|
Draft Basslink Report recognises need to protect marine environment
12 March 2002
MEDIA RELEASE
The Chief Executive of the Tasmanian Fishing Industry Council (TFIC) Bob Lister said today "We are certainly encouraged by the draft Basslink report released today which recognises that our well researched and detailed submissions in protection of the Bass Strait marine environment have been accepted and recognised.
We are however disappointed that the Panel has not yet provided a firm recommendation in opposition to the monopole power cable and has effectively deferred this very important decision" Bob Lister said.
The Joint Advisory Panel has clearly highlighted the potential negative impacts on the marine environment should a monopole cable be supported including the effect of electromagnetic fields on our Southern Shark fishery and on marine life generally. There are also limitations on the scientific data produced by the Basslink proponents and an absence of any baseline data and environmental impact statements on the marine environment.
The Panel does not accept the proponentıs choice of sea electrode technology and is concerned about the potential biological impact on the marine creatures that live in Bass Strait.
The Panel is not satisfied with mitigation measures to control stray current electrolytic corrosion which could cost $20m. or more and that the acceptability of a monopole cable has been adequately demonstrated. The Panel is not yet satisfied that mitigation is feasible without a metallic return or bipolar cable and is awaiting a corrosion mitigation plan before
making a final recommendation.
Bob Lister said "On the weight of evidence we believe in time commonsense will prevail and that a monopole cable will eventually be ruled out by the Joint Advisory Panel.
TFIC has always supported a bipolar cable which reduces all known negative impacts on the marine environment and we will continue to promote a bipolar cable as the only acceptable solution should the political and economic circumstances justify the construction of Basslink".
Bob Lister can be contacted on 0408 146 960.
|