Fed’s decision to investigate future of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour delayed until Christmas

The Federal Government is reviewing whether they will open an investigation to change a decision that allowed the expansion of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour – and they’re making the industry and interested groups wait for the result.

Salmon farming pens in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania. Photo: Eloise Carr

The Federal Government is reviewing whether they will open an investigation to change a 2012 decision that allowed the expansion of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.

In 2012, the government declared Macquarie Harbour as a non controlled action, which means an environmental assessment for salmon farming in the harbour isn’t required.

While questioned at Senate Estimates on Monday evening, the environment department’s approvals division head Bruce Edwards said they were reconsidering if they will open an investigation into the decision, after receiving three requests from interest groups.

The Environment Department will make a decision on whether they will open an investigation to review the 2012 decision by Christmas.

Salmon industry representatives were told by the department the decision would be made in August.

The Australia Institute have written legal recommendations to the department to review whether they should investigate the decision – in an effort to save the endangered Maugean skate.

SUN TAS. Luke Martin who has stepped down as CEO of the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania to take up a role with as Salmon Tasmania chief. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Salmon Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s delayed decision was creating uncertainty for the North West community.

“Here we are in October and we have the minister’s department, under scrutiny of the Senate, admitting they “expect to be in a position to recommend a decision before Christmas”,” he said.

“I’m particularly disappointed the minister didn’t show enough respect to the workers of the North West to update them herself, and instead we hear more uncertainty and doubt from unelected bureaucrats sitting in Canberra.

“It is inconceivable that Minister Plibersek would allow for an 11th hour decision on the eve of Christmas.”

He said the minister’s uncertainty was in response to environmental activist requests.

Maugean Skate.

“We caution the Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek from being captive to loud green groups as she considers the future of the skate,” Mr Martin said.

“She has established a conservation taskforce which is very clear on the path forward and we are stepping up to do our part when many others are not.

“As I have stated before: there are absolutely no guarantees that taking the easy route and blaming salmon will help to save the skate.

“But what is 100 per cent certain is that reducing aquaculture in Macquarie Harbour will cost jobs and devastate communities.”

Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said Ms Plibersek should reverse the 2012 decision if she has jurisdiction.

“The regulation of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour has been a disaster,” he said.

Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson speaks to the media in Hobart on Thursday, May 12, 2022.

“It’s a cop out for successive federal environment ministers to continue to watch on as salmon industry regulators and the Tasmanian government fail spectacularly to protect and prioritise the environment, including matters of national environmental significance like the sad decline and imminent extinction of the Maugean skate,” he said.

“There is no job more important for an environment minister than protecting a species from extinction. Minister Plibersek has a critical mandate to protect the Maugean skate and she must pull every lever available to her to ensure its survival.”

Director of the Australia Institute Tasmania Eloise Carr speaks to the media on Parliament Lawns in Hobart on Thursday, March 10, 2022.

The state government has the decision to renew salmon farming licences which are expiring on November 30.

The Australia Institute and Equity Generation Lawyers have written to the Tasmanian Environmental Protection Authority and Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment with scientific evidence and legal advice for a non-renewal of existing licences in the Harbour.

“Neither regulator is taking responsibility for making decisions about the impacts of the salmon industry on Macquarie Harbour,” The Australia Institute Tasmania director Eloise Carr said.

“Census data shows that salmon farming employs at best 1700 people in Tasmania, less than 1 per cent of Tasmanian jobs. On the other hand, 19,400 people are employed in tourism, which is heavily reliant on the natural environment.”

Mr Martin said blaming the salmon industry wouldn't guarantee the survival of the Maugean skate.

“But what is 100 per cent certain is that reducing aquaculture in Macquarie Harbour will cost jobs and devastate communities,” he said.

Originally published as Fed’s decision to investigate future of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour delayed until Christmas