A 2012 decision to expand salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour is currently under review by the federal environment department.
Under questioning from Senator Peter Whish-Wilson at Senate Estimates last night, the department's Head of Environment Approvals Division, Bruce Edwards, said three submissions to review the controversial federal environmental approval had been made, with the department now considering its legal options.
Mr Edwards noted the case was complex, but if matters relating to the environmental approval are determined to be "live", the federal environment minister would have jurisdiction to intervene. A decision is expected before the end of the year.
As stated by Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:
"The federal government's 2012 decision to expand salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour was made with the proviso it would not significantly impact the Maugean skate - but scientists now warn the endangered species is fighting for survival precisely because of a decline in water quality attributed largely to salmon farming in the Harbour.
"If the federal environment minister does have the jurisdiction to reverse the 2012 decision to rapidly expand salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour then she absolutely should.
"The regulation of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour has been a disaster. It's a cop out for successive federal environment ministers to continue to watch on as salmon industry regulators and the Tasmanian government fail spectacularly to protect and prioritise the environment, including matters of national environmental significance like the sad decline and imminent extinction of the Maugean skate.
"There is no job more important for an environment minister than protecting a species from extinction. Minister Plibersek has a critical mandate to protect the Maugean skate and she must pull every lever available to her to ensure its survival."
** Jump to the 20:17:24:00 mark of this clip from Senate Estimates for the exchange between Senator Whish-Wilson and Mr Bruce Edwards.
