The Albanese government confirmed it will permit salmon farming to continue in Macquarie Harbour in Tasmania, despite concerns from conservationists about the risks to the endangered Maugean skate.
The environment minister Murray Watt wrote to three environment groups on Wednesday notifying them of the widely-expected decision, which follows the passage of amendments to Australia’s nature laws to protect the salmon industry earlier this year.
The groups, including the Bob Brown Foundation and the Australia Institute, had asked the government in 2023 to reconsider a 2012 decision to allow a salmon farming expansion in Macquarie Harbour without an assessment under Australia’s environmental laws.
Watt said all relevant information had been carefully considered before reaching his decision:
“The Albanese Government remains committed to the protection of the Maugean skate, including through our funding of oxygenation measures in Macquarie Harbour.
Eloise Carr, Director of the Australia Institute Tasmania said:
“Minister Watt is trying to put an end to this issue through this decision, but it’s not going away. Whether the changes to the EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) Act apply to Macquarie Harbour remains an open question.”
More details soon …
