TLDR;
The Australian federal government's approval of salmon farming expansion in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania, in 2012 led to environmental concerns, including declines in water quality and the endangered Morian skate population. This prompted legal challenges from environmental groups, which were effectively stopped by a law change enacted by the Labor government before the federal election. Environment Minister Murray Watt has now officially ended the challenge using this new law, allowing salmon farming to continue under state regulations. The Bob Brown Foundation is challenging this decision, arguing the government is avoiding responsibility. Ongoing research and monitoring of the salmon industry's impact on Macquarie Harbour and the Morian skate will continue.
- Salmon farming expansion in Macquarie Harbour led to environmental concerns.
- Environmental groups challenged the 2012 decision, leading to uncertainty.
- The Labor government changed laws to stop environmental challenges.
- Environment Minister Murray Watt officially ended the challenge using the new law.
- The Bob Brown Foundation is challenging this decision.
Salmon Farming Expansion and Environmental Concerns [0:00]
In 2012, the federal government approved the expansion of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's west coast. Since then, there have been declines in water quality and the population of the endangered Morian skate. These environmental issues prompted environmental groups to challenge the 2012 decision. The reconsideration process has been ongoing since 2023, creating uncertainty for the aquaculture industry and communities that rely on jobs in that industry.
Government Intervention and Legal Changes [0:29]
Earlier this year, the Labor government changed the laws to effectively stop environmental groups from challenging the salmon farming expansion. Environment Minister Murray Watt has now used this new law change to officially end the challenge. This decision means that salmon farming can continue in Macquarie Harbour, subject to state-based regulations. The government asserts that every decision made regarding environmental approvals complies with the law and that the legislation was amended to address reconsiderations.
Legal Challenges and Ongoing Monitoring [1:09]
The Bob Brown Foundation is challenging the government's decision, arguing that the new law was rushed through Parliament to avoid responsibility. The decision came one week before the federal court was scheduled to hear a legal challenge to the law change. The way in which the salmon industry interacts with Macquarie Harbour and the Morian skate remains subject to ongoing research and monitoring.