The declaration of an offshore wind zone off the coast of Illawarra is just the first step towards providing cleaner, more reliable power for the region, with any prospective projects subject to a host of environmental conditions.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said, while some people had legitimate concerns, there had been a lot of scare-mongering and misinformation about the impact of offshore wind turbines on the marine environment.

“All offshore wind projects in Australia are subject to environmental approval requirements under environmental legislation, including the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Proponents must demonstrate how they will ensure protected species such as whales, and migratory birds, will not be impacted and show how their projects will contribute to nature-positive outcomes.

“Offshore wind project developers will need to seek all required approvals and licences under Commonwealth and state legislation before any offshore infrastructure activities can occur.”

When announcing the zone on Saturday June 15, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the Illawarra zone was about one third smaller than it was going to be and, at 1,022 square kilometres, was much smaller than declared zones in Gippsland and Bass Strait.

He said, following the zone declaration, proponents could now apply for licences and would need to show community benefits, local job creation and would also have to go through environmental approvals under the EPBC Act.

“That involves a very independent process where they'll have to show their impact on bird life, whale life, other marine life, and show their management plans and get the tick of approval under the environmental approval,” Minister Bowen said.

“It is a careful regime which has several stages of approvals. There's not going to be any wind turbines next week, next month or next year. We have a long way to go to make sure we get this right.”

Mrs Phillips said many ocean lovers, like herself, recognised that the biggest threat to the ocean was inaction on climate change.

“We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector and invest in clean, proven energy technology,” she said.

“We need to produce energy for homes and business for decades to come. What is the alternative – a nuclear power plant on the shores of Jervis Bay.”

Surfers for Climate have embraced to federal Labor government’s announcement which will provide coastal communities with fresh economic opportunities and jobs while protecting our oceans from the damaging impacts of climate pollution.  

Surfers for Climate CEO, Josh Kirkman, said the federal government had listened to the Illawarra community’s wide range of views on the development of the zone.

“Making the zone smaller, moving it further offshore and excluding areas to protect marine life has helped allay many people’s concerns,” he said.

​Surfers for Climate campaign manager Coco Venaglia said, after polling members, “the vast majority support offshore wind where environmental impacts are taken into consideration”.

“Young people from all walks of life in the Illawarra have made it clear they too support offshore wind when done well,” she said.​

“At our recent youth summit in Wollongong, a declaration of support was developed that articulates their values and ensures their voices are heard."  

Surfers for Climate youth summit participant and University of Wollongong project officer Georgia Watson said: “We want to see the Illawarra set a precedent in line with the rest of the world”.

“We can show the rest of Australia that responsible investment in renewable energy can work hand-in-hand with environmental conservation and community investment.” 

The final declared zone can be found at:

Illawarra, NSW declared offshore wind area - DCCEEW

Photo: Map of Illawarra offshore wind area showing proposed and final declaration area.

ENDS: 

MEDIA CONTACT: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967