David Littleproud and Senator Ross Cadell at Wollongong Harbour in June. Photo: Jen White.
Opponents to offshore wind in the Illawarra have celebrated the announcement of an inquiry into the consultation process on the Illawarra offshore wind zone.
The push for an inquiry, led by Nationals Senator for NSW Ross Cadell, was passed by a 31-30 vote in the Upper House.
President of Responsible Future Illawarra, Jenny Cullen welcomed the inquiry.
“Collective efforts have successfully led to the initiation of a Senate inquiry and report focusing on the consultation processes related to offshore wind projects,” she said.
“This reflects our concerns about the lack of community consultation, which is mirrored in 65 per cent of the Illawarra community opposing the project.
“We also extend our gratitude to Senator Cadell for his support of the communities impacted by offshore wind projects.
“This is a significant step towards ensuring transparency and thorough consultation in crucial decision-making processes.
“This development underscores the importance of rigorous consultation and community involvement in shaping the future of our region.”
The matter will now go before the Environment and Communications References Committee, with a report due in February next year.
The scope of the inquiry is not limited to the Illawarra.
Community consultation for the Illawarra offshore wind project began in August 2023, when Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen visited Port Kembla to share details of the original proposal.
Six community consultation sessions and two town hall forums with panels made up of local experts were held from September to October.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) created a comprehensive website – with more information about location, visual amenity, environmental impacts, and how a wind farm zone would impact shipping and fishing.
Public feedback on the proposal was open from 18 August until 15 November of 2023. The department received more than 14,000 written submissions related to the Illawarra offshore wind proposal.
On 15 June Mr Bowen announced an area a third the size of the original proposal, 20 km off the coast, would be dedicated as an offshore wind zone.
Mr Cadell and National Party leader David Littleproud came to the Illawarra following the announcement, and Mr Littleproud said a future Coalition government would not allow a wind energy zone to be developed off the Illawarra coast.
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