An epic battle for hearts and minds

TASMANIANS are torn over Tassal’s Okehampton Bay fish farm, new polling reveals.

Exclusive Mercury polling conducted by ReachTEL revealed 47.9 per cent of respondents statewide did not support fish farming at Okehampton Bay, with 29.4 per cent in favour and 22.7 per cent undecided.

The poll of 2817 Tasmanians was conducted on Thursday and Friday.

In the Lyons electorate, where the fish farm will be located, 51.6 per cent opposed it and 27.2 per cent supported it.

The strongest opposition to the fish farm was in southern Tasmania, while there was more support in the NorthWest and divided support in the North.

Results were mixed across the political spectrum.

Unsurprisingly, 82.8 per cent of Greens voters were against the plan.

There was also strong opposition within Labor’s base, with 55.5 per cent of Labor voters saying they did not support it.

In contrast, more Liberal voters favoured the fish farm, with 44.4 per cent in support and 31.4 per cent opposed.

Younger Tasmanians were split almost equally on the issue, while older demographics were more opposed.

Further Mercury ReachTEL polling on the issues that are important to Tasmanians revealed 2.9 per cent rated fish farms as the issue most important to them. The full range of issues polled will be published tomorrow.

Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Michael Kent, who has been unapologetic in his support of the fish farm, said the undecided factor was telling.

“There is still, I would be-

lieve, a larger percentage who would be for salmon farming in Okehampton Bay,” Cr Kent said. “I’m still very confident that fish farming in Okehampton Bay will happen and should happen for the community and for the jobs.”

Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said there was no stronger supporter of the salmon industry than the Hodgman Government.

“It creates jobs right around the state and is one of our key exports. However, we understand that some in the community have concerns and that’s why we have introduced tougher rules with stronger penalties and that’s why we’ve tasked the independent EPA with regulating the industry,” Mr Rockliff said.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White said the poll showed Tasmanians were not satisfied with the Liberals’ oversight of the industry.

“This is a vote of no confidence in the Hodgman Liberal Government’s leadership and regulation of salmon farming,” Ms White said.

“Labor has called for strengthening of regulation when it comes to stocking density, real time monitoring by IMAS and increased transparency about decision-making by the EPA.”

The Greens are banking on community opposition to fish farming to help it win a seat in Lyons.

Greens marine environment spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said the poll showed there was growing concern in the community about rapid fish farm expansion.

“Labor and the Liberals have decided to back this industry, whatever the cost. The Greens are the only voice in the Tasmanian Parliament representing the increasing number of Tasmanians who want the marine environment protected,” Dr Woodruff said.

“[This] will clearly be a key election issue, and the Liberal and Labor parties have been put on notice.”

Mercury- ReachTEL state voting intentions polling released at the weekend showed Lyons would be a deciding electorate in the state election.