Plibersek plays straight bat on salmon decision timeline
The future of the salmon industry in Macquarie Harbour has been in limbo for the last 12 months after a request for a review into the industry. Here’s what the Federal Minister had to say.
Tasmania
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Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek had declined to reveal a timeline for her decision on the future of the salmon industry in Macquarie Harbour.
The minister has for the last 12 months been considering a request from environment groups for a review of whether the industry has the necessary approvals to operate in the area, which is home to the endangered Maugean skate.
The industry and workers say the uncertainty is damaging its future.
Visiting Hobart with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to announce funding for upgrades to Macquarie Wharf, Ms Plibersek said it was important to balance both environmental and economic considerations.
“I’ll make a decision based on the science and the legal environment. We’re continuing to get updated research,” she said.
“Everybody knows how important the Tasmanian environment is to the Tasmanian economy; it’s beautiful, people love to live here because of the natural environment. They love to visit because of the natural environment, we’ve got to protect the natural environment.
‘We also know that Tasmania has to have a diversified economy, and that’s why we’re so committed to getting the balance right between environmental protection and sustainable economic development, job security: making sure that people can earn a living in this great state.”
Earlier, it was all broad smiles and backslaps as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff for his advocacy on behalf of Tasmania.
The Prime Minister and Ms Plibersek were flanked by the Premier, local MP Andrew Wilkie and Senator Catryna Bilyk at Wednesdays media event on the Hobart waterfront where aquaculture did not rate a mention.
The federal government will fund $188m in wharf upgrades for Hobart — securing the future of the Australian Antarctic program for the next 30 years.
Liberal Senator Jonno Duniam said Ms Plibersek could have ended the uncertainty about the salmon industry today.
“It’s been a year since the Environment Minister bowed to green groups by reviewing aquaculture licenses on the West Coast, creating massive uncertainty for our 5,000 salmon workers,” he said.
‘On her trip to Tasmania, Tanya Plibersek has made no mention of the impending disaster of her own making. Tasmanians have been in the dark and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
“Will the Minister make a decision by Christmas or even before the Federal election, due by May next year?
“She is washing her hands of responsibility and owes it to Tasmanians to give us an answer on whether she will gut the livelihoods of those who rely on this industry.”
Originally published as Plibersek plays straight bat on salmon decision timeline
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