OYSTER CONTAMINATION PROBLEM NEEDS URGENT ACTION

Tasmania’s Brand in Peril

The Tasmanian Greens today said ongoing concerns over sewage contamination affecting the state’s oyster industry were seriously harming the state’s brand, and gave added urgency to upgrading the state’s water and sewerage infrastructure.

Greens Water and Infrastructure spokesperson Tim Morris MP said the ongoing infrastructure problems highlighted the close link in Tasmania between a genuinely clean and green environment, and job creation in a healthy local economy.

“There is no greater circumstance that demonstrates the need to continue to invest in upgrading our sewerage infrastructure, and to ensure compliance with the highest environmental standards,” Mr Morris said.

“There is an inextricable link in Tasmania between jobs and a clean environment, and sadly the poor state of our sewerage infrastructure is having a direct impact on our brand and the sustainability of local businesses.”

“We are nearly halfway through the decade that it was projected to complete the upgrades, and it’s clear that there are still major challenges facing the water and sewerage corporations.”

“The Minister should ensure that the water corporations have identified any further risks to our oyster industry from sewage spills, because Tasmania’s famous brand cannot afford these kinds of hits.”
Tim Morris MP Greens Water & Infrastructure Spokesperson