Picture: Geoff Rollins
The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Environment Minister Brian Wightman to stop delaying the implementation of a comprehensive set of Marine Protected Areas for Tasmania.
Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said that the recent release of a report by Aquenal and Environment Tasmania was a timely reminder for Minister Wightman that our unique marine environment is too environmentally, economically and socially valuable to risk through a lack of political will.
Ms O’Connor said that the report, Nowhere else on Earth: Tasmania’s Marine Natural Values outlines in detail the extent of the state’s marine assets and the rationale behind protecting it.
“Minister Wightman has failed to take his responsibilities seriously and implement a comprehensive set of marine reserves, and this report makes clear that such action is overdue,” Ms O’Connor said.
“Tasmania has an extraordinary level of diversity and in our marine environment, including threatened species that range from the Spotted Handfish to the Great White Shark, and that diversity warrants protection.”
“Marine Protected Areas, especially ‘no take’ reserves, are integral to the protection of marine biodiversity and fisheries, as well as mitigating the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
“The sooner Minister Wightman’s in-principle support for Marine Protected Areas is transformed into action, the better it will be for Tasmania’s marine environment and our fisheries,” Ms O’Connor said.
Earlier on Tasmanian Times: Report finds marine life globally signifcant
Environment Tasmania and the Environmental Defenders Office: Minister Overrides Experts on Marine Farm Expansions
Environment Tasmania and the Environmental Defenders Office are deeply concerned by the shock announcement that the Minister for Primary Industries, Mr Bryan Green, has given himself power to override the Marine Farming Planning Review Panel in relation to amendments to marine farm development plans.
The Marine Farming Planning Amendment Bill 2011, which was passed by Labor with the support of the Liberals late last night, removes the power of the Marine Farming Planning Review Panel to refuse proposed changes to marine farm development plans. Instead, the expert Panel will now make recommendations only, with the final decision resting with the Minister.
The Bill comes days after the release of draft amendments to facilitate expansion of marine farming in Macquarie Harbour. The Bill is said to address “inconsistencies” that became apparent after the Panel refused an application for expansion of a marine farm at Soldiers Point earlier this year on grounds relating to environmental impacts.
“The purpose of this Bill is obvious – it is clearing a path of least resistance for the largest proposed expansion of marine farms in Tasmania on the doorstep of our unique, World-Heritage Macquarie Harbour,” said Environment Tasmania’s Marine Coordinator, Rebecca Hubbard.
EDO Tasmania’s lawyer, Jess Feehely, said that allowing the Minister to override a recommendation of the Panel failed to promote sustainable development and would jeopardise community involvement:
“This Bill allows the Minister to override any decision by the expert panel that amendments cannot be justified on scientific, social or economic grounds. The Minister will not be required to take community concerns into account, and no third party, including community members, tourism operators or others, can appeal against his decision.”
Rebecca Hubbard agreed that the changes could detract from the rigour of the assessment of the Macquarie Harbour proposal:
“The new Nowhere Else on Earth report released last week highlights that Macquarie Harbour is one of only two estuaries in Australia that have highly stratified waters and unique marine life to suit these conditions, including the endemic Endangered Maugean Skate. The Harbour and its World Heritage surrounds are the basis for a strong tourism industry, with 100,000 tourists experiencing the river cruises alone each year. Any fish farming expansion in these waters must be analysed by experts and appropriately managed, however this Bill takes away the community’s confidence that such an objective decision will be made.”
