The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has today announced it will soon begin consultation about salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s West Coast.
In a statement, Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek said consultation was required as a result of applications made under Australia’s national environment laws by three groups, who argue that salmon farming is having an unacceptable impact on the Maugean Skate, an endangered fish.
“The consultation will be broad. It will mean workers and their union, the salmon industry, communities, environment groups, scientists, as well as state and local governments will have a chance to have their say,” said Minister Plibersek.
She said that as part of the consultation there will be an opportunity to consider:
- Work of the joint Tasmanian and Federal Government Maugean Skate Recovery Team;
- Any decision of the Tasmanian Government’s Environment Protection Agency about the extension of salmon farming licences;
- The Conservation Advice for the Maugean Skate (Zearaja maugeana);
- Community views;
- Any other relevant matters.
Consultation will run from 4 December 2023 to 2 February 2024. After the consultation period ends, Ms Plibersek said the Department will take some time to carefully consider the information received.
“Salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour does not have to pause while this occurs,” she said.
“Aquaculture licences and environmental regulations of Macquarie Harbour are primarily the responsibility of the Tasmanian Government.”
When the consultation opens, further details about how people can have their say will be available on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s website at: https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/epbc-macquarie-harbour.
