There is widespread, loud community concern about the woeful regulations surrounding the now industrial-scale farming across Tasmanian public waterways. Unfortunately neither the Liberal or Labor parties are taking these concerns seriously.
The new Premier has the chance to fix the state’s legislation and clean up fish farming in Tasmania.
Big business is always going to want to make more money, and it’s up to government to regulate and ensure that is not at all costs.
Extreme damage to the marine environment in Macquarie Harbour, combined with corrupted regulatory fish farming processes, were the catalyst for a 2015 Greens-led Senate Inquiry into Finfish Farming in Tasmania.
Five years later, and nothing’s been fixed. The salmon industry has massively expanded to other publicly-owned waters around the State, but the Senate Inquiry’s recommendations have not been adopted.
The laws that failed to protect Macquarie Harbour from environmental catastrophe continue to fail to prevent environmental damage and impacts on communities around the State.
Until the Gutwein Government fixes these laws, we need a moratorium on new salmon farms and any expansions.
Communities around Storm Bay, Okehampton Bay, the Tasman Peninsula, King Island, DÉntrecasteaux Channel and the Huon want their voice heard. We hope the Gutwein Government will listen to them, and not simply look after their insatiable corporate mates.
Today I’ll be making the case for a moratorium on any new salmon farms, or any expansions, until the industry is transparently and independently regulated.
This is a significant matter of public interest. These waterways are used and owned by all Tasmanians, not just for the profit of a few companies.
If we don’t get the balance right, the benefits of this industry will be in the hands of the few.
While this inquiry is essential and a good start, we’re going to need some real action on the ground at a government level based on the evidence given today.
