Dodges Ferry community rejects plans for salmon pens in north Storm Bay

A meeting at Dodges Ferry in southern Tasmania on 27 October overwhelming endorsed a motion rejecting plans by multinational salmon farmer Petuna to install feedlots in the north of Storm Bay. In a standing-room only meeting in the town, about 170 people voted against salmon industry expansion off Frederick Henry Bay and near Betsy Island.

The resolution reads: "That this community of Dodges Ferry and environs rejects the colonisation of our nearby waterways, including Frederick Henry Bay, Betsy island and Norfolk Bay by industrial salmon feedlots".

The resolution followed warnings that the impact of salmon feedlots would impact communities that had never expected their waterways to become industrial zones with 24-hour operations, noise and light in a formerly tranquil region.

Concerns were raised about nutrients, antibiotics, debris creating beach litter, algal blooms, water pollution and impacts on marine life, particularly the endangered red handfish found only in Frederick Henry Bay.

Petuna wants to install 50 salmon pens in two areas within sight of Dodges Ferry but has yet to publish its environmental impact statement (EIS).

Speakers included independent scientist and former CEO of the renowned Derwent Estuary Project Christine Coughanowr, former member of the Marine Farming Planning Review Panel Louise Cherrie, leader of the Tasmanian Greens Rosalie Woodruff, and members of community organisations impacted by salmon farms in the south east, including Friends of the Bays (FOB), Tasman Peninsula Marine Protection (TPMP) and NOFF.

The two-hour meeting was hosted by the local Greens movement and chaired by Alistair Allan, Bob Brown Foundation marine campaigner.

NOFF president Peter George says Petuna and the government will face a strong community backlash if they think they can go ahead and install fifty industrial salmon pens in a previously open tranquil part of Storm Bay.

"The concern from residents is palpable. If Labor or Liberal representatives had bothered to accept an invitation from the community to attend the meeting, they'd have witnessed the strength of feeling against the colonisation of their waterways. Woe betide any elected representative who supports such an outrageous project, communities will make their seats untenable."

• More information: Peter George: 0426 150 369 president@noff.au