Park Tower 3 Level 13, 201 Sussex Street Sydney NSW 2000 Stock Exchange Listing Huon Aquaculture Group Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) The Home Exchange is Melbourne, Victoria ASX Code: HUO Share Registry Link Market Services Level 12, 680 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Senior Executives – – – – – David Morehead, General Manager Peter Bender, Managing Director and CEO Frances Bender, Executive Director Philip Wiese, Deputy CEO Thomas Haselgrove, CFO Marine Operations – Charles Hughes, General Manager Commercial and Planning – David Mitchell, General Manager Freshwater Operations – Anthony Baker, General Manager People, Safety and Sustainability Company Secretary – Thomas Haselgrove Registered Office Huon Aquaculture Group Limited Level 13, 188 Collins Street Hobart TAS 7000 +61 3 6295 4200 huonaqua@huonaqua.com.au www.huonaqua.com.au Principal Place of Business Huon Aquaculture Group Limited 961 Esperance Coast Road Dover TAS 7109 114 Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2020 Huon Ocean Trout, Salmon and Yellowtail Kingfish Designed and produced by FIRST Advisers www.firstadvisers.com.au www.huonaqua.com.auHuon Aquaculture Group Limited