17 April 2003
Media Release
Seafood Industry Supports Pittwater Marine Farming Decision
The Tasmanian Fishing Industry Council and the Tasmanian Aquaculture Council today commends Minister Bryan Green on his decision to approve the Marine Farming Development Plan for the Pittwater estuary.
The Chief Executive of both TFIC and TAC Bob Lister said "This issue has been researched, debated and argued over many many years with little or no apparent progress. We are therefore very pleased that at long last a positive decision has been made in the best interests of Tasmania as a whole and based on the recommendations of the independent Marine Farming Planning Review Panel.
In this one announcement Minister Bryan Green has provided certainty and confidence for the whole oyster growing industry State-wide and specifically in the important Pittwater area. There will be resultant job increases and significant flow on economic benefits to the region as the oyster growing industry relocates and expands into the additional 25 hectares of new water".
Mr Lister said "We expect that the oyster industry will inject another $2.5m of investment capital into this area and employment should increase from approximately 40 to around 60 full-time positions over a relatively short period. We also anticipate a doubling of oyster production from around $3m. to $6-7m. p.a. in a responsible and sustainable industry which will benefit many local communities and regional providers of goods and services".
"It is now time to move forward to maximise the opportunities of this important Ministerial decision and for Tasmanians to reap the benefits" Mr Lister said.
The 50 ha. of total leasable area for new farming sites in southern Pittwater will represent just over 2% of the total water area and should have little impact on other users in the area and a minimal impact on the marine environment as a whole.
The Tasmanian oyster industry is currently worth around $16m. p.a. so the Pittwater expansion will give a significant and positive boost to the export of the finest quality Pacific Oysters which are held in the highest regard by consumers all around Australia.
Bob Lister can be contacted on 0408 146 960.