Woolooware Bay oyster farmers ordered out to allow remediation of contaminated land

Land on the sites leased from the state government by Wetland Oysters and Endeavour Oysters has been found to be contaminated by coal tar, which was used to coat sticks many years ago.

Contaminated soil needs to be removed and the area remediated.

The operators have appealed to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to allow them to stay while the work is carried out, or at least to be allowed to return once it is completed.

The shut down orders were totally unexpected by Wetland Oysters, which was seeking a long-term lease so it could open an oyster cafe – a move viewed widely, including by Cronulla MP Mark Speakman, as a potential tourist attraction.

RMS said in a statement notice was given to terminate the occupancy agreement of two oyster processing operations in Woolooware Bay to enable the clean up of the site after contaminants were discovered during testing.

“The NSW Environment Protection Authority has been notified of the contamination and the intended remediation,” it said.

“Roads and Maritime is looking into a number of options for the site while continuing to work with the oyster farmers on locations for future accommodation.”

Asked if the operators might be able to return after the work was done, a spokesman said all options for future use of the site were being considered “however, nothing has been confirmed”.

RMS said the operations did not grow oysters locally, but processed oysters from elsewhere.

Dave Barker, of Wetland Oysters, said this was incorrect as both operators grew oysters in Woolooware Bay.

“We also purchase oysters from other locations, but we also farm in our own waters,” he said.

Mr Barker said dealing with the RMS had been extremely frustrating, with inadequate information being provided and calls not returned.

“We requested a copy of the EPA report and an extension of the time to leave, and got no reply,” he said.

Mr Barker said, when they had eventually managed to contact the RMS officer, he said he couldn’t release the EPA report without getting legal clearance.

“We heard nothing more and then we got the termination letter,” he said.

“The letter made no reference to my requests.”

Mr Barker said most of the land that was contaminated was between Captain Cook Drive and the sheds – where vehicles drove in and parked.

“Most of the sheds are over the water and are not affected,” he said.

Mr Hedison said they appealed to Mr Speakman “to try to get RMS to change their mind and let us stay here”.

As a result, they had been visited last week by a consultant, who had discussed the situation.

“We hope they can work around us,” he said. “It is a big concern because we have so much money invested here.”