Jeremy Rockliff: Tassal Expansion at Nubeena Highlights Government’s Sustainable Growth of Industry

Approval of an amendment to enable Tassal to increase its marine farming lease area at Nubeena highlights the Government’s focus on jobs and the sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry.

Based on advice of the Marine Farming Planning Review Panel, I have approved an amendment to the Tasman Peninsula and Norfolk Bay Marine Farming Development Plan which expands Tassal’s marine farming lease area at Nubeena.

The amendment expands and modifies the boundaries of marine faming Zone 14A at Creeses Mistake.

This amendment is about enabling Tassal to build on its sustainable image by enhancing their ability to rotate their stock through pens and reduce the density in their stocking rates which will contribute further to improved fish health as well as environmental outcomes.

Tassal is an important part of the local community and economy in the Nubeena area with its production at that site valued at $28 million. The company employs 20 fulltime and eight casual staff, paid more than $1.9 million in wages and benefits, and Tassal expends $7 million in overheads to service the Tasman region.

Our Government recognises that Tasmania’s economy has been built on our competitive strengths, including aquaculture and fisheries, which for generations have created the jobs and wealth needed to fund our essential services.

The amendment will increase the Zone from 55.81 hectares to 143.1 hectares and provide for the relocation and expansion of the Creeses Mistake lease area from 25 hectares to 48.5 hectares.

The draft Amendment No.2 to the Tasman Peninsula and Norfolk Bay Marine Farming Development Plan November 2005 was released for a statutory period of public exhibition and comment in January and February this year.

Representations were then considered by the independent and expertise based Marine Farming Planning Review Panel, which recommended to me that the draft amendment be approved.
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water