The government is taking its 10-year salmon plan to the people

Debate and questioning is expected to be intense as the government holds community briefings to sell its 10-year plan for the salmon industry starting next week.

A SERIES of community briefings on the salmon industry begin on Monday as the government takes its 10-year plan for fish farming in Tasmania to the people.

But there have been complaints over the timetable for public input, with lobby group Neighbours of Fish Farming labelling the plan a “complete capitulation by the government to a foreign-owned industry”.

NOFF president Peter George said holding the meetings in the lead up to Christmas meant public comment on the industry plan would be curtailed.

“We were promised this would not be the case. Submissions also need to be made over the holiday period,” Mr George said.

Salmon pens in Long Bay, Tasman Peninsula. Picture: supplied

He said the things people really wanted to know were not included in the plan.

“Will salmon farming spread to Tasmania’s north, what about Flinders Island?” he said.

“I have just returned from the northern hemisphere to check out fish farming there and they were astounded Tasmania allows fish pens in shallow, non-energetic waters near communities.”

While the dates of the community briefings in towns across Tasmania are advertised on the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania website the locations are not.

Mr George has registered his interest in Monday’s meeting in Hobart and is waiting to hear where he needs to go.

On Friday, the government added an online session which will be held between 5pm and 6pm on December 15. Tasmanians need to register their interest.

Those wanting to attend the face-to-face community briefing sessions also need to register.

The sessions will begin Hobart on December 5 before moving to Launceston, Devonport, Wynyard, Strahan, Nubeena, Huonville, Flinders Island and King Island.

The government says its 10-year salmon plan will improve regulation and transparency and spark new research and innovation programs.

It said the plan - which will come into effect on May 1 next year – will also introduce a new industry fee structure to reinvest into compliance and monitoring and “to ensure full cost recovery and an appropriate return to the Tasmanian community.”

Submissions have opened and will close on January 20.

The Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association, which represents fish farmers, said the plan was a positive first step to bring the shared vision for the industry together.

“The government’s plan backs in the world-leading innovation already driving our sustainable farming practices,” CEO Sue Grau said.