Media release – NWTAS for Clean Oceans, 8 June 2022
PUBLIC MEETING – PORT SORELL REGION
STOP SALMON FARMING IN BASS STRAIT
Following well attended public meetings in Stanley and Burnie and a Public Rally in Burnie, NWTAS for Clean Oceans is holding another public meeting at 2pm on Saturday 25 June at Hawley House (68 Hawley Esplanade, Hawley Beach).
Hear speakers talk about:
what our government is planning for Bass Strait
why that is a problem
the outcomes from the recent Report, Finfish Farming in Tasmania, chaired by Meg Webb, MLC
what Tasmanians can do to make their voices heard
Key speakers:
Peter George – Chair, Neighbours of Fish Farming (NOFF)
Louise Cherrie – Environmental Management consultant
Mick Lawrence – Tasmanian surfing pioneer
Craig Garland – fisherman and recreational water user
Ally King – Marine Science student
The previous Commonwealth government and the state government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which enables salmon farming in Bass Strait.
The state government very quickly amended their legislation and gave the green light for the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre to set up a 50 hectare research/salmon farming facility just five nautical miles off Burnie.
Ben Lans, Secretary for NWTAS for Clean Oceans, said: “Our region relies heavily on the beautiful coastline and beaches of the north-west to fuel our tourist industry and our enviable lifestyle. We must fight to save these natural assets and ensure Bass Strait remains salmon farm free.”
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 have the opportunity to bring a halt to salmon farming in Bass Strait but we need strong and ongoing support from our communities to achieve this.
“This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the serious issues facing us and to show government we care about our coast!“
