Labor Senator Anne Urquhart visited King Island on March 2nd and 3rd, . She attended the Show and met with King Islanders who are worried about the possible impact of seismic testing on the fishing industry which is so vital to the economic life of the Island.
Senator Urquhart met with a group of local crayfishers and also with King Island Council to hear their concerns.
ConocoPhillips' planned seismic testing near King Island has caused a great deal of anxiety in the community in recent months.
The King Island crayfishing industry punches well above its weight, accounting for up to 20% of the Tasmanian catch with less than 10% of Tasmania’s vessels.
Senator Urquhart said:
“The fishing industry is the lifeblood of the King Island economy and a great many people have expressed dismay to me about plans for seismic testing off the coast.”
Senator Urquhart is a member of the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee which is currently conducting an inquiry into impact of seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment and is due to report by the 21st of May this year.
“I urge anyone with concerns about the impact of seismic testing to contact the Committee Secretariat and request to make a late submission,” said Senator Urquhart.
“I think sometimes people are put off by the idea of making a formal submission to a government inquiry. It’s important that people understand that a submission can simply be a letter expressing concerns.”
“It’s important that the Senators on the inquiry hear individual stories about what the fears are and the worries the fishing community have about a possible impact on the families and economy of King Island.”
The Committee Secretariat contact details are: Committee Secretary, Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications, PO Box 6100, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 6277 3526
