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GREENS seek revamp of aquaculture licensing processes
Following the failure of a west coast abalone aquaculture venture, South Australian Greens say a ‘total rethink’ of licensing aquaculture is warranted.
A series of investor meetings of the Australian Bight Abalone company in voluntary administration concluded last week in Perth.
Local residents in Elliston have raised a number of issues relating to the company’s operations including how the venture was able to become established in a sensitive environmental area.
Mark Parnell, SA Greens leader, claims the corporate failure should bring about a rethink on the entire aquaculture industry.
"I think we do need to go back to the drawing board and have a look at how the aquaculture industry is managed," he was reported as having said.
"The trend over the last 10 years has been to provide less and less opportunities for members of the community to engage in the debate.
"It's now no longer possible for anyone to challenge aquaculture."
In response the Government claims all stakeholders are involved in the development process of new and existing aquaculture zones in the state.
Paul Caica, SA Food and Fisheries Minister, released a statement saying the process includes members of the public and stakeholder groups such as local government and industry.
The statement strongly emphasised that to the Minister’s belief, “all transactions by Australian Bight Abalone were in accordance with the law, including public notification where required”.
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