The Hodgman Liberal Government wants to see Tasmania’s world class sustainable salmon farming sector grow to a $1 billion industry by 2030.
Ensuring industry regulations keep pace with industry expansion and maintain community and market confidence is vitally important in order to achieve that goal.
While the current regulatory framework has operated very effectively for 20 years, we believe it can be improved.
Accordingly, a number of changes will be made in order to help achieve this aim:
1) The independent Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will become responsible for all environmental controls and day-to-day environmental management, further strengthening how the industry is managed. Currently, these functions are undertaken by DPIPWE.
The move brings together the environmental management and regulation of all salmon farms and hatcheries, both in marine and inland waters, under a single, independent authority.
The changes are straightforward and will be implemented in a staged approach with legislative amendments and gradual transfers of authority starting from July 1, 2016.
Under the changes, marine farm planning and development functions will still remain with DPIPWE.
2) The industry as a whole has maintained a high standard of compliance with environmental and other management controls. As a safeguard, the penalty regime for breaches of the Marine Farming Planning Act 1995 is being modernised to better reflect the scale of the industry.
The Tasmanian Government will shortly introduce to Parliament proposed amendments to the Act for a new penalty regime that is a strong deterrent.
Currently the maximum possible fine for a serious breach of management controls is $30,800. The proposed new regime would include an additional penalty that is calculated proportionate to the financial advantage obtained.
These amendments would also see demerit points reintroduced for Infringement Notices, which for serial breaches could ultimately see a marine farming licence revoked.
3) Salmon is now a mature and major industry and it is reasonable they help support the system that supports their growth. The Government will consult with industry over the introduction of a new levy on salmon farming licences.
The levy is intended to raise approximately $1.5 million over the forward estimates to help directly fund the assessment of industry proposals, tactical research and scientific projects specifically focused on expanding industry production. This is on top of the considerable economic contribution the industry already makes to the Tasmanian community each year, including over $1.1 million in annual licence and lease fees.
The employment and wealth generated directly and indirectly by our salmon industry is substantial. The changes are further evidence of the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to support sustainable, responsible and accountable growth of the industry well into the future.
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