The Tasmanian government is not considering new laws to protect Neil the seal, Premier Jeremy Rockliff says, despite growing calls for a formal management plan for the viral animal.
Neil has returned to the greater Hobart area in the state’s south-east for his annual moult, drawing large crowds and international media attention.
Asked on Sunday whether the government would legislate to protect him, such as fines for people who get too close, Rockliff ruled it out.
“No, we’re not contemplating legislation to my knowledge. This is about common sense,” he said.
He said people should give Neil a buffer of more than 20 metres, keep their dogs leashed and let the seal reach the water uninterrupted.
“We don’t need to legislate for common sense,” Rockliff said.
Asked whether the government would reconsider if an incident occurred that common sense might have prevented, he did not shift.
“Well, common sense needs to be more common. I’ve always said that,” he said.
The comments come as pressure builds for a co-ordinated approach to managing Neil, who returns to the state’s south-east each year.
The Clarence City Council and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment have held early talks about developing a formal protocol, with the council focused on traffic and crowd control and the department responsible for Neil’s welfare.
Some local councillors have called for measures including temporary exclusion zones, public education campaigns and fines for people who breach distance rules.
A wildlife official has warned Neil could face euthanasia if the public keeps approaching him, prompting a petition urging the government to guarantee a non-lethal plan.
It has attracted close to 20,000 signatures.
Neil is in the fifth week of his six-week moult. Authorities have ramped up efforts with 24/7 security, partial road closures and extra wildlife officers.
People are urged to stay at least 20 metres from Neil and keep dogs on a leash at least 50 metres away.
