Greens claim government is secretly reviewing no-grow zones on Tasmania’s East Coast

Plans for a massive expansion of aquaculture in Tasmania waters have been denied by the state government, despite claims of a clandestine review of no-grow zones.

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PLANS for a massive expansion of aquaculture in Tasmania waters have been denied by the state government.

In parliament on Wednesday, Green environment spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff claimed plans were afoot to double the size of the industry.

“The Greens understand Minister Barnett is overseeing a secretive review of the current ‘no grow’ zones on the East Coast, with no public consultation until the proposed changes are finalised,” she said.

Ms Woodruff said the recent purchase of a shellfish lease in the Mercury Passage by a consortium raised concerns it might be reclassified.

Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff speaks to the media on Parliament Lawns on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

“Instead of insisting the salmon industry’s quest for expansion occurs on land or far out to sea, we understand the Liberals are doing everything possible to facilitate growth through the cheapest, dirtiest, and most environmentally-harmful expansion options,” she said.

Minister Primary Industries and Water Guy Barnett accused the Greens of “spreading false claims”.

“To be clear for the Greens, all leases on the East Coast, with the exception of Okehampton Bay, can only be licensed to grow species such as seaweed and shellfish,” he said.

“We have no intention of changing the zoning of these areas.

“Any consideration to change the existing grow and no-grow zones for finfish will be subject to a comprehensive public consultation process that provides all Tasmanians with a chance to comment.”

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