Jervis Bay Aquaculture Facility

Jervis Bay deserves the highest level of environmental protection. The proposed aquaculture projects would be at odds with this. The EIS points to unacceptable negative impact on water quality. There would also be a health risk from the movement of shells to the beaches. The degrading of the amenity would affect tourism and property values. And for what benefit? I understand there would be insignificant economic gain from the proposed leases. Don't do it. Put protection of this unique place first.

As I write this submission from my Callala Beach property, I am watching a family of dolphins swim by - so graceful and completely unaware of the intrusion about to potentially take place in their home. The dolphins will not be familiar with the new aquaculture farms, no doubt get tangled and be harmed. The large pod of dolphins currently living in the bay will surely want to relocate to safer waters. How dare man invade their home like this?

I am also watching the tourist boats and recreational boats go by; free to travel over the proposed aquaculture lease sites as they please. With the approval of these leases, this will be no longer. Their usual routes of travel will now need to be reviewed. They will need to renavigate their way through this area of Jervis Bay to avoid the heavy congestion caused by the aquaculture farm.

Callala Beach is said to have the whitest sand in the world. All year around it is clean and bright white with only the exception of shells and some occasional light sea weed. What will this aquaculture bring to the shores of the incredibly beautiful beaches surrounding Jervis Bay?

I am absolutely appalled and disgusted that this commercial shellfish aquaculture lease may actually proceed in one of NSW's, or perhaps the entire country's, most beautiful marine parks - a marine park which we thought was protected from such insensitive proposals.

What will happen to the tourism in Jervis Bay? Sure the lease is only proposed for 50ha but I'm am sure this is just the beginning and with time, should this proceed, the entire 440ha of zoned area available for commercial fishing will be utilised. This will be an absolute disaster.

50ha of farm aside, as I understand it, once this farm is in place there will be up to 3 (THREE!!) return boat trips to the farms per day. How will this be anything but negative for the bay? These service boats will greatly impact the bay - the animals living in it, the tourist and recreational boats, the kite surfers, paddle boarders, kayakers, and so on... Where will these service boats depart from? Another interruption to current activities at the nearby boat access points.

What will happen to the value of our beach front properties?

I am disgusted that we are being told the reason for this is because 'we are eating more shellfish and need a local source'.This is simply a money making scheme - one which will ruin this incredibly beautiful and pure marine park.

I was also extremely offended that NSW Fisheries displayed a huge platter of fresh shellfish at their recent 'drop-in session' at the Callala Beach Community Hall. Their bribing tactic did nothing but infuriate me.

I have read through the Environmental Impacts Statement and other related material on this site but I am yet to see an independent feasibility statement. Where is this and why has it not been developed yet?

Take this proposal elsewhere and leave the Jervis Bay Marine Park as it is - beautiful, pure and natural.

The below reasons are significant cause for concern for me:

1: 50 ha (122 acres) of submerged cable structure presents a real danger to recreational users of Jervis Bay. Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, dolphins) in aquaculture infrastructure are also known to occur.

2: There will be visual pollution presented by 50 ha (122 acres) of floating buoys.

3: NSW Fisheries indicated that commercial aquaculture on this scale was not financially viable. Therefore the developer, which will eventually hold these leases, will seek to maximise the leases to the full 440 ha (1087 acres). This is about 4 times the size of the whole Bayswood Vincentia development.

4: When Jervis Bay became a Marine Park, there was an allocation of 440 ha (1087 acres) for commercial aquacultureleases. It is obvious that any lease holder will seek to maximise their production. If we allow this 50 ha (122 acre) development, there is a real risk that we will end up with 440 ha (1087 acres) of aquaculture in the Bay within this decade.

5: Jervis Bay is a well known international sailing venue and has been for approx. 30 years. Sailing and other recreational water-based activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, contribute significantly to the local and regional economy. For instance in February 2014 it is estimated that sailing events alone, such as the Hobie World Titles, will contribute more than $1,000,000 to the local economy. The estimated gross turn over of the commercial aquaculture proposal of 50 ha, is a mere $173,000!!! Not only will the proposal contribute little to the local and regional economy, it may compromise attracting future national and international events such as the Hobie World Titles.

6: Jervis Bay has the "whitest sand in the world" and a number of the beaches have been recognised with "clean beach" awards. The Bay's beaches are one of our major tourism drawcards and the pride of all that have the opportunity to enjoy them. Foreshore and beach litter is known to occur as a result of aquaculture activities. Our clean and white beaches should be preserved.

7: Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. The Bay is well known for its high water quality. The community, and governments, have fought for generations to protect Jervis Bay and keep it free from primary industry.

I object to this proposal as it will change the sealife, quality of life in a place that I plan to settle when I retire in the next few years. The wonderful sea life we have in Jervis Bay but also attract undesirable sea life and pollution. Callala Beach is never cleaned by our local council as it is pollution free except for sea weed and occasional dead fish and by adding more trawlers into our bay it will change the structure of a very beautiful beach which is basically unspoilt by mankind. Our town has already lost its post office, local shop and it will certainly not be bringing in any further business to the area, so I am sure that there must be another place in New South Wales that this can go. We also have to contend with the possibility of losing part of our beach to soil erosion and if this happens these aquacultural leases will not be just 1.5km and 1.9 km from the shore but closer. It will be a sad day to see no dolphins swimming passed Callala Beach and the bird life diving into the sea around this 7 km beach because of leases that will only employ a few people and the food from them will be propably be taken out of the area and not help the local community.

I strongly believe that we should object to this proposal. The reasons are listed below:

1: 50 ha (122 acres) of submerged cable structure presents a real danger to recreational users of Jervis Bay. Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, dolphins) in aquaculture infrastructure are also known to occur.

2: There will be visual pollution presented by 50 ha (122 acres) of floating buoys.

3: NSW Fisheries indicated that commercial aquaculture on this scale was not financially viable. Therefore the developer, which will eventually hold these leases, will seek to maximise the leases to the full 440 ha (1087 acres).

4: When Jervis Bay became a Marine Park, there was an allocation of 440 ha (1087 acres) for commercial aquacultureleases. It is obvious that any lease holder will seek to maximise their production. If we allow this 50 ha (122 acre) development, there is a real risk that we will end up with 440 ha (1087 acres) of aquaculture in the Bay within this decade.

5: Jervis Bay is a well known international sailing venue and has been for approx. 30 years. Sailing and other recreational water-based activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, contribute significantly to the local and regional economy. For instance in February 2014 it is estimated that sailing events alone, such as the Hobie World Titles, will contribute more than $1,000,000 to the local economy. The estimated gross turn over of the commercial aquaculture proposal of 50 ha, is a mere $173,000!!! Not only will the proposal contribute little to the local and regional economy, it may compromise attracting future national and international events such as the Hobie World Titles.

6: Jervis Bay has the "whitest sand in the world" and a number of the beaches have been recognised with "clean beach" awards. The Bay's beaches are one of our major tourism drawcards and the pride of all that have the opportunity to enjoy them. Foreshore and beach litter is known to occur as a result of aquaculture activities. Our clean and white beaches should be preserved.

7: Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. The Bay is well known for its high water quality. The community, and governments, have fought for generations to protect Jervis Bay and keep it free from primary industry.

1) I object to this proposal as it presents a real risk to life & property of other users of Jervis Bay. Whale & Dolphin cruisers, Sailing, Kayaking, Diving, Fishing, Wind surfing vessels and swimming enthusiasts.
The Orion Beach 10 ha proposal, is in a high traffic area & the existence of the historical Holden street boat ramp, makes this proposal an accident waiting yo happen.

2) The visual pollution, will be overwhelming, with hundreds of floating buoys in rows.
The NSW Fisheries official, in his presentation, mislead the public forum by referring to the structure as being submerged when we know from existing Aquaculture farms that the is much more visual, with hundreds of buoys supporting the underwater structure.

3) When the previous lease which was approx 4m wide X 20m long times 2, was in place, after every storm the beaches were covered with the debris of Mussel shells.
To to introduce farming on the proposed scale in Jervis Bay, this will diminish one our biggest tourism draw cards, being one of the "Whitest Beaches of the World" and having pristine untouched water ways.

4) The Fisheries official in his presentation told us that the expected production was an average of 35 tonne of Mussels per year. 1kg of mussels on the shelf at the fish shop sells for $5.00. This equates to approx $175,000 gross turn over per annum. If this is the case, it doesn't weigh against the physical risk to people's lives, the horrific visual impact and the destruction of our pristine environment.

Community based organisations see sailing clubs organising events on the Bay, which is a big boost to the local economy. In the coming months, Jervis Bay will host a world title catamaran sailing event. This event will draw over 600 people which will spend 2 weeks in Vincentia & Huskisson. It is estimated that they will spend over $1,000,000, on accommodation, food, and entertainment and the race event.

Even from a small regatta, hosting 50-100 boats, staying for 4 days, boost the local economy by close yo $40,000.

Turning Jervis Bay into an obstical course will send such events elsewhere. The community in general will loose dollars & jobs .

The majority of the community is unaware of this proposal & majority of the community are in the belief that Jervis Bay is a Marine Park never to be touched.

We found the presentation ny NSW Fisheries to be very misleading, with them stating that there was little to no visual impact as it was a submerged structure. A quick search on the internet shows long line aqua farming presents hundreds of floating buoys in rows.

To conclude, this objection you have wonder what is the real motivation behind this. When questions were asked during the Fisheries presentation, the answer was " we at Fisheries need to seen to be promoting jobs, to keep our jobs"
By preserving the pristine nature of Jervis Bay, we are the real ones that are creating jobs.
By promoting world class sporting & Recreational events, we are creating far more income & jobs to the community than the proposed 50 ha of Aqua farming will ever achieve. As well as leaving no foot print on this pristine body of water known as Jervis Bay. Most importantly without putting lives at risk, as it will be just a matter of time before some is seriously injured due to the risk that long line submerged cables present.

Please see a recent image of a Humpback Whale in front of Orion Beach close the proposed lease. Will he be able to manoeuvre around these long line cables?

If this proposal goes ahead it will have a detrimental effect on Jervis Bay forever.

I strongly believe that we should object to this proposal. The reasons are listed below:

1: 50 ha (122 acres) of submerged cable structure presents a real danger to recreational users of Jervis Bay. Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, dolphins) in aquaculture infrastructure are also known to occur.

2: There will be visual pollution presented by 50 ha (122 acres) of floating buoys.

3: NSW Fisheries indicated that commercial aquaculture on this scale was not financially viable. Therefore the developer, which will eventually hold these leases, will seek to maximise the leases to the full 440 ha (1087 acres). This is about 4 times the size of the whole Bayswood Vincentia development.

4: When Jervis Bay became a Marine Park, there was an allocation of 440 ha (1087 acres) for commercial aquacultureleases. It is obvious that any lease holder will seek to maximise their production. If we allow this 50 ha (122 acre) development, there is a real risk that we will end up with 440 ha (1087 acres) of aquaculture in the Bay within this decade.

5: Jervis Bay is a well known international sailing venue and has been for approx. 30 years. Sailing and other recreational water-based activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, contribute significantly to the local and regional economy. For instance in February 2014 it is estimated that sailing events alone, such as the Hobie World Titles, will contribute more than $1,000,000 to the local economy. The estimated gross turn over of the commercial aquaculture proposal of 50 ha, is a mere $173,000!!! Not only will the proposal contribute little to the local and regional economy, it may compromise attracting future national and international events such as the Hobie World Titles.

6: Jervis Bay has the "whitest sand in the world" and a number of the beaches have been recognised with "clean beach" awards. The Bay's beaches are one of our major tourism drawcards and the pride of all that have the opportunity to enjoy them. Foreshore and beach litter is known to occur as a result of aquaculture activities. Our clean and white beaches should be preserved.

7: Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. The Bay is well known for its high water quality. The community, and governments, have fought for generations to protect Jervis Bay and keep it free from primary industry.

Judith Sleath

I wish to submit my opinion that permission for commercial shellfish aquaculture in the Jervis Bay area should not to be permitted. Jervis bay should be left in its pristine condition which attracts tourists and protects wildlife.
The income generated and jobs created would not justify the serious potential of damage to the enviroment. This includes the aesthetic apearance of the aquaculture and its affects could damage toursim.
Why not take a better tack and develope politically correct tourism. Come here to get fit and have a good time. We live in an era where people are overweight and spiritually dis-connected. Build more cycle paths linking up the already fabulous cycle paths we have in this area to Booderee national park. Sell Jervis bay on the fact that it is pristine, we do look after the environment. Encourage tourists to come here to cycle, learn about aboriginal culture, eat healthy and good food, enjoy the national park. There is so much such as dancing, yoga classes, walking tracks, swimming and cycling that could be used to sell Jervis bay as a healthy holiday. We would attract more money to the area by following an exciting vision such as this than allowing a small amount of aquaculture that will not bring much money and could in fact damage what we have

am writing to bring to your attention the proposal by NSW Fisheries for the development of commercial aquaculture leases in Jervis Bay (for blue mussels, scallops, Akoya pearl oysters, Sydney rock oysters, flat oysters & abalone). The proposal is for an initial 10 ha (approx. 24 acre) lease, 660m north of Orion Beach near Holden Street boat ramp, Vincentia, and 2 x 20 ha (approx. 98 acre) leases 1.5 km & 1.9 km southeast of Callala Beach (north of Currambene Creek entrance at Huskisson).

If this proposal goes ahead it will have a detrimental effect on Jervis Bay forever.

I strongly believe that we should object to this proposal. The reasons are listed below:

1: 50 ha (122 acres) of submerged cable structure presents a real danger to recreational users of Jervis Bay. Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, dolphins) in aquaculture infrastructure are also known to occur.

2: There will be visual pollution presented by 50 ha (122 acres) of floating buoys.

3: NSW Fisheries indicated that commercial aquaculture on this scale was not financially viable. Therefore the developer, which will eventually hold these leases, will seek to maximise the leases to the full 440 ha (1087 acres). This is about 4 times the size of the whole Bayswood Vincentia development.

4: When Jervis Bay became a Marine Park, there was an allocation of 440 ha (1087 acres) for commercial aquacultureleases. It is obvious that any lease holder will seek to maximise their production. If we allow this 50 ha (122 acre) development, there is a real risk that we will end up with 440 ha (1087 acres) of aquaculture in the Bay within this decade.

5: Jervis Bay is a well known international sailing venue and has been for approx. 30 years. Sailing and other recreational water-based activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, contribute significantly to the local and regional economy. For instance in February 2014 it is estimated that sailing events alone, such as the Hobie World Titles, will contribute more than $1,000,000 to the local economy. The estimated gross turn over of the commercial aquaculture proposal of 50 ha, is a mere $173,000!!! Not only will the proposal contribute little to the local and regional economy, it may compromise attracting future national and international events such as the Hobie World Titles.

6: Jervis Bay has the "whitest sand in the world" and a number of the beaches have been recognised with "clean beach" awards. The Bay's beaches are one of our major tourism drawcards and the pride of all that have the opportunity to enjoy them. Foreshore and beach litter is known to occur as a result of aquaculture activities. Our clean and white beaches should be preserved.

7: Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. The Bay is well known for its high water quality. The community, and governments, have fought for generations to protect Jervis Bay and keep it free from primary industry.

we strongly object to any fisheries happening in jervis bay lets at least not destroy this part of the world and keep it pristine for everyone to enjoy. Why do something that is going to destoy our natural habitat

I object to this proposal on many grounds. These include the visual impact as there are many examples of these farms to be found on websites and the majority are very visible due to the number and size of the buoys and structures.
The navigational lights which are supposedly only one at each corner seems to be under done so it would seem that many more lights (probably flashing) would be required. These lights would be very visible from Callala Beach and will detract from the night view from this area.
The guarantee that the mussels etc would be readily and easily available to locals is ludicrous as Callala Beach residents would have to travel 45 minutes to Huskisson to purchase. The price would have to undercut the price at the Nowra Fish market where the price of NZ mussels is quite often around the $4 per kilo mark. (probably not the same quality as the blue mussels). What guarantee is there that these mussels etc would stay in Australia and not be exported as soon as possible?
Other possible impacts could be caused by the volume of waste created by the mussels etc., potential impact on the dolphin population and the possible entanglement of whales which quite often swim close to Callala Beach during their annual migrations.
The other major objection is that if this proposal is successful for the farmers then how much larger can this farm become. We were informed during discussions that there is plenty of room for expansion in the future so all of the above objections would be multiplied many times over. If this was the case then I would assume that the farms would be expanded in a direction parallel to the beach. I would then be very surprised if the tourism industry did not begin to decline as the visual impact of possibly 100 to 200 hectares of marker buoys and flashing lights would immensely detract from the present magnificent view. This view across the Bay to Point Perpendicular, Bowen Island and the north and south coastlines of Jervis Bay would be lost forever.
These points would also be applicable to the smaller farm to be constructed in the VIncentia area. This area is small compare to the Callala Beach project and I assume that it could also be expanded many fold as well.
There could be benefits from this farm but these are very minor compared with the immense damage that could be caused to the environment, the tourist industry and the local way of life if every time we go the to beach we are confronted by many acres of dark buoys and flashing lights.

we want to keep jervis bay as it is

Submission uploaded as PDF.

I have attached a pdf with submission details.

please see attachment.

See attached.

As attached

see attachment

Please find my submission attached.

BARBARA SCOTT

I cannot read this sentence as the red box is covering it.