A call to the Premier to implement a Huon Estuary and D’Entrecasteaux Channel Program.

A request from the people of the Huon & Channel, local swimmers, sailors, fishers and other communities to government:

The fresh and salty waterways should be swimmable and fishable forever. A healthy balance between local communities, businesses and the region’s ecology can be found through a cooperative process such as a Huon Estuary and D’Entrecasteaux Channel Program.

Establishing a coordinated estuary health program, including a state of the environment report card, would provide confidence for the community, and protection for one of our most important natural assets.

Come to our launch event! Find out more here. 

What the community is saying

“The Channel and Huon are facing increasing pressure from industrial expansion, warming waters, and land use runoff. A fragmented regulatory approach is no longer sufficient. Tasmanians expect, and deserve, world-class environmental stewardship. Establishing a coordinated estuary health program would provide confidence for the community, and protection for one of our most important natural assets.”

Clare Glade-Wright, Blackmans Bay

Why we need it

The health of the Huon Estuary and D’Entrecasteaux Channel are vital to recreational users, local industries and communities. These sensitive ecosystems are showing increasing impacts from the heavy demands of rapid industrial growth of salmon farming, land use and climate change. There is growing tension between these users and the general public who work, live and play in the Huon and Channel waters. Government has largely sided with the salmon industry and this has only served to increase community feeling that a better way is needed.  We need community, industry and government collaboration that respects and implements the science. A program that addresses the short, medium and long term issues facing the Huon & Channel.

Other successful programs

The Derwent Estuary Program was launched in 1999 and has been particularly successful due to a commitment to restoration and collaboration from industry. Enterprises such as Boyer and Nyrstar have worked with government and community groups to plan, monitor and support the Derwent River system so it can sustain a wide range of recreational and commercial uses. Its focus areas include:

  • Cutting down pollution and silt 

  • Protecting ecosystems like reefs and wetlands 

  • Making swimming and fishing safe and fun 

  • Promoting this beautiful area’s appreciation and use.

A similar model is needed for the Huon Estuary and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. A dedicated program would replicate a proven and successful model to secure the long-term health of these waterways — for the community and for local jobs.

More information on the Derwent Estuary Program can be found here.

 

Dear Premier

We call on you to implement a Huon Estuary and D’Entrecasteaux Channel Program.

We care about the health of the waterways, and we want the impacts of industry, land uses and climate change to be managed, providing confidence for the community, and protection for one of our most important natural assets.

The waterways should be swimmable and fishable forever.

Will you sign?