27 May 2003
MEDIA RELEASE
TASMANIA’S MARINE FARMING INDUSTRY THREATENED BY SORELL COUNCIL DECISION
Tasmania’s $140m aquaculture industry has been placed under direct threat by the decision of the Sorell Council to make a legal challenge to the approval of marine farming in Southern Pittwater.
Tasmanian Fishing Industry Council Chief Executive Bob Lister said "The announcement by Sorell Council Mayor Carmel Torenius at a public meeting last night that her Council would be making a legal challenge against the approval for marine farming in Southern Pittwater has sent shockwaves through the entire marine farming industry.
Our sustainable aquaculture industry is worth $140m to Tasmania and directly employs around 750 people on water operations".
Mr Lister said "Over 450 people are directly employed in the shellfish industry that is worth around $20 million to Tasmania and many hundreds of other people are also employed in processing, marketing and the retail sector as a result of the marine farming industry.
Additionally hundreds of other Tasmanian businesses are reliant upon the marine farming industry in net production, boat sales and other associated equipment and services.
The decision by the Sorell Council is cause for great concern across the entire industry" Mr Lister said.
"If by some chance their challenge succeeds it would throw open the entire marine farming planning process and the certainty that industry currently has as a result of the marine farming planning system will no longer exist.
A successful legal challenge would jeopardise a sustainable industry worth millions of dollars to Tasmania and the very significant flow-on benefits to regional communities".
Mr Lister also said "The decision by the State Government to approve marine farming in Southern Pittwater will create an additional 30 jobs and greatly increase the value and benefits of the oyster industry to the Sorell region.
Misplaced emotive issues aside I cannot understand why the Council would challenge a decision that will inject significant economic growth into the local community as well as creating increased employment that will enable the local region to build a reputation as a producer of fine foods and wine".
Bob Lister can be contacted on 0408 146 960