Lobster plans stirring the pot

A MEETING will be held at Taroona’s foreshore park today as residents raise concerns about the potential development of a commercial lobster hatchery in the suburb.

The Taroona Community Association says the proposed sale of a crown land title to the University of Tasmania, which is looking to establish a hatchery, would see part of Taroona’s bushland coastal reserve lost to the public.

“The lower southern section of the title is a beautiful patch of coastal Tasmanian blue gum forest that has been part of the Taroona Beach reserve for decades. This type of forest has high biodiversity values as it is important foraging habitat for the nationally endangered swift parrot,” TCA president Jill Hickie said.

She said commercial activity was prohibited by the Kingborough Interim Planning Scheme at Crayfish Point.

Last week, UTAS said the proposed planning changes would apply to crown land on the coastal edge, but no changes to the Taroona Foreshore Trail or its use were anticipated or required.

UTAS said no proposal to build the hatchery at Taroona had been finalised but the proposed planning changes would allow it to be explored.

UTAS director of corporate affairs Jason Purdie said the site had advantages as IMAS Taroona already housed a research lobster hatchery.

“Locating a small pilot-scale hatchery alongside the existing research facility would allow the world-class scientists based at Taroona to work alongside staff commercialising the technology,” Mr Purdie said.

The meeting will be held at Taroona’s foreshore park at 11am today. Kingborough councillors, candidates, state politicians, IMAS and representatives from the investing company have been invited.