Seaweed Aquaculture Lease, Disaster Bay - Eden 1

Please refer to the attached objection document which covers my key areas of concern: non adherence to current best ocean practice, lack of Community Consultation, Visual amenity, Sanctuary and Mental health. This is my objection submission against the AusKelp Eden 1 Project

The area is pristine and should not be tampered with.sealife is abundant in this area and wonboyn lake which provides oysters to all parts of australia should not be put at risk.

The proposed kelp farm in Disaster Bay raises serious environmental and visual concerns that cannot be ignored. While often promoted as “sustainable,” large-scale seaweed farming can disrupt natural marine ecosystems by competing with native habitats for light and nutrients, potentially displacing existing seagrass and kelp communities that already support local biodiversity. The installation of ropes, anchors, and floating infrastructure also introduces physical hazards, including the risk of entanglement for marine wildlife such as fish, seals, and other megafauna. There are additional biosecurity risks, including the spread of disease, invasive species, or genetic pollution if farmed kelp interacts with wild populations. Visually, the presence of industrial-style farming arrays - lines, buoys, and equipment, would fundamentally alter the pristine, untouched character of Disaster Bay, an area valued for its natural beauty and tourism appeal. Beyond aesthetics, these structures can also change local water movement, sedimentation, and light penetration, potentially degrading the underlying marine environment over time. Given that kelp forests naturally support thousands of marine species and are already under pressure from climate and human impacts, introducing artificial farming systems into such a sensitive coastal ecosystem carries real and potentially irreversible consequences.

Dear Sir/Madam:

Disaster Kelp Farm Application to Disaster Bay

The current project application is invalid - it does not provide proper and orderly planning and environmental protection to the significant subject lands and waters.
The EIS is incomplete and significantly deficient in many subject areas, as detailed in my attached submission.
It is now critical that an independent government panel assess the EIS and undertake further community and public hearings to fully assess the significant limitations and or merits of the application.
It is also important to note that the project submission portal has been severely compromised over recent weeks making many public submissions impossible. Moreover recent government funding announcements to support the implementation of the project prior to any final assessments and approvals makes the project legally invalid.

Regards,
Grant Revell AILA FRLA PIA

Winter swell will wash this kelp into the lake entrance and block it prevening the lake to run to the ocean. As well as on our beautiful beach,likely causing the beach to be closed for access.
Kelp is not necessarily a habit for all marine life let alone a strain that is most likely not going to be native to the area, the reports from auskelp state that this is to be set up over a baron sea floor. Just because the sea floor is sand does not make it baron. I have sailed all over the world and disaster bay has more marine life action than most places I've seen. With whales dolphins and seals often stopping in for a rest while some of the most healthy and beautiful school sharks patrol up and down the beaches. I fail to understand how destroying this beach will help the environment. This place is the last beautiful spot on the NSW coastline, people want to move here because of the nature, because it's not over populated and because it's beautiful. In one foul swoop this project threatens to destroy all of this.

The AusKelp proposal greatly concerns me.
I know that writing this submission will be a total waste of my time & yours too if you ever read it, which I doubt. AusKelp already has a premises with signage in Eden so any submissions may be futile.

Putting aside the aesthetics of destroying our pristine coastline.
This proposal may be all well and good in fine weather, which is a rare condition for this coastline, with very strong winds and huge swells frequently smashing the far south coast.

I’ve lived in Eden for the last 18 years. During that time the Mussel Farm, located in Twofold Bay, ropes and floats have been damaged numerous times each year.

Have you ever seen the debris in and around Twofold Bay when the Mussel Farms structure have been ripped from their anchors. Rotting, very smelly mussels, ropes and floats everywhere. Usually, it is left to locals clean up the mess of our beautiful beaches.

Who will be cleaning up the seas and the foreshore when the seas tear up the AusKelp ropes, floats, other equipment and all the rotting/dead Kelp that will wash up on our shores?

The Eden chip mill loading wharf [located in Twofold Day] and the Tathra Wharf have been severely damaged requiring several months and huge costs to repair.

Disaster Bay is a pristine coastline. Untouched by man. I implore you to stop this development from proceeding.
Helen clothier

Dear Minister,
I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed development and investment in the seaweed aquaculture industry by AusKelp in Disaster Bay.
Australia is experiencing a significant, depletion of its seaweed/kelp forests driven by warming ocean temperatures increased bottom grazing by sea urchins causing environmental damage by creating urchin barrens.
Over 95% of giant kelp forests in Tasmania have disappeared in recent decades, and extensive losses have been reported in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and New South.
Seaweed aquaculture provides a unique opportunity for Australia to lead in sustainability and innovation. It is an industry of the future that provides environmental regeneration, creates regional jobs, and generates high-value products.
AusKelp has continued to expand its research and investment to develop a sustainable commercial-scale seaweed farming initiatives, particularly for native species Ecklonia radiata and is committed to ensuring it meets and exceeds government approval process and community expectations in the approval process.
Seaweed cultivation is one of the most sustainable forms of agriculture, requiring no freshwater, fertilizer, or additional feed.
By supporting this industry, we can reduce methane emissions from livestock, clean our coastal waters, and build a "blue economy" that supports thriving, resilient coastal communities.
I believe this industry is vital for Australia’s commitment in achieving a sustainable agriculture sector and aligning with our national economic goals.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this crucial industry.
Yours sincerely,
Ian Heres

That part of the coast is untouched and pristine. Dont ruin it for industry

Wonboyn is a small coastal town that has one of the last wilderness beaches in far south nsw. I feel putting the belt farm will harm the tourism in this small town that relies on for work and income in this small town.

After holidaying with my family and owning a house and property on the lake in Wonboyn for the last 20+ years. Its a place for great fishing and surfing without the crowds. I would hate to see this unspoilt natural areas including beaches waterways and national parks spoilt by man-made monstrosities set up in disaster bay.
Its named disaster bay for a reason and as we all know never under estimate her. Especially when in faces the S.E where the most damaging conditions come from.
I'm worried when all the weed ad structures break away where will the mess end up and who and what will it affect or possibly destroy. It would be a natural man made disaster that should be avoided in this magnificent paradise at all costs.

I object to the Seaweed Aquaculture Lease, Disaster Bay – Eden 1 (SSD-41680467).
This proposal feels like it is in the wrong place. Disaster Bay and the Nadgee coastline are incredibly rare because they are still quiet, natural, and largely untouched. There are very few places left like this, and that is exactly why they matter.
I’m not against kelp farming, but putting a large scale operation here does not make sense. This is already a healthy, functioning system, so claims that it will improve biodiversity are not very convincing. Adding ropes, floats, and ongoing activity will change how the area works, even if those changes seem small on paper.
It is not just about ecology either. The increased boat traffic, noise, and visible infrastructure would take away from the sense of remoteness and calm that defines this coastline. Once that changes, it cannot really be undone.
There are plenty of places where this kind of development could happen with less impact. This does not feel like one of them.
For these reasons, I strongly object to the proposal.

This project is valuable at a global, national and local level.

Seaweed has an extraordinary ability to absorb carbon and excess nutrients, improve water quality, and support marine biodiversity. This is significant at a global scale to improve food production while reducing greenhouse impacts.

The project is valuable at a national level to demonstrate the viability of seaweed aquaculture in Australia. The proponents are bold and at the frontier of sustainable, regenerative practices. They have sought world’s best science and expertise for this development.

At a local level, the jobs and economic activity warrant support. This is a chance for Eden/Disaster Bay to have a new sustainable industry that will provide local employment and have significant flow on effects in tourism and agriculture. The significant interest in the seaweed as a sustainable fertiliser and soil treatment could add value to the entire south coast/Bega Valley area as a source of clean, high value food.

I am a Director of the Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (MBCRC) and Chairman of the Australasian Pork Research Institute (APRIL). MB CRC has allocated resources to develop the scientific base and support scientific training. APRIL is interested in the high value nutrients and is investigating potential projects. While I am making this submission personally, I am aware of the intense scientific and agricultural interests in the development. The environmental benefits are real and globally significant in my view.

The proposed seaweed farm with take up a very large area of the bay. I am a keen kayaker and have used the bay on many occasions but only on relatively calm days. This bay is often rough, windy and exposed - hence the name “disaster bay”. The proposed farm will be impacted. Debris from the farming practice will inevitably get washed up on the beach and rocks creating pollution and no doubt destroying the farm. The warmer ocean temperatures are resulting in more destructive storms and quantities of washed up seaweed with smother the coastline.

Local sea creatures will also be impacted. Fairy penguins, dolfiins, sea birds, seals and whales use the area and potentially could get caught in the rope and buoy infrastructure. Pollution and noise from servicing boats will also impact wild life.

This area is special because of its remoteness and tranquility. Having a seaweed farm in the bay will be devastating for these qualities. Pollution in the form of noise, lights, plastic etc will be created.

The proximity to Nadgee Nature Reserve is a huge concern. There is not enough evidence to be sure that the farm will not impact the Nadgee coastline. The purpose of this nature reserve is to preserve the integration between the land and sea. For example, impacts on the fairy penguin feeding areas and the hazard of ropes and netting means that the penguin rookeries on Gabo Island would be disrupted.

I object to this proposal going ahead for all these reasons.

I support the proposed AusKelp project in Disaster Bay because it represents a positive step towards building a more resilient local community through the introduction of a new, sustainable aquaculture industry. The project has the potential to create meaningful local jobs and diversify the regional economy while working with the natural environment rather than against it. As the kelp species being cultivated is native to the area and locally sourced, the proposal is unlikely to introduce environmental risks and instead offers opportunities to enhance marine ecosystems, improve habitat complexity, and support long-term environmental health.

As someone who enjoys visiting the NSW South Coast I hope this project can help the local community prosper by supporting a resilient, long-term industry that complements the region’s character and reduces reliance on tourism alone.

One of my main concerns is the potential impact on wildlife. This stretch of coast supports whales, dolphins, seabirds, and other marine life that move through or rely on this area. Introducing a large network of ropes, lines, and surface structures creates new risks, including entanglement and disturbance.
Even if the likelihood of incidents is considered low, the consequences can be serious, especially in a place that currently has very little human interference. There is also the ongoing presence of vessels, noise, and activity, which will inevitably affect how wildlife uses the area.
This coastline stands out because it is still relatively free from these pressures. Adding them now feels like an unnecessary risk in a place that has so far remained largely undisturbed.
For these reasons, I object to the proposal.

My Submission is regarding the many questions the proposed Kelp Farm project raises for me on a Personal a Local level.
I am a frequent visitor/user of this area regarding Boating, Camping, Bush Walking and live locally in the Eden area.
Having Hiked through the Nadgee Nature reserve to Merrica River on a number of occasions I struggle to understand how the Visual impact of 24,000 Buoy's floating in the bay and the introduction of over 1,000 klm's of Nylon rope fits in with any guidelines in place to preserve the environment and maintain the visual appeal of the area. The introduction of a huge quantity of plastic product like this into this pristine marine environment in this day and age is hard to believe its even being considered .
So my questions are;
How does this impact the Commercial, local fisherman/boaters and divers of the area.
What impact is this going to have on the local and migrating marine life.
Who is going to monitor and clean up the debris after the huge sea's that are experienced in this area damage the Lease, I can't believe this will not be the consequence here.
How will they monitor and contain the Micro Plastics released from the 1,000 klm plus of Nylon rope as it Breaks down and degrades into the Bay.
Is this going to be an introduction of Kelp and Weed that is not endemic to the local area that will result in the local species being slowly taken over by a foreign species that is to the detriment of the local marine life.
These are just some of the questions that come to my mind when considering this project.
I believe the "Jewel in the Crown" of this area, the whole of the Sapphire Coast for that matter, is the Pristine Waters and Visual Splendour of the area, enough is enough of continually putting this at risk for the financial gain of a small number of people.
Common Sense prevails at times, while I am not in any way Scientifically Qualified to make comment on this Project I personally call on that Common Sense approach to question the Merit of this Project in the Interest of the Local and Visiting people of the area the Marine Environment, the local Flora and Fauna and the Preservation of the Spectacular Sapphire Coast.

I strongly object to the proposed kelp farm at Disaster Bay, Eden NSW.
The proposed farm will be a disaster for Disaster Bay. I am primarily worried about the environmental impact the proposed kelp farm will have on the delicate ecosystem on a part of our coastline which, frankly, should already be protected. It should not be necessary to even write this objection.
It is difficult to understand how a commercial venture should have precedence over protection of these irreplaceable ecosystems that currently exist. This part of the world belongs to all Australians to enjoy. Not a commercial kelp farm.
Please rethink. The damage that is proposed is likely irreversible.
Thank you.

I am against this commercial adventure in one of Australia's pristine and unique areas on the South Coast of NSW and Australia.
We have owned a family home in Wonboyn for 20+ years and the reason we bought here was the amazing wilderness and unspoit beauty to experience and show our kids. We have also opened our home to holiday seekers to experience the same beauty and nature sanctuaries that we have experienced to all their amazement.
This is an area I feel strongly we must keep in its original state for everyone to appreciate with it's pristine and deserted beaches aswell as beautiful National park and wildlife refuge.
The last thing we need if for a local property owner in Wonboyn benefiting and destroying this Sanctuary for his own gain.
There's plenty places to set up elsewhere on the coast that already have resources in place that he could use and benefit from.

I would like to submit my rejection to stop 'Eden 1' an industrialised size monoculture kelp farm proposed for Disaster Bay, Southern Sapphire Coast, NSW.

Experts have read every word of the AusKelp Eden 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Scientists, Marine Economists and Community Leaders have written their responses. Collated together these objection submissions should have presented enough evidence to effectively to stop any projects like this in its tracks where the health and well being of DISASTER BAY and its inhabitants are at the CENTRE of the debate.
This special place is so important. Anything like this should not be put in the ocean to upset the fragile balance of nature. Especially anywhere near whale migratory paths.

My legacy for my children and grandchildren will be that I left no stone unturned in my bid to protect Disaster Bay which provides so many with immeasurable joy and solace.

Government officials simply can not make decisions about sacred places like this without first travelling to experience Disaster Bay for themselves. Surely, at the very least, Disaster Bay, the LAST Coastal Wilderness in NSW, deserves that.
I implore you to NOT APPROVE this project.
Kristy

Please see attached LoS