The Response to the Iron Baron Oil Spill

Report by the Review Group into the response by the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil, to the oil spill which followed the grounding of the Iron Baron on Hebe Reef, northern Tasmania on 10 July 1995.

Foreword

Following the grounding, subsequent refloating and disposal of the BHP-chartered bulk carrier, Iron Baron, in July 1995, the Commonwealth Minister for Transport, the Hon. Laurie Brereton MHR, announced two investigations. The first was to investigate the circumstances surrounding the grounding of the vessel.

The second, the subject of this Report, was to review the response under the National Plan to the resulting oil pollution incident. The Group undertaking this review was required to report to Minister Brereton and to the Tasmanian Environment Minister, the Hon. John Cleary MP, by December 1995. The Terms of Reference for the Review appear at Appendix 2.

The Review Group attended key debriefing sessions of the main organisations involved with the response; conducted public hearings in both Port Sorell and George Town, Tasmania; received submissions from interested and affected individuals and organisations; carried out site and equipment inspections; and conducted personal interviews and discussions with many people involved with the response.

In addition to the offshore and onshore oil pollution clean-up, this incident also involved a very significant wildlife collection, treatment and rehabilitation program.

The Review Group identified the thirty six issues discussed in this Report as warranting detailed consideration. Where appropriate, recommendations follow the discussion and findings relating to each issue. The Review Group considers that its recommendations are of such importance as to be actioned as soon as possible.

Criticisms of organisations or individuals within this Report must be read in a constructive sense. As with any review that follows an emergency incident, it is essential to ensure that the lessons learned are used to improve arrangements and plans in readiness for any future incidents.

The Review Group greatly appreciates the response of the many individuals and organisations who provided submissions and reports, made personal presentations at public hearings, or made time available for informal interviews and discussions.

Tim Muir
Chair
Iron Baron Review Group
21 December 1995

Glossary
Executive Summary
List of Recommendations

Part A - Authority
Part B - Planning
Part C - Operations
Part D - Personnel
Part E - Environment
Part F - Public Interest

Introduction

Part A - Authority
Part B - Planning
Part C - Operations
Part D - Personnel
Part E - Environment
Part F - Public Interest

Appendices 1 to 6

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