Clean Oceans Rally in Burnie

Media release – North West Tas for Clean Oceans (NWTAS), 26 April 2022

BIGGEST FIGHT EVER FOR NORTH-WEST COASTERS
SAVE BASS STRAIT FROM SALMON FEEDLOTS

The fight to save Bass Strait has been elevated to another level with the revelations about JBS exposed on 4 Corners last night. “It would appear that JBS has a poor environmental record as well as having been convicted of bribery and corruption at the highest levels of government in Brazil and the US, and now it is coming to Tasmania to use our beautiful clean oceans to establish their salmon business worldwide,” said Ben Lans.

“The Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre trial just 5 nautical miles off Burnie is 70% financed by the salmon industry according to its CEO Dr John Whittington. Part of that funding will come from JBS. Any possibility of independent research is out the window before they start!”

“Our region relies heavily on the beautiful coastline and beaches of the north-west to fuel our tourist industry. We must fight to save our natural assets and ensure Bass Strait remains salmon feedlot free,” said Ben.

NWTAS for Clean Oceans is holding a public rally between 12- 2 pm on Saturday, 14 May, at Burnie Beach, adjacent to the Surf Club.

“This is an opportunity to learn more about the serious issues facing us and to show the state and federal governments we want to protect our coast!” Ben said. “If we aren’t vigilant we will see our north-west coast in the same toxic mess as the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, the Tasman Peninsula and Macquarie Harbour. We must fight to stop salmon feedlots in Bass Strait but we need strong and visible support from our communities to achieve this”.

“If you care about our coast, please come to the rally. Bring your beach towel and/or placards if you would like to participate in the demonstration” Rally Coordinator, Glenda Fawbert, said.

Key speakers will be environmentalist Bob Brown, ocean fish farm debris expert and campaigner Sheenagh Neill as well as Mick Lawrence, Tasmanian surfing pioneer and President, Surfing Tasmania Inc.

Political candidates have also been invited to share their views on salmon farming in Bass Strait.  “We are surveying candidates to elicit their views on salmon farming on the north-west coast and their responses will be published”.

Senator Jacqui Lambie advised NWTAS for Clean Oceans:
Although Senator Jacqui Lambie is unable to attend the Burnie Beach Rally, she said:
“I do support moving the fish farms on land. Like you I’m not happy with the mess and damage to our environment these fish farms can cause when they’re not managed properly. I agree that this will also help protect the jobs that we also need. I’m with you on this!”

Mick Lawrence advised NWTAS for Clean Oceans:
“While globally the industry is transitioning to land-based farms and processing its waste into fertiliser, we’re transitioning to our (Tasmanian) coastal waters and expecting nature to deal with the crap.”

Note: NWTAS for Clean Oceans does not support any particular political candidate(s) in the coming federal election.