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Greens support Seafood Industry Council’s on pollution
Tim Morris MP
The Tasmanian Greens today called on Primary Industries Minister David Llewellyn to take action to prevent the regular chemical contamination on Tasmanian rivers and waterways, following the Minister’s confirmation that he has received a letter from the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council (on chemical pollution).
(The letter) expressing concerns about the use and regulation of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals in Tasmania, and about the downstream effects of these chemicals on oyster farmers.
Greens Water spokesperson Tim Morris MP said Tasmanian rivers and waterways are being regularly contaminated with toxic pesticides and herbicides, yet the Bartlett Government and Minister Llewellyn have done nothing to prevent these ongoing contamination events, leading to concern from oyster growers that their stock may be contaminated and their businesses ruined by waterborne agricultural chemicals.
Mr Morris also said that the Greens have been trying for many years to pass chemical trespass legislation which would make it an offence to apply any toxic agricultural chemical that ends up contaminating neighbour’s properties or businesses.
“The Seafood Industry Council is the latest in a long list of Tasmanian water users to express concerns about contamination of their stock and possible ruination of their businesses, and the Greens share their concerns” said Mr Morris.
“The Minister’s response in Parliament today, that he would take this matter up with the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA), is totally unsatisfactory. It is the Minister who holds the power to regulate and monitor the use of toxic agricultural chemicals, not the TFGA.”
“There are significant oyster growing operations at or near the mouths of the Duck, Georges and Coal Rivers, and all three of these rivers have recorded chemical contamination events in recent months and years.”
“Minister Llewellyn must move to protect Tasmania’s oyster farming industry from the ongoing chemical contamination of our rivers and waterways. Tasmania desperately requires improved regulation and monitoring of toxic agricultural chemicals, as well as heavy penalties for those who cause any chemical trespass onto neighbouring properties or businesses,” said Mr Morris.
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