Three Illawarra-based federal Labor members have welcomed the Senate Inquiry into the Offshore Wind Industry Consultation Process, as referred on 3 July 2024.
Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones, Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes and Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips wrote to the Senate References Committee on 8 July 2024, to invite them to visit the Illawarra region, which was the fourth declared zone for an offshore wind industry in Australia.
The declaration of a zone is the first part in a long process that may or may not result in an offshore wind project off the Illawarra coast.
Being a part of the clean energy transformation presents great opportunities for the Illawarra region. This has been recognised by all levels of government, of all sides, over many years with policy decisions that reflect this.
Offshore wind is a brand-new industry for our country and our region, and we understand that change can be confronting and uneasy. This is not something that will happen overnight and there are several stages of community consultation to still occur.
The assertion that the community was not engaged does not stand up to reasonable examination. However, there are lessons that can be learned from the process and improvements to be made.
The trio acknowledged the consultation process involved some very difficult conversations and generated a huge amount of feedback and questions within and beyond the formal process.
"We have valued these conversations and welcome the opportunity to further foster conversation on this industry moving forward," they said.
"Following local engagement, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Hon Chris Bowen MP listened to our community’s concerns and has made significant changes to the area where proponents can apply to build projects, including shrinking the total area by one-third, and shifting the zone 20 kiloemtres off the coast to accommodate fishing and maritime activities as well as minimise any visual impact.
"As we move forward, it is imperative to maintain open communication, address concerns, and ensure that the development of the offshore wind zone benefits the Illawarra community economically, environmentally, and socially while improving the integrity of our engagement processes."
To achieve this, the MPs have recommended:
1. Strengthening community consultation practices,
2. Increasing public education campaigns on renewable energy projects,
3. Creating community energy engagement hubs, and
4. Increasing media reporting responsibilities
"We look forward to receiving the Committee’s findings, which is due to report by the last sitting day in February 2025," they added.
Mr Jones said, following community consultation, the Illawarra offshore wind zone was now smaller and further offshore than originally proposed.
“It will now need to be at least 20 kilometres from the coast and has the potential to provide clean, secure energy which is critical to the future of industry and jobs in our region," he said.
“The declaration of the zone does not license any individual project. That is the next stage of the process which will involve further community consultation.”
Ms Byrnes said it was "vital for our community moving forward that we can have respectful and constructive conversations around major projects like offshore wind".
“The community must be consulted, and we must respect all opinions along the journey to achieve the best outcome for our region," she added.
“Due to extensive feedback during the process, the Minister granted additional consultation time and accepted a number of recommendations made by the local community in the final declaration.
“We are the City of Innovation. We have all the ingredients of industry, manufacturing, scientific knowledge, and a skilled workforce that we can combine with innovative government policy to help to build a clean energy future."
Mrs Phillips said an offshore wind farm offered "a tremendous opportunity for the Illawarra and South Coast economy" and was "the first step towards providing cleaner, more reliable power for the region".
“Since the offshore wind zone was announced, there has been a lot of scaremongering and misinformation about the impact on the marine environment," she said.
“Many people do have legitimate concerns, and we understand that. Off-shore wind is a foreign concept for our region, so it’s crucial that the community remains fully informed via public education campaigns and information hubs.”
