The new head of fish farming industry body Salmon Tasmania is wasting no time in spruiking its benefits to the state.
The first-ever Economic and Social Contribution Report by Deloitte reveals aquaculture accounts for nearly one in five jobs across the Latrobe, West Coast and Tasman municipalities and more than one in 4 in the Huon.
Salmon Tas CEO Luke Martin addressed a gathering at Home Hill Winery.
“The industry generated around $770 million of economic activity for Tasmania in 2022 and supported 5100 jobs,” he said.
“Salmon workers in regional communities are paid, on average, 56 per cent more than other people who work in these areas.”
Opposition group Neighbours of Fish Farming wasn’t convinced.
“Exaggerated job figures and a lobby group fronted by a former tourism salesman cannot persuade the 72% of Tasmanians who want to see coastal inshore salmon farming ended or that this foreign-owned industry is anything other than a machine for making money for its overseas owners while destroying the waterways and marine life Tasmanians love,” said NOFF President Peter George.
“The document, apparently produced in collaboration with gun-for-hire consulting firm, Deloittes, comes replete with dubious claims, skewed data and a tidal wave of greenwashing while utterly failing to assess the realities of this destructive industry.”
Meantime, Labor’s arguing the Rockliff Government has let the industry down.
“Despite so many positives, this Liberal Government is trying to stifle the industry by introducing a moratorium and creating a salmon plan which has caused great uncertainty and angst for both industry and community,” said Shadow Primary Industries Minister Janie Finlay.
