Media release – North-west Tas for Clean Oceans, 30 August 2022

PUBLIC MEETING – DEVONPORT
STOP SALMON FARMING IN BASS STRAIT

Following well attended public meetings in Stanley, Burnie and Port Sorell, as well as a Public Rally in Burnie, NWTAS for Clean Oceans is holding another public meeting at:
2- 4 pm on Saturday 3 September – at the Devonport Yacht Club.

Hear our knowledgeable speakers discuss:

  • what is our government is planning for the north-west coast and 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:
Louise Cherrie – Environmental Management
Leanne Minshull – Economics and the salmon Industry
Craig Garland – Local fisherman and recreational water user
Ally King – President, Surf Riders, TAS

The previous Commonwealth government and the State government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding which facilitates salmon farming in Bass Strait. The State government has amended State legislation and given the green light for the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre to set up a 50 hectare research/salmon farming facility just 3 nautical miles off Burnie. Burnie is still recovering from negative stigma (and the dioxin pollution) resulting from many years of exploitation by Dioxide.

The government is planning to launch a 10 Year Salmon plan on 1 January 2023.

Robyn Weare, Secretary, NWTAS for Clean Oceans, said: “Our region relies heavily on the beautiful coastline and beaches of the northwest to fuel our tourist industry and our enviable lifestyle. We must fight to save these natural assets and ensure Bass Strait and our northwest coast remain a no-go zone for finfish farming.”

Robyn said. “If we aren’t vigilant we will see our northwest coast in the same toxic mess as the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, the Tasman Peninsula and Macquarie Harbour. If we are to bring a halt to salmon farming in Bass Strait we need to demonstrate strong opposition from our communities.”

This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the serious issues facing us and to show government we care about our northwest coast.“