Beach Watch should be extended beyond the current December to March only period after 10 beaches failed the most recent pollution testing across Hobart.
Shadow Environment Minister Alison Standen said it was clear there needed to be greater scope for the program and greater communication with Tasmanians of testing results.
“It’s clear the Beach Watch program needs to focus on more than only four months each year considering there have had ongoing issues with water quality in areas like the southern end of Blackmans Bay beach for two years,” Ms Standen said.
“Hobartians swim, fish and recreate in the Derwent throughout the year and with Easter traditionally a busy time on our beaches, the latest pollution testing results are a major public health concern.
“Additionally, the Environmental Protection Authority should be tasked with a role to be an independent regulator to test the storm water outflows into the Derwent.
“The Kingborough Council has taken its own initiatives to get to the bottom of this issue in its area but Minister Elise Archer should not be should not be missing in action on this issue and she should not be letting responsibility rest with local councils who are not resourced to manage pollution testing.
“It’s disgraceful that it has taken over two years of investigation and we still do not have a comprehensive resolution as to the source of pollution and just this week we have seen 18 beaches tested and just seven given the tick of approval.”
Alison Standen MP
Shadow Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister
