Environment groups have acknowledged the Tasmanian Government’s recognition of the failure of public and investor confidence in fish farming regulation in the state. The obvious next step is a proper planning system that has the power to act on the concerns of coastal businesses, recreational fishers and the local community.
“Today’s announcement shows the Government understands they have a problem when it comes to fish farm regulations, which have seen developments get an automatic green light despite the damage they cause to Tassie’s coasts and jobs and investment in crucial industries like tourism and abalone,” said Laura Kelly of Environment Tasmania.
“Markets are already clocking significant supply and quality control risks from companies like Tassal. The government’s attempts to shift regulation of environmental harm to the EPA shows they are aware of these risks and are willing to take a first step to restore the confidence of local communities, coastal businesses and investors.
“The clear next step for government is the introduction of an independent planning process that actually takes into account the impacts of fish farming on tourism and recreational fishing interests, and hears the concerns of local communities who want to secure Tasmania’s marine assets.
“If the big fish farming companies want to restore public and investor confidence, they should support independent planning of aquaculture leases and move on from the current system of box ticking that ignores the needs of all other interest groups,” concluded Ms Kelly.
Environment Tasmania looks forward to working with industry and government to develop regulatory standards that can deliver the public and markets confidence needed to secure Tasmania’s salmon brand.
Laura Kelly, Environment Tasmania
