Seaweed Aquaculture Lease, Disaster Bay - Eden 1

I am objecting to the project because my knowledge and respect for a number of the community members who are passionately against this project leads me to believe that the community consultation process has not been adequate.
If the project is to go ahead, and the benefits outweigh the downsides, then it is vital that the local community is brought along with the decision making, and in the majority, become advocates and supporters for the project because they believe in it, and have confidence and trust in the Planning authority to adequately consult with local communities, and to listen and take into consideration their views. Thank you.

The marine environment of Disaster Bay is immediately adjacent to the Nadgee Wilderness area. Indeed, in ecological terms, it is part of that unique natural area. It is one of the only places I know of on the NSW coast that remains in such a natural state. It should go without saying that the protection of such refuges for nature should be afforded the highest level of protection. Industrial developments do not belong in such a place. And make no mistakes … aquaculture is an industry. Proponents of kelp farming like to highlight the importance of kelp to marine ecosystems. But a kelp farm is in no way a natural feature.

The preservation of Disaster Bay and southward, through Nadgee Wilderness and adjacent inshore regions, is of direct value to people too. It is one of the few places that a person can walk for hours – in fact, for days – and experience nothing but the natural world. It offers a rare chance for a person to experience peace, and to connect with nature.

If we allow the kelp farming industry a foothold in Disaster Bay, all this will change.

The most obvious impact will be the sight of ropes and other physical infrastructure, and the noise and disturbance caused by greatly increased boat traffic. Less apparent, but arguably more damaging to the ecosystem, will be the changes the farm will inevitably cause to the water column and sea bed in and around the farm. And the next time the area is hit by a major ‘east coast low’, there will surely be plastics and other foreign materials entering the water and washed up on the beach from the damaged farm equipment.

There may be a place for kelp farming – but Disaster Bay and Nadgee Wilderness is not that place!

I believe the proposed kelp farm will be detrimental to tourism in the Nadgee Nature Reserve as it will reduce the visual splendor of the area.
Furthermore, it will pollute the marine ecosystem and therefore the food chain over time with microplastics. As my friends, family and I are all keen anglers and seafood consumers, this is a big concern for us. Disaster Bay and Nadgee areas are home to several hugely popular fishing spots and the impacts of this pollution could be very widely spread.
It may also re-shape the underwater ecosystem by disrupting natural fish/whale migration movements and disturbing the ocean/estuary floor. Marine animal entanglement is a big concern with projects such as these.
There will presumably be an increase in traffic of vessels travelling in the area to perform maintenance etc on the kelp farm. This will pollute the waterways and also create noise pollution and be disruptive to marine life.
It is my view that we have a responsibility to protect this pristine area for future generations as it is one of the last of its kind remaining on the Eastern seaboard. There are many other locations at which a commercial lease for kelp production would be far less disruptive to the local ecosystem.
Regards
Archie Hilton Beattie

I object strongly to the proposed kelp farm at Disaster Bay - the last undisturbed, pristine coastal-marine system in NSW. My main objection is that this facility will fundamentally change the character of this remote, natural site. The infrastructure associated with the kelp farm would degrade the natural beauty of the bay and the noise associated with its operation and ongoing maintenance would destroy its tranquility.

There will also be inevitable negative ecological impacts. The benthic environment at the site is not ecologically empty - it supports diverse communities and cryptic species which contribute to nutrient cycling, energy transfer through the food web and other roles.
Shading and structural changes associated with the ropes and kelp canopy will shift species composition - favouring opportunistic or generalist species, predators exploiting aggregated prey or species favouring high turbidity and shading.
There may also be impacts on marine mammals and birds via entanglement with the ropes.

These negative effects - inevitable or potential - far outweigh any potential positive contributions of kelp farming. Disaster Bay is currently a pristine marine environment. Hence the removal of toxins from polluted sea water - one of the touted benefits of kelp farming - is irrelevant here. It has been argued that harvested kelp is a source of high quality protein. However my understanding is that kelp from this facility will be used mainly for production of cosmetics. Kelp growing does remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but the contribution that this Disaster Bay farm would make is insignificant and totally outweighed by its negative environmental impacts.

Eden Kingfish Pty Ltd is a commercial fishing business in the NSW trap and line industry and has historically operated in the area proposed for the kelp farm.

We have no issues with the establishment of the farm or its effect on the environment but we are concerned that there will be an exclusion zone around the Kelp farm that may exclude our business from operating in areas in Disaster Bay that we have worked for over 15 years.

We do not object to the Kelp farm being established but we do not wish to lose any available fishing areas.

This area is also popular with recreation fisherman and I’m sure we can all work together to share this pristine and productive area.

This area is a key part of our fishing grounds for many species including Kingfish, Tuna, Snapper, Morwong and many species of Wrasse and to be excluded from this area would increase pressure on other areas and adversely effect our business.

Peta Geraghty
Director
Eden Kingfish Pty. Ltd.

Please see attached.

I strongly object to the proposed seaweed/ kelp aquaculture project at Disaster Bay.

Whilst aquaculture is of course an acceptable activity and could be supported in general, this is simply the wrong location for such a commercial-industrial use. The site of Disaster Bay is pristine and unique along the NSW-Victorian coast. The proposed location is directly adjacent to the highly significant Nadgee Wilderness, and directly visible from Boewa National Park. The iconic and untouched Disaster Bay is natural location of the highest value, including Greenglades and Baycliff which hold Indigenous significance. At present there is no permanent man-made infrastructure outside of the Wonboyn lake area, and introduction of the proposed Seaweed aquaculture structures will irrepairably damage and degrade the visual, cultural and natural significance of this location.

To propose such an industrial-scale facility in a remote and practically untouched location like this seems perverse and out of step with government policy objectives to protect and ensure the health of the few remaining truly wild places in New South Wales. There are countless other locations that could be found for such a facility, with much easier access to transport and distribution networks. Having to service and maintain this facility also poses a threat to the immediate area of Greenglades and Wonboyn, including the intermittent mouth opening of Wonboyn Lake. Increased boat and vehicle traffic for maintenance and regular inspection of the kelp farm will inevitably change the character of these places which are currently secluded and remote. Alternative access from Eden via sea around Green Cape is unfeasible in all-weather conditions and will increase boat traffic and fuel use.

A location closer to the port of Eden/ Twofold Bay or close to similar existing maritime infrastructure should be sought. Addressing one type of environmental issue (by farming Kelp) should not come at the expense of degrading another. This is a reasonable proposal but in absolutely the wrong location! The proposal is driven by commercial interests and risks setting a very dangerous precedent.

It’s to large and will destroy the beautiful beach that the locals have at Wonboyn. Its visual and coastal impact, its environmental impact. There is no guarantee there will be no impact on the local Oyster farms in the area such as deceases

My company exports and processors Sea Urchins in Pambula. This new Seaweed farm has major potential for both domestic and export markets. We currently export Live Abalone, Lobster and processed Sea Urchin from the region. This product would have serious economic value to the region and would bring in export dollars as well as regional employment. This is a win win for the region and the environment.

I am a former resident of the tiny village of Wonboyn. We chose to live there partly because of its unique, untouched natural beauty. The fact such a huge project is being propped for this tiny pristine area is beyond belief. It will change the face of Wonboyn wilderness living forever. Destroy it fact. Greatly increased traffic (land and sea no doubt), infrastructure, personnel, accommodation, widening of roads, destruction of natural protected flora and fauna will overwhelm Disaster Bay and its surroundings. All because of one person’s ambitions. This is not a project that will help the community or Disaster Bay. This is one person’s project to achieve their own financial goals, at a huge and irreversible cost to the local area and community. For these reasons, I strongly object to this project going forward.

I object to the project to farm kelp in Disaster Bay. I've visited this area many times. It's a pristine environment that should be kept in this state. The biodiversity of this area is substantial, and is only now starting to be understood. For example, several species of invertebrates have recently been discovered in the area. Biodiversity is the cornerstone of human civilisation - a fact which we rarely acknowledge, but which is nonetheless true. Furthermore, the environment is tranquil and beautiful.

Farming kelp in the area would cause substantial damage to the environment, jeopardising both the beauty and the biodiversity of this environment. This would, in effect, be robbing from future generations. Enough has been taken from future generations already. Please stop. I ernestly request that this project does not proceed.

This will have environmental impacts on a pristine part of Australia's coastline. A more appropriate place would be somewhere near Eden in Twofold bay where there is already commercial fishing/harvesting.

Eden1, Golden Kelp Aquatic Farm, Disaster Bay Eden NSW
I am writing to express my support for the proposed Kelp Farm at Disaster Bay, Eden NSW 2551. As a long-term local of the Bega Valley Shire and past resident of Eden, I believe this development offers significant environmental health support along with social and economic benefits for the Eden community.
Employment Opportunities
The proposal directly addresses the need for local job creation, providing up to 30 full-time and part-time positions. This is a valuable opportunity for local residents to work closer to home, reducing commute times and strengthening the local workforce. Those newly created jobs, if hiring outside of Eden Community will bring new families to the area, so more money spent locally on shopping, food, outings plus more pupils in local schools and maybe the partner of the employed will open a new business in the area.
Economic Vitality
This Kelp Farm will fill a vacant space and contribute to revitalizing Disaster Bay, the ocean in that area and the beach area. By utilizing local suppliers and contractors, the new Kelp Farm will create a "multiplier effect," ensuring that revenue stays within our community and supports other nearby businesses.
Community Benefit
Beyond employment, this project offers an industry not thought of for this region. Kelp has many health benefits other than used in the food industry ie. human food, nutraceutical extracts, agricultural biostimulants and sustainable biomaterials. It will help with the climate effects on our water and beaches. It aligns with our town’s goal to attract new residents and visitors and foster a diverse, thriving marketplace.
Conclusion
I believe this project is a positive development for Disaster Bay and Eden and represents a proactive, sustainable approach to economic growth. I urge you to approve this proposal.

I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed kelp farm development in Eden. As a local resident, this project represents not only an exciting new industry, but a genuine opportunity to secure a stronger future for our community, and our families. One of the greatest challenges facing towns like Eden is the lack of sustainable long term employment. Too often, our young people finish school and are forced to leave in search of work elsewhere. This has a ripple effect on families, community connection, and long term viability of the town itself. The kelp farm offers something different and meaningful and local employment across a range of ages and skill levels. It creates opportunities not just for the young people starting out, but also for those of us who want to build a stable life here without having to leave or rely on fly in fly out work far from our families. On a personal level this project would mean the ability to live and work in town I love, with my children in a stable environment while contributing to an emerging and fascinating industry. The chance to learn new skills and be part of something innovative and forward thinking is incredibly important to me and many others in our community. Beyond employment, the environment benefits of kelp farming are significant. Kelp is a natural , sustainable resource that can contribute to reducing reliance on harmful chemical fertilisers and improving ocean health. Supporting industries like this aligns with a future focused approach to caring for our environment while still creating economic opportunity. It is encouraging to see development that works with nature rather than against it. The introduction of a kelp farming industry in Eden has the potential to revitalise our town bringing jobs, skills, and hope for a future, while also contributing positively to environmental sustainability. It represents the kind of balanced, forward thinking development that regional communities desperately need. I strongly urge support for this proposal, not only for what it will bring economically, but for it means socially and environmentally for our community. Thank you for considering my submission. Kind regards Andre Robert

I have been lucky to spend time in Wonboyn on holidays with my friends who have a property there, amazed by its natural beauty and the incomparable tranquility of the land. This project would potentially ruin for many what is special about the area due to the unprecedented size of the farm (200 hectares) and the 2000 or so lights that would be on at night. The sacred local marine ecosystem would be greatly disturbed by a farm of this size, and it is clear no real consideration of its effects has been made. I sincerely hope that the right choice is made to preserve the extraordinary environment of Disaster Bay and its surrounds.

I have been visiting my mum and dad’s retirement home in Wonboyn for about 20 years. This is a magic place to relax, swim, go for walks and unwind. I have recently been working with an Indigenous community in the Tanami Desert for the past year. It is hot and very remote. I dream of each return trip to Wonboyn to relax, swim and go for walks in this amazing pristine wilderness within the Nadgee Nature Reserve. It is the closest you can get to wild nature on the coast, with Nadgee and Disaster Bay as a little piece of unspoilt heaven, and is amazing part of history that local Indigenous people lived there in a traditional lifestyle until the 1950s.

I am very concerned about the industrial scale kelp farming development that is being proposed not far off shore. This commercial farming will unvoidably impact the ecosystems of Disaster Bay and surrounding areas. This is a rare and precious area of wilderness preservation in NSW's south coast, unspoilt for thousands of years, and now to be subjected to large scale farming. This will also impact residents, tourists and visitors as well as the environment and decrease the ecological value of the area. I am strongly opposed to this proposal.

If this project is allowed to proceed it will violate the natural beauty of one of the most pristine areas on the coast of NSW and in fact Australia. It is hard to believe that it is even being considered especially being in such close proximity to the Nadgee Wilderness Park. To allow this project to proceed will amount to the violation of a very sacred site to a large number of indigenous Australians, living and deceased, both white and coloured. All for a hand full of silver. I have also owned property overlooking Disaster Bay for a good number of years and would feel shattered by this destructive proposal. Please do not allow it to proceed.

I strongly object to this project.
The area that this project is planned has environmental importance for the marine life such as whales, dolphins and seals.
We have visited the area and have appreciated the quiet tranquillity that welcomes respectful people that appreciate the natural beauty and strongly feel that allowing such a large commercial venture in this area will be detrimental to the local community and the tourism that embraces the pristine area.
This large scale project will have a detrimental impact with noise pollution and would affect the wildlife and ocean life. The plastic pollution from the buoys and ropes which would affect the marine life and water quality and the glow of light and noise from boats that would be inspecting and harvesting kelp would have a negative effect for the local community and the marine life.
If this project would go ahead I believe that focus is directed to business, revenue with little consideration for the local community and the for the people and families that call this area home.
I would like to know how the protection of marine life would look like on a 200 hectare project, I don't believe the test site of 50 x 50m is a true indication of the damage this 200hectare project would cause for the whales who use this area as a major thoroughfare during annual migration. The possibility of the whales getting entangled in the infrastructure is highly probable.
494.211 acres will affect marine life and the whale migration passage.
If this project is approved will NSW Government incur the cost of rescuing the trapped marine life and costs associated with possible treatment to restore the wildlife to its former health or will the project management be responsible for the wellbeing of the trapped and injured marine life, and which independent body would be responsible to monitor the area, and enforce the regulations for marine welfare.
The area offered us a quiet escape from a busy life and allowed us to become relaxed.
I look forward to being notified that this project is rejected and the pristine coastal area can remain in its natural state for generations to come.
Regards
Janine Young

The project is located in a pristine part of the coast of Australia and in a delicate ecosystem. There are other locations where a project like this could be set which would not disrupt the untouched natural landscape and the ocean floor.

Disaster Bay is not a suitable location for this project. Not only is it a completely pristine area of ocean, but it is also surrounded by both a large nature reserve and national park. Introducing any kind of industrial development into this wilderness would not only be detrimental to the ecological balance of the area, which the reserve and park are specifically set up to protect, but also incredibly damaging to the local tourism industry that relies on people being attracted to the natural beauty of the area. No one will want to visit a bay whose main feature is industrial aquaculture, and if this project is allowed to go ahead it will undoubtably set a precedent for future developments and expansions to cause further damage. Please find an alternative location to build this project.