Tasmanian Liberal MP Mark Shelton says good riddance to Geelong Star

“GOOD riddance to bad rubbish” — that’s how one Tasmanian Liberal MP has farewelled the Geelong Star.

The Geelong Star — then known as the Abel Tasman — berthed behind razor wire in South Australia in 2012. Picture: IVON PERRIN

A STATEMENT from a Tasmanian Liberal backbencher saying “good riddance” to the Geelong Star is the latest twist in the political debate about super trawlers.

Following confirmation the factory freezer trawler has left Australian waters, Lyons MP Mark Shelton today issued a statement celebrating its departure.

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“To news that the super trawler Geelong Star is no longer operating in Australian waters, I say good riddance to bad rubbish,” he said.

“All Tasmanians, especially those who love recreational fishing, will welcome the news.”

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The Hodgman Liberal Government’s position on factory freezer trawlers, such as the Geelong Star, has been consistent — they are banned in Tasmanian waters and will remain banned.

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“Now that Australian Fisheries Management Authority has confirmed the Geelong Star is now no longer operating in Australian waters, Tasmanian recreational fishers can breathe a sigh of relief.,” Mr Shelton’s statement continued.

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“I will continue to work with authorities to ensure that super trawlers are never allowed to operate in our waters.”

Factory fishing trawler Geelong Star attracted considerable controversy during its time in Australian waters, including sizeable protests in the island state.

The State Government opposes super trawlers, which are classed as vessels over 130m in length. The Geelong Star, however, is 95m long.

The Liberals have previously said they accept the scientific evidence that supports the Geelong Star’s activities.

The issue of super trawlers was taken seriously by the state Liberals in the lead-up to the 2014 state election.

Last year, in State Parliament, the Greens produced an email from the Premier’s chief of staff Brad Stansfield dated February 2014 telling the anti-trawler Alliance the Liberals opposed super trawlers, and would pursue a ban on the ships if the group agreed not to campaign against the Liberals in the media.

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At the time, Greens leader Kim Booth accused the Premier of saying one thing to super trawler campaigners before the election and doing the opposite once elected.

The Liberals then voted down a move by the Greens against the Geelong Star.

Originally published as Tasmanian Liberal MP Mark Shelton says good riddance to Geelong Star