Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Environment spokesperson
The Greens welcome the move to a more independent body to oversee the monitoring of marine farm discharge. However, the Government's new framework makes no change to the assessment or approval process for developments.
Given the industry is planning to double its output by 2030, this is a serious missed opportunity to improve Tasmania's marine farming practices and make the industry more accountable.
Minister Rockliff has repeatedly attacked the Greens for calling for greater scrutiny of the salmon industry. He's now acknowledging the industry is poorly regulated.
It's a step in the right direction, but there's a long way to go. People on the East Coast want stronger, independent assessment of new fish farm developments.
New marine farms need independent assessment of triple bottom line impacts if they expect to get community support.