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 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.

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

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.

I am supportive of sustainable kelp farming in general, but I would like Disaster Bay to remain protected from any human intervention, just like the land that surrounds it (Nadgee NP). I would be interested to learn if there are other locations in already-developed waters that could provide an alternative solution.

Please see attached letter of support for the project

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.

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