Seaweed Aquaculture Lease, Disaster Bay - Eden 1

I am writing as a regular visitor to Disaster Bay, Wonboyn and in particular Greenglades beach. I have enjoyed fishing, swimming, hiking and boating in the area for approximately 20 years and value it immensely for it's unique and pristine environment.
I was shocked and appalled when I first heard about this proposal. Although I understand that planning has been going on for many years I was not made aware of any public consultation or dissemination of information until about six months ago.
I object on several grounds:
1. Magnitude
The size of this development is out of all proportion to the area. At 2km long x 1km wide it will be visible from every vantage point that overlooks the bay and completely dominate the views greatly dimishing the natural beauty of the area. This would be a tragedy as there are so few of these pristine areas remaining along this part of the coastline.
2. Commercial vs Environmental Interest
The arguments that the developer makes regarding the contribution to restoring the natural environment of the area by reintroducing kelp are moot and amount to gaslighting. This is a business first and foremost and the kelp grown will be harvested negating any positive impacts on the environment. How can the developer claim that the farm will provide a sealife habitat and be a carbon sink when the kelp will be harvested? This makes no sense. What happens to the sealife when the kelp is harvested? The truth is that it won't be there in the first place. The developer has a history of building and selling businesses and I have no doubt that the goal is the same with this development. I note that recent kelp agribusinesses in Australia have been sold to overseas interests.
3. Interference with Natural Coastline
It is simply impossible that a development of this size, both overwater and underwater, will not have an impact on the beach and associated natural environment. You do not need to be a scientist to realise that wave patterns and currents will surely be disrupted which will have an impact on the neighbouring shoreline and beaches. Strong waves and storms play an unwelcome but important impact on our shorelines and will be blocked by this massive development.
4. Pollution
I understand that the development will contain hundreds of metres of line and hundreds of plastic components such as buoys. There is no doubt that some of this material will end up on the beach as has happened during the pilot phase. Friends of mine who are locals already report that they have picked up plastic waste from the beach during the pilot project. More insideously, microplastics will be released into the enviroment with a detrimental effect on aquatic life. Further the boat traffic required for harvesting and maintaining the kelp will pollute the area with noise , waste and fumes. This will deter and possibly harm, marine creatures such as dolphins and seals which currently frequent the area.
5. Negative Impact on Sealife
Dolphins, penguins and seals frequent this area and will be at high risk of becoming entangled in the hundreds of ropes which will be hanging below the surface. Further the floor of the ocean in this area has been described as an "ocean desert". This is not correct. It is full of fish, crabs, worms etc which will be impacted by the shadowing from such a large structure. I know about the prolific sealife in the area as a regular fisherman on Greenslades beach.
6. Commercial Strategy
I note from the developer's own information that global warming has had an impact on weather and water temperatures and that this has had an impact on Golden Kelp. This is sad, however how does the developer believe that he will overcome these macro trends with his farm? Wouldn't it be better to start a kelp farm in a colder enviroment such as Tasmania? If global weather trends continue how much longer will kelp be able to survive in Disaster Bay? Further impacting the commercial viability, I note that 90% of the world's kelp comes from other parts of Asia and clearly these producers will have much lower costs than Auskelp. Hence I have grave doubts as to the long term viability of this project and would be very interested to see some information on how the developer hopes to compete internationally.

However apart from the likely commercial failure/sale to overseas interests , my main grounds for objection are the enviromental impacts. Aside from the horrific impact on the surrounding area, this may set a precedent for future projects and lead to the degradation of more of our wonderful coastline.

I have attached some recent photos of this beautiful place to remind Planners of the places that will be irreversibly scarred by this development.

Thank you for considering my objection.

I've been staying at Wonboyn every summer for over 25 years and it is such a quiet, undeveloped area which is why we love it so much. Adding such a big kelp farm with the lighting/infrastructure out the front of Greenglades will detract visually from the incredible view, cover the beach in kelp after storms and other unknown environmental impacts. Once damage is done to this pristine environment it can't be undone! We don't want money put ahead of our natural environment, especially an area that has suffered so much from natural disasters in recent years!

I am very concerned about the detrimental impact that the kelp farm would have on this wonderful piece of coast land. Not just that it would scar the visual beauty of the area but in particular, the hazards created by the farm infrastructure on the local marine life and sea bed. In addition, the problem of micro plastic pollution from the weathering of the plastic components of the farm would have a deleterious effect upon entering the food chain.

I believe this expansion has no real grounds to suggest it is going to be beneficial for the aquatic environment. Rather this is introducing a disruptive practice and pollutants such as increased water traffic, and the use of synthetic rope will impact the ecosystem through spreading microplastics. The infrastructure will exploit the sea floor and there is not enough consideration of what currently lives and passes through this bay and the impacts of the proposal.

Visual impacts of this project particularly through buoys is intrusive and could not be viewed as contributing positively to the outlook of the bay.

I am writing to express my deep concerns about the proposed 200-hectare AUSKELP commercial kelp farm, which is planned to be located just 600 metres from the shoreline at Disaster Bay, near Wonboyn Lake. As a fifth-generation resident, I have a whole life and generational connection to Wonboyn, and I feel a strong responsibility to protect this unique and fragile environment.

For as long as I can remember, I have grown up around Greenglades and Baycliff, spending my days exploring this pristine wilderness and observing its ecosystems in their untouched natural state. Wonboyn and Disaster Bay are home to one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the South Coast, supporting dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife, and countless other species. Greenglades in particular holds a very special place in my heart — it represents everything that makes this part of Australia so rare and precious.

One of the most extraordinary natural events we experience here each year is the whale migration. Disaster Bay sits directly along the migratory path of humpback and southern right whales, and it is common to see mothers and calves stopping to rest and play in these safe, calm waters. This is not just a local treasure but a globally significant phenomenon, drawing visitors, researchers, and conservationists from across the country.

Recently, I met with a TV and film producer who was exploring Wonboyn and asked me where they could find the most beautiful beach in the area. Without hesitation, I pointed them in the direction of Greenglades. A few days later, I ran into them again, and they told me how overwhelmed they were by the beauty and untouched serenity of the beach. They described the experience as “magical,” sharing the sense of joy and awe they felt standing on those shores. Hearing this from a complete stranger — someone from the city who had never been here before — reminded me why I love this place so deeply and why I want more people to experience it. But moments like these, and the natural beauty that inspires them, could be lost if the kelp farm goes ahead in this location.

The proposed kelp farm would have devastating consequences for our environment and our community. The installation of such a large-scale operation would risk entangling migrating whales and their young in its ropes and infrastructure, potentially forcing them away from these safe resting areas. It would also attract seals to the farm, which in turn would bring more sharks closer to our shores, creating unsafe conditions for both marine life and the community. Additionally, with kelp washing ashore in constant volumes, iconic beaches like Greenglades could become unswimmable and unusable, permanently altering the character of the area.

Wonboyn Lake itself is highly vulnerable to environmental change. A single east coast low or severe storm event could easily close the lake entrance, impacting tidal flows and water quality. This would threaten the survival of the area’s thriving oyster industry, which depends on pristine waters to produce some of the best oysters in the country. The ripple effects on marine life, tourism, and local livelihoods would be significant and irreversible.

I want to make it clear that this is not about opposing innovation or sustainable business. I understand the potential economic benefits that a kelp farm could bring, but this particular location is simply not suitable. There are alternative sites along the coast where such an operation could be established without threatening critical habitats, whale migration routes, the oyster industry, and the untouched natural beauty that makes Wonboyn and Disaster Bay so unique.

Disaster Bay, Wonboyn Lake, and the surrounding ecosystems are treasures that cannot be replaced once damaged. For generations, this community has respected and protected these waters, and I believe it is our duty to ensure they remain unspoiled for future generations. We must act now to safeguard the biodiversity, tourism potential, and cultural significance of this region before it is too late.

I urge you to carefully reconsider the placement of the proposed kelp farm and explore alternative locations that will not jeopardise the environment, local industries, and the rare natural beauty of this area.

Submission – Objection to Proposed Auskelp Seaweed Aquaculture Project, Disaster Bay (Eden-1)
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to formally object to the proposed Auskelp Seaweed Aquaculture Project in Disaster Bay.
Greenglades and Disaster Bay hold deep personal and generational significance to me and my family. I was born in Wonboyn in 1986, and my family has longstanding ties to this area, including serving as lighthouse keepers at Greencape when it was still operated manually. This is not just my home it is part of my identity, history, and connection to Wonboyn.
Greenglades sits adjacent to the Nadgee Nature Reserve and Beowa National Park, forming part of one of the most untouched and ecologically significant coastal systems in New South Wales. These areas are protected specifically because of their wilderness values, minimal human interference, high biodiversity, and pristine coastal processes. The project itself acknowledges it is located as close as 1.1 km offshore from Greenglades Beach which brings industrial activity into direct proximity of this sensitive and protected landscape.
One of the defining characteristics of Greenglades Beach is its pristine, untouched condition. It is a rare place where there is little to no rubbish, no visual pollution, and no sense of commercialisation. Introducing a 200-hectare offshore aquaculture operation, including infrastructure, buoys, ropes and vessel activity - risks permanently altering the visual and environmental integrity of this coastline. Even if described as “low visibility,” the presence of infrastructure and navigation markers changes the experience of a truly wild beach.
The proposal itself confirms the scale of the development, with a 200-hectare marine lease and up to 100 individual kelp rigs. This is not a small or negligible footprint - it is a large-scale industrial use of a currently undeveloped marine environment.
Beyond visual impact which I am sure I will be able to see from my balcony, I am deeply concerned about the broader ecological implications. Disaster Bay is an important habitat and migration pathway for marine life, including whales. While the project states there is no recorded entanglement in kelp farms globally the absence of evidence is not the same as proof of no risk, particularly when this would be one of the first operations of its kind in Australia, in a high-energy, open ocean environment. This coastline is known for whale sightings and seasonal migrations, which are part of both the ecological value and the lived experience of the area.
Additionally, the introduction of synthetic materials such as ropes and floats raises concerns about long-term marine pollution, including microplastics. The project acknowledges that materials used can release microfibres over time. Even if considered “minor” in isolation, this is inconsistent with the purpose and value of preserving a near-pristine marine and coastal ecosystem.
Greenglades and the broader Disaster Bay coastline are also culturally significant to the Traditional Custodians of this Country. This area holds a long history of connection to land and sea, including known cultural sites and traditional use of coastal resources.
The unspoiled nature of this coastline is part of that cultural significance. Introducing industrial infrastructure offshore risks impacting not only the environment but also the cultural and spiritual connection Aboriginal people have to this area.
Greenglades and Disaster Bay are special precisely because they have remained largely untouched. They offer something increasingly rare, a true wilderness coastline where natural processes, wildlife, and human experience exist without industrial presence. Once this type of development is introduced, that character cannot be restored.
I am also concerned about the level of community consultation that hasn't taken place. Wonboyn and the surrounding areas are a small, close-knit community, where not everyone has equal access to information at the same time, particularly in a community where many people rely on word of mouth and local networks rather than formal channels.
For a project of this scale and significance, there should be meaningful, ongoing engagement. Genuine consultation requires time, accessibility, and multiple opportunities for community members to understand the proposal, ask questions, and provide informed feedback. At present, it does not feel that this standard has been met.
This is not simply a local development, it is a decision about whether we are willing to industrialise one of the last truly pristine coastal environments in New South Wales.
I strongly urge the Department to reject this proposal and prioritise the long-term protection of this unique and irreplaceable environment.

As a long term resident of the Far South Coast it is my belief that an Aquaculture project with infrastructure in a semi open bay that is impacted by ocean swell is doomed to finish up on South Wonboyn Beach, the proponent has never seen the effects of a severe South Coast Low as we haven't had one since the 1970's but it is inevitable that it will occur, in that event the ocean swell was so severe that it was breaking in a line from the Lookout in Eden to the Chipmill wharf, whilst I support aquaculture in the broad sense,I believe it should be located in a more sheltered area not what is basically open ocean.If the department takes the time to research such weather events it will be obvious that this location is not suitable.

I object to the project because I think the area should stay pristine and not be subjected to commercial industry. The kelp farm will end up on the shore as soon as a big east coast low hits the area. My family has been a part of Wonboyn since my great grandfather Ivor Jones settled there in the early 1930's and would like to be able to appreciate the natural beauty without adding industry to this area. Leave it alone we do need areas of wilderness to be just left from mans greed.

I strongly object to the project due to concerns I have for the impact on the currently pristine and undisturbed nature and environment in the proposed area. I have visited often, and lived shortly in the Wonboyn Lake area, and Nadgee and Greenglades Beach areas are unique and rare areas of untouched natural beauty.
I feel a project of this scale is bound to affect the natural balance of the ocean in that area and impact on all the nature and wildlife within.

1. I do not support the locating of the project in this pristine area.
2. I believe there are potential environmental issues regarding the project:
2a. potential entanglement of animals and birds.
2b. light and noise pollution.
2c. sets a precedent for development in the area.
3. Nadgee and its surrounds was set up as a Nature Reserve to be set apart from human development as a baseline against which other development in the State (and Nation) could be compared.

To Whom it May Concern;

The pristine environment of Disaster Bay and the surrounding National Park should not be available in a commercial sense, as proposed for the Seaweed Aquaculture Lease. The Sapphire Coast features beautiful beaches and bushland, an important drawcard for tourism to the area which supports the economies of local towns and provides income for those who are lucky to call this area home. Any disruption to this ecosystem would have a damaging and ongoing impact to the above, as well as the flora and fauna of this incredible pocket of Southern New South Wales.

Eden-1 Kelp Aquaculture Farm, Disaster Bay
App No SSD-41680467

I am making this submission opposing the proposed Kelp Aquaculture Farm as it is currently planned for Disaster Bay.

While I don’t dispute the benefits of kelp as a nutrient rich food source and potential marketable resource for Australia, the sheer size of this proposed farm in such a beautifully untouched piece of our natural coastline is concerning.

I believe there is already an aquaculture license for seaweed production in Twofold Bay which has been sub-let to mussel farmers. If this is the case, is there a question to be raised regarding viability for this proposed farm in Disaster Bay? If a 200 ha structure of vertical long lines doesn’t prove successful is there the potential for this to be sub-let to another trial of some sort which could impact the area further as is the case in Twofold Bay now being sub-let to mussel growers.

I understand the choice of a 200ha lease is to address the risk of herbivory loss of the total yield but without any figures supporting this proportion of loss how can a 200 ha lease be approved without any proof that this loss will occur? My question is will the kelp farm attract more herbivores which will in turn consume the product which will then require more product, which will then attract more herbivores….. or is there already an existing abundance of herbivores in which case one would assume there is already an ample supply of food in which case the necessity of a 200 ha lease to combat this issue is irrelevant?

The Golden Kelp is intended to be farmed because it occurs naturally in this area. Is there a possibility that the reproductive material from the existing seaweed could be sustainably collected and used to revegetate areas of the coast where there is a decline in kelp to help sustain the existing aquatic life and create complex three dimensional shelters for diverse communities of flora and fauna, rather than producing bulk amounts in an area already naturally producing the product to farm as an saleable product.

The claim of promoting local employment may be legitimate, but 40-60 direct jobs without any classification is vague to say the least. The claim that it may assist in combating youth unemployment in the area is also questionable. Are they going to employ unskilled school leavers long term, or offer them scholarships/traineeships to achieve qualifications in aquaculture or marine biology which would undoubtedly require university study and therefore most likely moving away in order to be able to move back to work at a higher level.

To gaze down at the raw beauty of Disaster Bay from the Greencape lighthouse, or to fish from the rocks in these pristine waters is a unique experience which will be unattainable if there is a mass of yellow buoys located a mere 650m from the shoreline and 3.6 km from the lighthouse.

I am a local who has lived here for over 35 years and have enjoyed the experience of diving, fishing, camping and walking in this area, and have raised two children who have the same appreciation of the natural beauty of where we live and would be disappointed to find that this could possibly be spoilt by an industry that has not yet been proven to be viable.
It is concerning that the development is over such a large scale when maybe a smaller, less obtrusive version could be approved before expansion into a larger farm if there were no detrimental side effects and viability could be proven.

On numerous occasions when asked, the presenters of the project have not been able to adequately answer this following questions:

1) 'What guarantees does AUSKELP have that this GM kelp will not proliferate Disaster Bay and because of its modification out-compete all other kelp species found there?

2) AUSKELP have stated that the GM kelp will be tolerant of sea temp variations. When asked if the GM was for greater yields = profits as with all GM crops worldwide. AUSKELP have not been forthcoming with this information.

3) Golden kelp (Ecklonia radiata) is a native seaweed forming vast, forests across Australia’s temperate rocky reefs from Western Australia to NSW. As a key component of the Great Southern Reef, it provides essential habitat for marine life. At the moment golden kelp is SUSTAINABLY WILD HARVESTED without the use of a GM form of kelp or farming. Why then is this project required to be farmed within a pristine marine area already with wild golden kelp? Did AUSKELP provide any detail for a wild harvest project, If not, why not? This question has been asked but not responded to by AUSKELP.

4) With climate change continuing at a rapid pace, the East Coast Lows that affect our region - at least 3 times a year or more - are gaining in severity. With this severity, the beaches of Disaster Bay are often covered in deep kelp drifts several kilometres long and at least 1.5 mtrs high. What guarantees does AUSKELP give that their own farm and hence modified kelp not come adrift in these events and wash up? I note with interest that the owner of AUSKELP 'the proposer', does not live permanently in the area and did not understand the severity of the damage caused caused by these lows.

5) The amount to local employment opportunities accruing to this project has been a 'movable feast' depending on the audience. In overhead presentations it was stated at 40. Then in another approx: 30. Then again at a face to face meeting with residents at Wonboyn it was 'perhaps 28 or less'. Auskelp now has a sizeable grant from NSW Gov. Is the answer to this question part of the acquittal of the grant? If not, why not.

6) Wonboyn is the area that will be directly affected by this project. AUSKELP is a private company and answerable only to the regulatory authorities (regular reportage) and the grant acquittal process. Nothing has been presented to us here that informs us of what will accrue to this beautiful and pristine area from the project?

The project lacks adequate answers to the need to introduce GM kelp to the area.
The project lacks an alternative to farming ie: wild harvesting.
This project is one of profiteering alone.
The projects lacks a strong commitment to local employment.


I am totally against this project as it has no sound reasoning behind it with the exception of a 'business opportunity'.

Submission in Support of the Eden 1 Kelp Aquaculture Farm Proposal
I wish to express support for AusKelp Pty Ltd’s proposal to establish the Eden 1 Kelp Aquaculture Farm in Disaster Bay. This project represents an important and positive step forward in sustainable marine industries in Australia offering environmental, educational, and economic benefits for the region.
Kelp aquaculture is globally recognised as one of the most sustainable forms of ocean farming, requiring no freshwater, fertiliser, feed, or arable land. By cultivating the native species Ecklonia radiata in high energy offshore waters, the project not only produces valuable seaweed biomass but also contributes to nutrient cycling, habitat complexity, and carbon sequestration—these ecosystems systems are increasingly important as wild kelp forests decline along Australia’s coastline.
As a local educator living and working with many secondary school students in this region, I am inspired not only by positive environmental projects in our region but also those that offer future focussed (hope) and employment opportunities to our young students post schooling in the Bega Valley. I believe the proposal offers educational value for local schools and tertiary institutions. A working offshore kelp farm provides a unique, real world learning environment for students studying environmental science, marine science, aquaculture, climate science, and sustainable agriculture. Opportunities for site visits, curriculum linked partnerships with schools, citizen science monitoring, and hands on learning would help inspire the next generation of scientists, environmental stewards, and marine industry professionals. Embedding this project within local education pathways strengthens community understanding of the blue economy and highlights the role of nature based solutions in addressing climate challenges.
This Project is likely to create meaningful employment and training opportunities for the region. The project is well suited to apprenticeships and traineeships, offering structured pathways for young people to enter the marine and aquaculture sectors. This aligns well with Eden’s long-standing maritime heritage and provides new opportunities for local workers seeking stable, future focused employment.
The Eden 1 Kelp Aquaculture Farm represents a responsible, innovative, and environmentally positive development for our local region and more broadly across NSW. It supports climate mitigation, enhances marine biodiversity, diversifies the regional economy, and creates new educational and employment pathways. I strongly support its approval and look forward to the benefits it will bring to the region and the local community.

For more than 50 years I have been visiting and staying at Wonboyn NSW. The development of the Eden-1 Kelp Aquaculture Farm is supported. The Mar2026 proposed EIS indicates it is well planned and offers an enormous long-term benefit to the area, the state, the nation, and the world. The designated waters in Disaster Bay being used for agriculture can providing so many advantages with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Thank you Auskelp.

I live at Wonboyn close to this proposed development. I have lived there for 20 years. I am an Environmental Engineer by profession. I have looked at the EIS and am surprised to read the description of Disaster Bay where the Kelp Farm will be located particularly the importance of the Bay from an environmental and social perspective. It is as if the people preparing the EIS do not know the area. This is very unfortunate. In summary I am strongly opposed to the development. How can the NSW Government even consider placing a 200ha industrial scale development in one of the last great pristine wilderness areas on the East Coast of Australia? Disaster Bay from the southern side of Green Cape to the Merrica River is the "Jewel in the Crown" on the south coast of NSW. People come from around tAustralia and the world to visit the area - walk, swim, surf, dive, fish and kayak there, or just soak up the amazing pristine wilderness. Being next to the Nadgee Nature Reserve makes this a very, very special and unique place. While there are many issues I have with the EIS which I find very one sided, let me document an experience I had about 15 years ago that highlights the importance of my views and confirms the importance of protecting and saving this amazing ecological environment from destruction purely for financial gain.

This experience occurred in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand where I was visiting my brother who had a shop on a busy road. Every Saturday afternoon and evening the road was shut off to create a night market and a place for entertainment and relaxation. Many 1000s of locals and tourists visited the street. I was sitting with my brother in front of his shop chatting to friends and passers by. A middle aged man dropped in and sat down and we started chatting. It turns out that he spent some time as a Navy diver and was currently the President of an association of recreational divers, I think in NSW but maybe Australia? He was very proud of the fact that he said he had dived from the tip of Cape York to the bottom of Tasmania, and knew the waters and special dive sites on the East Coast extremely well. I asked him if he had to choose one site that was his favourite on the East Coast. He explained there was one site that stood out for its environmental and ecological diversity, but I would not have heard of it even though it was very well known in diving circles. He said Disaster Bay and particularly the southern side of Green Cape! He was amazed when I told him that is where I lived!

I just can't comprehend that the NSW Government would damage or destroy this amazing pristine wilderness and marine environment, when there are so many other locations nearby where kelp farming, I suspect in much smaller areas, could be undertaken. What a tragedy this would be for future generations. So sad.

My parents live at Wonboyn and I regularly visit to enjoy the amazing environment and pristine coastal beauty. I spent many years in the Defence Forces and fought in many conflicts. However it was always amazing to come back to Wonboyn, the lake, the beaches and Disaster Bay for the wonderful tranquility and beauty. I was obviously shocked to hear that a 200ha industrial scale kelp farming development is being considered for Disaster Bay purely as a financial enterprise. How can that happen in one of the last great wilderness areas in Australia! as such I am totally opposed to the development. Why can’t kelp farming be undertaken north or south of Disaster Bay in many of the other suitable sites, not 200ha but something more reasonable such as 5-10ha where there are many suitable sites. It seems amazing that the NSW Government would even consider destroying such an amazing area that is known Australia wide and globally for its ecological diversity. People come here to see wilderness, not industrial development!

To prove my point, I remember helping my Dad work on our property many years ago to build a walking track around our land. We hired a person who worked for National Parks making paths etc to construct our track and seats. He was an interesting young man whose father did many of the walking tracks at Mt Kosciuszko National Park. His bucket list was to climb many of world’s highest peaks. He had already climbed 3 or 4!

Amazingly on his bucket list was to dive and spear fish in Disaster Bay! He claimed it had a national and global reputation for number and diversity of fish species in a temperate marine environment . As a result we came to an arrangement whereby my Dad took him over the Wonboyn Bar to dive and fish in the Bay. It was unbelievable. He said his biggest issue was the size of the fish and trying to only take fish small enough to handle with a snorkel. He also said he would only take one of each species. I seem to remember he came back after an hour with about a dozen nice fish. He was very happy as was my Dad with his pathway.

I am telling the story to confirm the incredibly precious environment that we have in Disaster Bay and that the Bay has a global reputation for a unique diversity of aquatic life and temperate corals etc.

Why would the NSW Government want to prejudice such as special place. Surely the kelp farming could be relocated but please do not put a 200ha industrial scale development in the middle of our amazing pristine wildness that attracts people from around Australia and elsewhere.

I arrived in Wonboyn about 20 years ago after living in many countries around the globe. Since my late 50s my wife and I had been looking for a retirement home in a remote area of Australia in an unspoilt environment surrounded by pristine wilderness and coast. We felt we had found our little piece of heaven in Wonboyn adjacent to Wonboyn Lake. I spent my professional career exploring and advising globally on land issues with particular emphasis on sustainability.

I have read the EIS for the proposed kelp farm in Disaster Bay. Having been involved in such initiatives for many years I wanted to keep an open mind. Considering the importance of this proposal, I am surprised at how little it gets to the real issues. It talks a lot about the benefits of kelp, which are valid, but describes Disaster Bay as a backwater that is not used and treasured locally, let alone Australia wide and globally. It is as if the authors of the EIS do not understand or appreciate the area they are discussing. Many of the statements about the area are questionable or one sided just to support the commercial development. Let me highlight some of my main concerns.

The EIS lists extensive consultation with many stakeholders, yet for most locals the first they knew about the proposal was when some yellow buoys appeared off the south Wonboyn beach which identified a test site. It must be remembered that a lot of this “consultation “ was just after the 2020 bushfires and during COVID. Many thought this was netting for fish. The appearance of a test site for kelp farming just appearing out of nowhere, caused anger and frustration. Even the local Nadgee Ranger was surprised and initially thought it was illegal netting. Questions to officers higher up in National Parks were not aware of the proposal. Since then AusKelp has run a public information session. Thankfully this started to mobilise the community. What was evident to me from the public forum was that this huge industrial scale development is sited in Disaster Bay because this is a pristine wilderness area that would generate the biggest financial returns.

The EIS intimates that most people are supportive of the proposal. This is certainly not my perception. It seems most people I speak to are opposed to the development. Asking whether people support kelp farming per se is not the same as asking are they supportive of a 200ha industrial scale development in a rare pristine wilderness area.

The EIS intimates that Disaster Bay is just another piece of the coast that happens to be suitable for kelp farming. It suggests that it is not a significant environmental aquatic area and that few people use it. This is surprising since Disaster Bay is the “Jewel in the Crown” on the south coast of NSW. One of the few marine wilderness areas on the south coast of NSW that has not been affected by human activity. It adjoins the Nadgee Nature Reserve itself one of the most remote and wilderness style nature reserves in Australia. A pristine marine environment having a unique aquatic fish, temperate coral and other marine life. It has a rich indigenous heritage that attracts many visitors. It is renowned for its unique marine environment in Australia and globally. It is very special. People come from around Australia and globally to enjoy what Disaster Bay has to offer.

I am a very keen fisherman and regularly fish both the north and south Wonboyn beaches , as well as in Disaster Bay. I am also an avid diver for lobster and abalone. I am aware of the decimation to kelp along the coast during a severe East Coast Low. Simply the rocks and structure holding the kelp is stripped bare. My concern is that if only a small portion of the 1000s tonnes of kelp from the farm comes free and or part of the infrastructure, what a mess that will make on the beaches. The EIS says this is all taken care of. Nothing to see here. My experience of diving in Towfold Bay and seeing the washed up infrastructure from mussel farming gives me real concern, especially that the same claims were made for the mussel farming. Anecdotally I also asked a senior National Parks officer who has had decades of experience diving along the coast, what he thought of the proposal. He had not heard about it but joked that we had better get the bulldozers ready to clean up the mess on Nadgee beach after an East Coast Low. Another discussion with a long standing professional lobster diver just dismissed the project and said don’t worry since Mother Nature will get rid of it. This is from two people with over 100 years of diving experience along the coast who are lightheartedly dismissing the proposal as unworkable. This does not give me much comfort.

I read all the risk analyses and was concerned. Most said the impacts on all the identified risks as LOW or NEGLIGIBLE. On the other hand I would rate most of the impacts MODERATE to HIGH, or HIGH to EXTREME. My summary are that the benefits DO NOT outweigh the risks.

I could go on about the many other concerns I have , but one that really worries me is the impact on the whale migration. Disaster Bay is absolutely a resting place for whales especially when mothers and calves are on their way south. On one of my fishing trips across the bar fishing last year I had about 20 whale sightings in a couple of hours. Sure many of these would be the same whale but I guessed there were 6-10 whales in the Bay at the time. This is an amazing sight and something to cherish and protect.

So simply I am strongly opposed to kelp farming in Disaster Bay. I am not opposed to kelp farming per se but it needs to be in reasonable size leases of about 10 ha or so and sensitively located to not affect or damage an area like Disaster Bay. I hope and pray this development will not go ahead. Not for me but for future generations who will have lost an environmental marine treasure for the sake of short term financial gain.

This is an untouched, pristine, unaltered, tranquil place, a sanctuary, these are all words across websites and information boards across disaster bay.
I am Wonboyn Resident (4th generation)
I object to the location of this project on every level. Aesthetically and morally, this project can not go ahead in Disaster Bay.
I write to you with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency regarding the proposed commercial kelp farm for Disaster Bay. As a 4th generation resident of Wonboyn, raising my 5th-generation children here, I feel a profound responsibility to speak out against a development that threatens the very soul of our community and landscape.
Wonboyn is not just a place—it is a sanctuary. It is one of the last truly pristine, untouched, and tranquil corners of the New South Wales coast. From the secluded picnic areas at Greenglade and Bay Cliff to the rolling surf and deserted beaches of Disaster Bay, this region offers a rare and blessedly unaltered natural landscape. It is a place where dolphins play in the surf, and Whales migrate. I have sat for many hours watching whales and calves rest in the bay from Greenglades beach.
The Nadgee Nature Reserve, which borders our community, is a living treasure. It sits within Australia's Coastal Wilderness, one of only 16 areas designated as a National Landscape due to its natural, cultural, and spiritual significance. The vegetation here has remained almost untouched since European settlement. The diversity is breathtaking. Birdwatchers, bushwalkers, and nature lovers come from far and wide to experience this rare ecosystem. The warm East Australian Current colliding with the southern Antarctic flow creates a marine biodiversity hotspot that supports everything from gannets diving for fish to pods of dolphins cavorting in the bay.
My concern is, the proposed kelp farm introduces a host of unknowns—particularly regarding its impact on marine life, including migrating whales. Disaster Bay is part of a vital corridor for humpback whales during their seasonal migration. The introduction of large-scale infrastructure and marine farming operations could disrupt these patterns, interfere with acoustic communication, and pose physical hazards to these majestic creatures.
Additionally, the infrastructure required for such a commercial venture—boats, machinery, transport, and potential shoreline modifications—risks degrading the very environment that makes Wonboyn so unique. The visual and ecological footprint of such a development is incompatible with the character and values of our community.
I propose that if such a venture must proceed, it be relocated to a more industrially suited site—one that does not sit within a nationally recognised wilderness area, nor threaten the delicate balance of a region treasured for its untouched beauty and biodiversity. There are other coastal zones with existing infrastructure and less ecological sensitivity that may be more appropriate for such a project.
The cultural heritage of this land is equally sacred. The Bidawal, Dtharwa, and Monaroo peoples have long held spiritual and cultural ties to this area. Middens around Wonboyn Lake and along the shore are silent witnesses to their enduring presence and connection.
Introducing a commercial kelp farm into this delicate and sacred environment is not just inappropriate—it is a violation of everything this community holds dear. It risks disrupting fragile ecosystems, diminishing the natural beauty that defines our identity, and undermining the cultural heritage that must be preserved.
Wonboyn is renowned for its fishing, its serenity, and its untouched wilderness. It is a place where families gather, where children learn to respect nature, and where visitors find peace. This is a community built on harmony with nature—not exploitation of it.
I urge you to stand with us in opposition to this development. Let us protect what is pristine. Let us preserve what is sacred. Let us ensure that future generations—my children and yours—can continue to experience the untouched magic of Wonboyn.
This is our home. This is our heritage. This is our responsibility.
With deep respect and unwavering concern,

I am writing to express strong support for the proposed kelp farm development in our township. This initiative represents a rare and valuable opportunity to strengthen our local economy, support families, and contribute positively to environmental sustainability and future food systems. One of the most significant benefits of this project is the creation of local employment. Our town currently faces limited job opportunities, particularly for young people. Each year, many of our school leavers are forced to move away to larger cities in search of work, often leaving behind their families and community connections. A kelp farm would provide meaningful, ongoing employment across a range of roles; from farming and processing to logistics and administration; helping to retain our younger population and sustain the vibrancy of our community. It would also create employment opportunities for local families, offering stability and the ability to build a future right here at home. Beyond employment, the environmental benefits of kelp farming are substantial. Kelp is a natural, renewable resource that requires no fresh water, fertiliser or pesticides to grow. It actively improves the ocean health by absorbing excess nutrients and carbon dioxide, contributing to a healthier marine ecosystem. Supporting industries like this aligns with the growing need for sustainable, climate positive solutions that protect our planet for future generations. Kelp also plays an important role in the future of food agriculture. As it is developed into natural fertilisers, it offers cleaner, less toxic alternatives to traditional chemical based products, helping to improve soil health and reduce harmful environmental impacts. Additionally, food grade kelp products; such as those used in salad dressings and other health foods; contribute to improved nutrition and wellbeing. This positions our community at the forefront of an industry that supports both environmental responsibility and human health. In summary the proposed kelp farm offers a unique combination of economic, environmental, and social benefits. It has the potential to create jobs, keep families together, support sustainable practices, and contribute to healthier food systems. For a small township like ours, opportunities like this are not only valuable, they are essential for a strong and resilient future. I strongly support this proposal and encourage its careful consideration.