FARMS GO OFFSHORE

TASSAL has announced plans to retire two leases in the south of the state as the company shifts its focus to offshore farming.

Tasmania’s largest salmon producer yesterday announced it would harvest all salmon from one if its largest commercial leases — the Tinderbox lease near North Bruny Island — by the end of this year, starting a phased retirement of inshore farms.

Tassal managing director Mark Ryan said the Tinderbox lease and the Brabazon Park lease in the Huon River, which is not currently in use, would then be retired subject to the approval of new offshore leases west of Wedge Island in Storm Bay from next year.

Mr Ryan said no jobs would be lost in the transition, with Tassal’s workforce forecast to increase from 1300 to 1700 within five years.

He said Tassal would ensure the Tinderbox site was remediated.

“In order to facilitate growth we realise we need to give something up to get something more, and that’s what we’re seeking to do,” Mr Ryan said.

The two leases to be retired cover a combined 27.74ha. If Tassal’s Storm Bay proposal is approved the total lease area would be about 180ha, and the site will produce 10,000 tonnes of fish each year.

Environment Tasmania strategy director Laura Kelly “cautiously welcomed” Tassal’s announcement but questioned whether the company would withdraw from the Okehampton Bay farm.

Mr Ryan said Okehampton Bay was a “different circumstance,” with 20m depth and good current flows.

“We are committed to the Triabunna region and the jobs and the opportunities that are both being created there,” Mr Ryan said.

“If the government and the community want us to look at further offshore farming then we’re prepared to look at that.”

The State Government and Opposition welcomed Tassal’s announcement yesterday.

Public consultation on the Storm Bay proposal will run for 60 days.