Bird fears as dam deadline nears

THE Wilderness Society is reminding Tasmanians that public comment is about to close for an East Coast dam proposal that could have a significant impact on endangered swift parrots.

The Glamorgan Spring Bay Council’s proposal for a 3000ML dam near Triabunna was tabled to the Department of Environment and Energy last year.

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, the department determined the project required full assessment and approval. The public comment period closes today.

Wilderness Society campaign manager Vica Bayley says the endangered swift par- rot cannot afford to lose any more habitat.

Council documents show the dam project would involve 21.65ha of pre and early breeding swift parrot habitat being lost to allow for the dam, which would supply water for Tassal’s Okehampton Bay salmon farm.

Mr Bayley said loss of swift parrot breeding habitat would significantly hinder the survival of the endangered species.

“The swift parrot is a species heading towards extinction and they can’t afford to lose any more habitat life,” Mr Bayley said.

“This dam would be a death by a thousand cuts for the critically endangered species.”

Tassal has not responded to a request for comment.