Salmon farm. (Photo: Tassal)

Tassal's Okehampton Bay salmon facing court challenge by Bob Brown Foundation, Graeme Wood

AUSTRALIA
Monday, September 11, 2017, 21:20 (GMT + 9)

The Bob Brown Foundation has joined with tourism businesses owned by millionaire environmentalist Graeme Wood to mount a legal challenge to the federal approval of a salmon farm on Tasmania's east coast, reports ABC News.

The parties have filed the action with the Federal Court, challenging the decision to approve Tassal's Okehampton Bay fish farm.

Environmentalist Bob Brown believes Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg made a mistake, or erred in his obligation, in giving the project the go-ahead last month.

The farm has drawn the ire of environmentalists, recreational fishers and some locals — though others have welcomed the creation of local jobs.

The court action was launched by the Bob Brown Foundation, and Spring Bay Mill and Triabunna Investments, which are developing tourist facilities at the former woodchip mill site at Triabunna — owned by Mr Wood.

Mr Wood is a supporter of a social media campaign against the Tassal development.

"We don't believe the Minister properly studied the impact that the Tassal invasion of Okehampton Bay will have on important environmental factors and cultural factors," Mr Brown said.

"He has had 28 days to provide publicly the reasons for giving the go-ahead to Tassal, he's failed to do that," he added.

Strict environmental conditions: Minister

In a statement, Mr Frydenberg said Tassal's new farm would be subject to strict conditions.

"The proposal by Tassal Operations Pty Ltd to farm Atlantic salmon on an existing marine lease in Okehampton Bay has been determined under national environmental law not to be 'controlled action'," he said.

"Tassal, however, will be subject to strict environmental requirements, including avoiding significant impacts on nationally listed threatened and migratory species, such as the southern right whale.

"The decision on this proposal is supported by independent environmental advice and follows a public consultation period.

"It also involved careful consideration of the potential environmental impacts on nationally protected matters, including the southern right whale and giant kelp forests."

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has hit out at Graeme Wood saying the east coast region was desperate for jobs and he should focus on fulfilling his promise to build a tourism development there.

The Federal Court has listed a preliminary hearing on the case next week.

Tassal declined to comment to the local media ABC News.

The salmon industry is already facing a legal challenge with rival company Huon Aquaculture launching action against the Tasmanian Government and the Environmental Protection Authority, claiming they had failed to protect Macquarie Harbour.

Related articles:

- Tassal wins back certification for two fish farm leases in waters of Macquarie Harbour
- Strong controversy generated by federal approval for Tassal’s aquaculture farm in Tasmania

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