Seaweed Aquaculture Lease, Disaster Bay - Eden 1

I don't want anything to negatively impact on the marine life. Leave the animals and environment alone.

I believe that more research as to the long term impact of a new industry such as kelp farming must be undertaken - specifically to the environmental impact it would have on such a narrow waterway (Wonboyn Lake Entrance) as it impacts a huge industry of Oyster farmers, fishing and tourism. At the very least a visit from government officials to inspect the site and listen to the opinion of the local community,

I write to object to the proposed Eden seaweed aquaculture development in Disaster Bay.

While I recognise the potential benefits of seaweed farming, this proposal raises significant ecological and community concerns that do not appear to be adequately addressed. Disaster Bay is a largely undisturbed marine environment adjacent to important conservation areas, and introducing a 200-hectare aquaculture operation risks irreversible impacts in a setting that is currently relatively pristine.

Of particular concern is the level of ecological uncertainty. As this would be the first commercial offshore kelp farm in NSW, there is limited evidence on long-term impacts at this scale. Risks to marine life, including entanglement, habitat disruption, and changes to local ecosystems, cannot be confidently ruled out. The installation of infrastructure such as anchors and lines also poses risks to benthic habitats and may alter marine biodiversity in ways that are not yet well understood. In this context, a precautionary approach is warranted.

The proposal also raises concerns for the local community. The area is valued for its natural character, low level of development, and recreational use, and the introduction of industrial infrastructure risks altering these qualities. The absence of intensive current use should not be interpreted as lack of value, but rather as an indication of its importance as an undeveloped natural environment.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that the proposal be refused, or at minimum subjected to a significantly more rigorous and precautionary assessment.

Sincerely,
Liam Graham

4 May 2026
Dear Ms Munks
Please find attached documents.
This project needs to be PAUSED until there is sufficient ENVIRONMENTAL DATA gathered over several years.
The Wilderness Values have not been appropriately addressed.

Acacia Rose
Director
ECOS Australia Foundation
0402 298 821

My young family holidays down there regularly and believes this project with adversely effect the beautiful characteristics of the area, which we all love. I would assume there would be more appropriate places sutiable that are further away from this tourist area.

Please see attached letter of support for the project

Pentarch Offshore Solutions supports the AusKelp initiative as a positive step toward strengthening regional economic growth and advancing sustainable aquaculture on the Far South Coast.

Projects like AusKelp’s Disaster Bay development contribute to local job creation, supply chain diversification, and increased economic resilience in coastal communities. By fostering innovation in marine farming, the initiative also supports the long-term viability of aquaculture as a key industry in the region.

Importantly, the development aligns with broader efforts to enhance marine-based industries, encouraging complementary infrastructure, skills development, and investment that benefit the wider regional economy. Pentarch recognises the value of initiatives like AusKelp in building a more diverse and sustainable coastal economy and supports its progression.

Subject: Objection to the Proposed Seaweed Aquaculture Lease (Eden 1) in Disaster BayTo the Planning Secretary

I am writing to formally record my objection to the proposed 200-hectare seaweed aquaculture lease in Disaster Bay (AL21/004). While I acknowledge the potential economic benefits of the burgeoning seaweed industry, I have serious concerns regarding the environmental and social impacts this specific proposal will have on the Disaster Bay region.

My objection is based on the following key issues:

Risk to Marine Wildlife: Disaster Bay is a critical corridor for whale migration. The proposed 200-hectare longline infrastructure presents a significant risk of entanglement and vessel strikes for these animals.

Impact on Coastal Processes and Local Industry: There are concerns that large-scale kelp deposits during "big blow" weather events could lead to sand buildup in estuary entrances. This poses a direct threat to the established multimillion-dollar oyster industry at Wonboyn by potentially closing the entrance.

Environmental Degradation: The introduction of large-scale commercial farming into a pristine area risks altering the natural tranquility and beauty of Disaster Bay. Furthermore, the long-term impacts of such a massive infrastructure on local water currents and sediment movement are not yet fully understood.

Insufficient Community Consultation: Local residents have expressed that there has been inadequate widespread consultation regarding the full scale and potential repercussions of this project on the community.

For these reasons, I urge the Department to reject the application or, at minimum, require more rigorous, independent environmental assessments that specifically address the risks to local estuary health and the established aquaculture industries.
Sincerely,
Adam Chorvat
51 Victoria Street Cooma NSW 2630
04/05/2026

I object the project on the following environmental grounds:
- The farm is located in a highly sensitive area adjacent to the Nadgee Nature Reserve - a unique coastal wilderness area.

- Disaster Bay is a resting location for migrating whales. The presence of the farm will impact it.

I strongly object to the Seaweed Auquaculture Lease, Disaster Bay - Eden 1
Having vistied Wonboyn Lake since I was a child I am extremely concerned with the risk to the environment the seaweed acquaculture lease poses. The introduction of such an extensive infrastructure in such a pristine area poses a huge threat to the environment. I have already seen large amounts of kelp wash ashore from the trial kelp farm, which was more than a hundred times smaller than the planned lease. There is also a huge risk of introducing microplastics into the ocean from the degradation of the artificial ropes and plastic bouys they plan to use in the lease area. Microplastics are already banned from consumer products in NSW as they flow downstream from households and end up in waterways. Introducing them directly into the ocean would be a catastrophe.

I have 68 year affiliation with Wonboyn. If a strong north easterly wind comes in the bay and any kelp comes free it will most likely end up blocking Merrica river which has a very shallow entrance. Merrica river is in the nadgee wilderness. If a strong easterly or south easterly enters the bay an kelp comes free it could close Wonboyn lake which is home to a multi million dollar oyster industry. The bay is also a resting area for humpback and southern right whales on their return journey to Antarctic waters with their young calves. Disaster bay is one of only a few untouched areas left on the east coast and is adjacent to the Nadjee Wilderness area. The danger of these leases also applies to shipping navigating the narrow Wonboyn entrance. If kelp gets caught in a boats propeller the result could be fatal not to mention boats navigating the bay. Also the lighting of the bouys is an eyesore. Surely this instructors could be better located further away from a pristine bay and wilderness area.

I object to the Seaweed Aquaculture Lease, Disaster Bay Eden-1
Having visited Wonboyn Lake since I was 2 months old, I have serious concerns with the proposed lease. There is no long-term evidence to show that it poses no risk to wildlife becoming entangled in the 500+km of synthetic ropes being used in the project. There is also no evidence to show that the project will not alter the marine ecosystem and habitat.
Disaster Bay is a pristine marine wilderness and it has been a privilege to enjoy spending time in such a magnificent area. The introduction of floating infrastructure, additional vessels and industrial activity in such a pristine environment will not only have a negative visual impact on the area, it creates a major hazard for recreational boating and fishing.
Large scale monoculture farming can also increase the risk of disease and pests which would negatively impact the local marine environment.

I object to the Seaweed Aquaculture Lease, Disaster Bay - Eden 1 project.
I have been travelling with my family to Wonboyn Lake for the past 25 years, frequenting the Disaster Bay area and the Green-glades beach. My children have spent many days playing, swimming, and fishing in the area and have been privileged to enjoy these natural assets. Our local beach is known for its clean sand, clear water, and unspoiled surroundings. This level of beauty does not happen by accident, it reflects the consistent care, responsible management, and community respect. Preserving its pristine condition should remain of high importance to management. Introducing a seaweed aquaculture lease risks altering this balance, with increased kelp and organic debris likely to accumulate along the shoreline and diminish the beach's current appeal. I respectfully urge the NSW government to prioritise the protection of the beach's existing condition and carefully consider the impacts before proceeding.

There are many benefits to the proposed development:
* supports the sustainable production of food-grade kelp which has many uses and has high nutritional value
* provides an environmentally safe alternative fertiliser compared to synthetic fertilisers which are causing extensive degradation to soil and water health.
* can be managed in a safe and sustainable manner provided appropriate regulatory controls and monitoring are put in place for the life of the project.
* will support the Eden and surrounding district economy which has been struggling for many years.
* is an innovative project and government should be supporting new ideas and projects which advance our understanding and advancement of new technology that supports economic and social development in an environmentally sustainable manner.
* there do not appear to be any conflict with Aboriginal cultural heritage values in the area, noting in particular that access to the farm for commercial purposes will not be gained via local national parks and reserves.
In summary, the project has many benefits, and if appropriately conditioned can achieve significant economic and social benefits without compromising important environmental and cultural values. The way we produce food today is a significant driver of both climate change and biodiversity loss. It relies upon ever-increasing quantities of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, fossil fuels, fresh water, and other finite resources. These are a source of pollution and cause damage to ecosystems and human health. For all of these reasons the project has my support.

I spent the long weekend at Disaster Bay. It's untouched nature that is so rare to find in the times we live in. I strongly oppose the farming and industrialisation of this area. Keep Disaster Bay unblemished by human industrialism.

It would be an absolute tragedy to in any way spoil this pristine marine haven. We have so few untouched wilderness beaches and waterways. To even contemplate this proposal is unthinkable! Surely we should be doing all we can to preserve such a place - not allow ANY project to infringe on its magnificence. It would be a very sorry day if this is allowed to proceed.

I have spent much of my life visiting Wonboyn and the surrounding National Park, that connection now continues with my own young family. I have a home at the Wonboyn village & a strong personal attachment to the area.
What makes this location so significant is not just its natural beauty, but the fact that it has remained largely unchanged over generations. That continuity carries environmental importance as well as cultural and historical value that cannot be recreated once it is lost. Based on this, I consider the scale and location of the proposed development to be inappropriate and incompatible with the surrounding pristine & protected environment.
The proposal is located adjacent to the Nadgee Nature Reserve, the only declared coastal wilderness area in New South Wales. This designation reflects the objective of maintaining the area in an undisturbed, natural condition.
The following issues are of particular concern:

1. Scale and Site Suitability
The proposal represents a significant increase in scale from a 50 x 50 metre trial site to a 200-hectare commercial operation. There is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that data derived from a small-scale trial is applicable to a development of this magnitude, particularly in a highly exposed and dynamic marine environment.

2. Ocean Conditions and Operational Access
Disaster Bay is characterised by extreme and variable ocean conditions. Restricted access during large swell events raises concerns regarding operational feasibility and safety. There is a risk that operational activity may shift toward the village of Wonboyn Lake and the adjacent National Park areas, which are not designed to support or accommodate such industrial-scale marine operations.

3. Debris, Waste Management, and Pollution
Debris from existing aquaculture operations in the Eden region from Commercial Mussell Farming has been observed washing ashore. A development of this scale significantly increases the likelihood of infrastructure components, including buoys, ropes, & plastics, entering the marine environment & washing into remote areas of this pristine coastline & Nadgee reserve where they will remain unless proactively removed. There is insufficient detail regarding monitoring, retrieval, and accountability for such debris, particularly in this coastline as it is so remote and access is limited.

4. Plastic and Microplastic Risk
The project relies on extensive synthetic infrastructure that will be subject to continuous environmental exposure. Material degradation over time is likely to contribute to microplastic pollution, with potential impacts on water quality & all marine ecosystems.
The scale of the proposed infrastructure has the potential to alter wave patterns and sediment transport processes. This may have downstream impacts on beaches, estuarine systems, and the Wonboyn & Merrica entrances, which are sensitive and dynamic coastal environments within the Nadgee Nature Reserve.

5. Economic and Industry Impacts
The proposal places a direct impact on existing local commercial fishing grounds, which have been active in the area for generations. These are not recent or transient industries, but long-established livelihoods tied to the local history and identity of this region. The local fishing industry represents a generational working port, with knowledge, skills, and practices passed down over time.

6. Project Failure, Rehabilitation, and Liability
There is insufficient clarity regarding legally enforceable obligations for full removal of infrastructure and site rehabilitation in the event that the project ceases operation. This presents a risk of long-term environmental impact if the site is not restored to its original untouched condition.

7. Future Use and Lease Transferability
Clarification is required regarding whether the lease may be transferred or subleased for alternative aquaculture activities. This raises concerns about the potential for ongoing or expanded industrial use beyond the current proposal.
Given the scale of the development, the critical nature & significance of the location, and the range of unresolved environmental, cultural, and community risks, the proposal is not suitable for this site.
For these reasons, I formally object to the proposal.

I am expressing my concern that this project will have an impact on the surrounding costal environment, and I believe there should be more research and testing done before this project goes ahead.

With the Nadgee wilderness being the last declared coastal nature reserve in NSW, I believe it’s important to properly consider and evaluate the impacts and motives of the AusKelp farm. The area’s rich and largely untainted environment is becoming increasingly hard to find and its remote location and small population means that it is an important place for native terrestrial and marine flora and fauna to flourish unimpeded by external human-driven factors.

My immediate, extended and ancestral family also has a running personal connection to the Wonboyn/Nadgee area and it would be a pity to see such a beautiful area with such rich indigenous heritage and environmental history get tainted by a project that did dot get treated with necessary delicacy.

This beautiful environment with its rich ecology should be protected at all costs. Having been there I believe there are few places left like it. A 200ha kelp farm has the potential to really harm this unique ecological area.

My name is Eva Pool and I’m writing from Melbourne to object to the proposed seaweed aquaculture lease in Disaster Bay.
As a mother, I think deeply about the natural world we’re leaving behind for the next generation. Nadgee Nature Reserve represents something increasingly rare – a truly wild, untouched stretch of Australian coastline. The idea of a 200-hectare industrial farm being planted inside a Nature Reserve is deeply troubling to me.
The risks are real and serious. Whales, dolphins, seals and penguins face genuine entanglement danger. Microplastics from buoys and ropes will enter the water and the food chain. Underwater noise will disturb marine life in ways we don’t fully understand. And a 50x50m test site simply cannot tell us what will happen at 200 hectares.
Once we allow commercial development like this into a protected reserve, we cannot undo it. I urge the NSW Planning Portal to reject this application and protect Nadgee for the generations who come after us.