The Hodgman Liberal Government is a strong supporter of Tasmania’s world-class salmon industry, which is highly regarded for its quality and sustainability.
We want to support this world class 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.
Earlier this month we announced an independent assessment by the Marine Farming Planning Review Panel of the adequacy of the environmental management of salmon farming at Okehampton Bay.
The Panel has now advertised publicly that the panel is seeking written submissions from interested members of the public, addressing the terms of reference of the assessment, to assist it in performing this task. Submissions close at midnight on September 26.
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 to the Minister on are:
The panel is expected to report back in early 2017.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to continuing to work with the industry to support sustainable, responsible and accountable growth of Tasmanian’s world-class salmon industry.
A copy of the Great Oyster Bay and Mercury Passage Marine Farming Development Plan October 1998 is available on the DPIPWE website:
http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/GOBMP-MFDP-October-1998-(Modified-May-2010).pdf
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water