Media Release: Meadowbank Antibiotic Updates Fail to Address Secrecy Concerns

Meadowbank Antibiotic Updates Fail to Address Secrecy Concerns

12 February 2026

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today welcomed EPA and Public Health updates regarding the use of antibiotics at the Huon Aquaculture Meadowbank hatchery but said the statements do not address the concerning initial secrecy surrounding the treatment occurring within Greater Hobart’s water catchment.

“I welcome the updates provided by both the EPA and Department of Public Health on the antibiotic use and monitoring processes in place for Meadowbank hatchery,” Ms Webb said.

“However, for many it will be too little, too late.

“While some information gaps are finally being filled in, these recent statements fail to address why the public were kept in the dark in the first place, and nor do they address a range of concerns associated with the antibiotic oxytetracycline such as potential for antimicrobial resistance.”

Ms Webb said that according to Public Health, it was informed by the EPA of the company’s intention to use antibiotics at the Meadowbank hatchery shortly before treatment commenced.

“Why weren’t Tasmanians informed either at the time the EPA was informed, or as soon as the Public Health response was provided to the EPA?

“This is a failure to read the public room. 

“To ensure public confidence and trust in our independent regulatory entities, information needs to be released publicly in a timely manner, not dragged out into the light of day.

“Concerns also remain about the status of current or historic antibiotic use in freshwater hatcheries around the state, as the Public Health statement indicates this particular antibiotic was previously used by the industry.”

Ms Webb said Tasmania must move to mandatory reporting of antibiotic use and approvals across both marine and freshwater fisheries, along with real-time disclosure of monitoring processes.