The Salmon Industry on the West Coast remains in limbo as the Federal Labor Government continues to be beholden to inner-city green naysayers.
Minister Abetz visited the hard-working workers on the West Coast yesterday, reiterating the Tasmanian Liberal Government's support for the industry.
"Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, the salmon industry is a key pillar of our economy, supporting thousands of jobs across regional Tasmania," Minister Abetz said.
"In contrast to the claims of green naysayers, salmon farming in Tasmania is subject to robust and independent regulation.
"In fact, the regulatory framework that applies to salmon farming in Tasmania is amongst the most rigorous of any jurisdiction world-wide.
"That the Federal Labor Government has caved to green pressure, underpinned by skewed science, to reconsider the 2012 decision enabling salmon farming in Macquarie Harbor should surprise no-one.
"The Tasmanian Government made a comprehensive submission to the Federal Government that provides clear evidence that the adaptive management framework, described in the 2012 decision, has and continues to effectively manage the risks associated with previous, current and ongoing marine farming in Macquarie Harbour.
"Recent EPA data shows the best consecutive results for Macquarie Harbour since reporting commenced in 2016. The survey results clearly demonstrate that conditions in the harbour have improved markedly and that independent regulation of salmon farming is working.
"The Tasmanian Liberal Government's position is absolutely clear – these requests have no sound basis, and no change to the original decision is required.
"We firmly believe the Maugean Skate and the Salmon industry can continue to coexist in the Harbour which is what I re-iterated to workers on the ground.
"A standing invitation is in place for the Prime Minister and Minister Plibersek to visit Macquarie Harbour so that they can hear firsthand from those who face the ongoing uncertainty the EPBC reconsideration has created.
"I also call on Labor MP's, especially those with considerable aquaculture jobs in their electorate to call on Minister Plibersek to give our regional communities certainty that they need, they should do the right thing and step up.
"That's what the Liberals do when it comes to Tasmanian jobs."
