The Hodgman Liberal Government is the strongest supporter of Tasmania's vital salmon industry and recent regulatory changes we have made, will support its sustainable growth into the future.
In addition, the independent assessment by the Marine Farming Planning Review Panel of salmon farming at Okehampton Bay, will help to ensure continued community confidence in the industry.
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.
This independent assessment gets the balance right.
The fact is, the Greens will never be satisfied.
They want to shut the salmon industry down, and their criticism of this independent and transparent assessment is hardly a surprise.
The salmon industry could jump through all five Olympic hoops and set 10 world records and it still wouldn't satisfy them.
Our balanced position will support the sustainable expansion of the industry, meaning more jobs in regional Tasmania.
The Terms of Reference that the independent 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.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water