'Dire need' to monitor oyster leases, says Tesch

There is a "dire need" for better regulation and monitoring of oyster leases in Brisbane Water," according to Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch.

"It's shocking that a number of oyster leases have been left in a state of disrepair, with the collection baskets hanging loose, as well as some baskets broken off completely and floating free in the water," Ms Tesch said.

"The dilapidated leases can be seen from the shore and are a blight on our beautiful waterways," she said.

Ms Tesch said that Clean4 Shore coordinator Mr Graham "Jono" Johnston brought her attention to the situation.

Abandoned oyster leases have contributed to the 180kg of waste hauled in just one clean up from the Brisbane Water at Woy Woy by Clean4Shore volunteers, including students from Brisbane Water Secondary College, she said.

Ms Tesch said that, while in Parliament, she took the opportunity to bring the issue to the attention of the Minister for Primary Industries.

"I wrote to the Minister to bring to his attention the dire need for better regulation and monitoring of oyster leases in Brisbane Water," she said.

"I want to know what responsibilities lessees have to maintain standards on their leases to ensure the safety and protection of our waterways and what role the Department of Primary Industries plays in ensuring that our beautiful natural environment is protected from this latest threat.

"We love our local oyster farmers, and our local oysters, but we all need to be strong stewards of our beautiful natural environment.

"Now it's the State Government's job to make sure that our waterways are kept pristine."

Reports also reveal that further oyster industry equipment is being dumped on the mangrove islands within the Brisbane Water.

SOURCE:

Media release, 23 Nov 2017

Richard Mehrtens, Office of Liesl Tesch MP