The Tasmanian Liberal Government is a strong supporter of Tasmania’s world-class salmon industry, which is highly regarded for its quality and sustainability.
Tasmanians can be proud of the salmon industry; the success story is a result of our pristine natural environment, and our science based regulation, which is among the strongest in the world.
We want to support the industry to continue to grow and create more jobs, particularly in our regional communities.
A key part of this growth is ensuring that the industry continues to be appropriately regulated and its operations retain the confidence of the broader Tasmanian community.
That’s why we recently introduced changes to ensure industry regulations keep pace with expansion and community and market confidence is maintained. These changes include strengthening penalties and enforcement, and increasing the role of the Environment Protection Authority.
Today, I can announce that the Government has requested an independent assessment by the Marine Farming Planning Review Panel of salmon farming at Okehampton Bay, within the Great Oyster Bay Marine Farming Development Plan.
We recognise that it is 20 years since the Plan for the area was first approved, and there have been significant changes to science and technology over that time, and as such this assessment is important for community confidence.
The Panel consists of eight members and includes experts representing various interests including the Environment Protection Authority, recreational boaters, marine farming, marine resource management and local Government issues.
The Terms of Reference that the Panel will provide advice on are:
• The environmental science supporting the proposed environmental monitoring and management of salmon farming at Okehampton Bay;
• The adequacy of the environmental baseline data and surveys to allow the Director, Environment Protection Authority to establish a contemporary environmental management regime for the proposed marine farming activity; and
• The adequacy of the plan to allow for the implementation of a contemporary environmental management regime.
The process will include inviting public and expert submissions, and public hearings, with this process expected to begin on August 31.
The panel is expected to report back in early 2017, with advice on whether the current plan is suitable to ensure the sustainable environmental management of salmonid farming at Okehampton Bay.
Tasmania has a robust regulatory planning framework that effectively manages marine farming, which is regarded as among the best in the world. Requirements under the Marine Farming Planning Act 1995 include:
• Any application to expand a marine farming area is to be considered by the independent Marine Farming Planning Review Panel, which is appointed by the Governor;
• All proposals must be accompanied by an environmental impact statement;
• Draft plans and draft amendments must be released for a statutory period of public exhibition and comment, providing Tasmanians with the opportunity to have their say by making submissions, or presenting to the panel in person; and
• The Panel then makes a recommendation to the Minister.
Tasmanians can be assured that this rigorous process will be applied to any future expansion of the industry, including Storm Bay.
Our industry is also subject to comprehensive scientific monitoring. Monitoring of sediments within and around marine farming lease areas has been conducted since 1997.
As a Government we are committed to continuing to work with the industry to support sustainable, responsible and accountable growth of Tasmanian’s world-class salmon industry.
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water
