The Tasmanian Science Council considers that the review of the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008  must strengthen accountability, introduce sector-specific targets, and diversify clean energy sources to ensure Tasmania's net-zero status is maintained with integrity. 

The following submission sets out the reasons for this position, together with recommendations to strengthen Tasmania's climate response.

Read the submission below:

Strengthening Tasmania's Climate Change Act

For nearly three decades, the State Coastal Policy 1996 has remained outdated, with sucessive amendments weakening its intent and effectiveness. The Tasmanian Science Council considers that Amendment 01-25 to the State Coastal Policy 1996 further undermines coastal protection and should be rejected.

The following submission made to the Tasmanian Planning Commission sets out the reasons for this position, together with recommendations to ensure effective and science-based coastal management.

Read the submission below:

The Argument for Effective Tasmanian Coastal Policy 

Image @ Eric J Woehler

Better Management for Tasmania's Threatened Species

7 September 2024

This year on Threatened Species Day, the Tasmanian Independent Science Council calls for better management for Tasmania's threatened species. The response from governments and businesses is unnaceptable for the extinction crisis we are facing.

Read the Media Release below:

Science Council calls for better management for Tasmania’s Threatened Species

TISC Calls for UNESCO Action on Macquarie Harbour Environmental Crisis

16 April 2024

In response to urgent appeals by environmental groups and the Tasmanian Independent Science Council (TISC), UNESCO has contacted the Albanese government to address the severe impacts of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour that threaten the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and the endangered Maugean skate.

TISC's recent letter to UNESCO underscores the Australian government’s critical failure to conduct thorough environmental assessments and calls for immediate measures to protect the area’s unique ecosystem. Aquaculture licences are currently under review by Minister Tanya Plibersek.

Read the Media Release below:

Urgent threat to the heritage value of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

EPBC Act review of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour

2 February 2024

The operation of intensive salmon aquaculture in Macquarie Harbour since its expansion in 2012 has had severe impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance that are protected under the EPBC Act.

Based on the evidence set out below, we strongly recommend that the 2012 decision to enable the expansion of marine farming in Macquarie Harbour, on the basis that it was Not a Controlled Action if undertaken in a Particular Manner, be revoked and substituted with a new decision. 

This activity has resulted in significant degradation of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area values and has also been a major factor in the precipitous decline in the population of the now critically endangered Maugean skate.

Read the Submission below:

Tasmanian Independent Science Council submission regarding the Federal reconsideration of the 2012 EPBC Act Decision on Marine Farming Expansion, Macquarie Harbour (2012/6406).