An ABC South East report by Peta Doherty has revealed that NSW Fisheries has warned changes to Eurobodalla Council's planning regulations could put the multi-million dollar oyster industry at risk.
The report advises that Fisheries has objected to Eurobodalla Council opening up wetlands on private lands for grazing and blanket rezoning of forested and environmentally protected land.
Simon Lauder of ABC South East today (July 19th, 2018) asked the Mayor of Eurobodalla, Liz Innes to give a response to the claims that rural land development, as will be allowed under the Rural Lands Strategy, will pollute down-stream water-ways and contaminate oyster harvest areas
Video: Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes - Interviewed by Simon Lauder of ABC South East Radio July 19th 2018. Recorded under Fair Dealing. All copy right remains with ABC Photo: Eurobodalla Council
ABC South East reports that the submission by Fisheries warns Eurobodalla Council that such actions could affect the Oyster Coast's international reputation for quality and lead to a state government review of the industry.
In an earlier report ABC South East informed its listeners that the office of Environment and Heritage and Local Lands Services have also submitted scathing submissions saying the proposed changes are incompatible with conservation and put wetlands and swift parrot habitat at risk. Full of certainty that the Rural Lands Strategy is "done and dusted" and simply now a matter of having it endorsed by councillors the Mayor advised Simon Lauder that "we have heard all those concerns before … there is nothing new" "If the majority of councillors agree it will be done" When asked if the Mayor was satisfied that these State Agency concerns have been addressed she replied "Absolutely – it is appropriate that government agencies at times bring up their concerns – we have addressed those concerns and the Minister has agreed with us."
