Embarking on a Strategic Path for Illawarra’s Coastline

Welcome to Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter) Inc, an organisation formed by dedicated locals who have actively opposed offshore wind plans. Our involvement has been comprehensive, from attending government consultations to community meetings, from signing petitions to writing to politicians. Engaging with various platforms, such as Facebook groups, we’ve fostered a collective approach to heighten awareness and galvanise action. Recognising the need for a more structured and strategic approach, we established Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter) Inc as a means to channel this collective energy into effective advocacy across the Illawarra.

This initiative marks a significant chapter in our commitment to protect the Illawarra Region’s natural beauty and biodiversity. We are determined to ensure that development proposals not only preserve our environment but also enhance our way of life, providing sustainable and economically beneficial outcomes.

Advocating for a Responsible Future for Energy for the Good People of Wollongong and the Illawarra

In late 2023, the community of Illawarra was brought together by a shared concern—a proposed significant offshore wind farm development that caught many by surprise. The subsequent public consultations raised more questions than answers, leading to a growing quest for transparency among the residents of Wollongong and the broader Illawarra region. Disappointment in the consultation process, which seemed to disregard community feedback, ignited a groundswell of inquiry and advocacy.

At Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter) Inc, we will be channelling this collective concern into action. We’re driven by a commitment to ensure that any transition to renewable energy, such as the proposed offshore wind farm, is balanced against the health of our marine life and the economic realities onshore. Our community deserves due diligence, particularly when the stakes include the pristine waters of our whale migration routes, the livelihoods of our fishing and tourism operators and the integrity of our coastal lifestyle.

As we advocate for responsible energy development, we stand with the good people of Illawarra who demand that environmental assessments be thorough and conducted independently, not rushed for the sake of expediency. It is our firm belief that sustainability and economic development must be pursued with a deep respect for the ecological and communal bonds that define our region.

What We Stand For

  • Unconditional Opposition to Offshore Wind Turbines: We acknowledge the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and reduce CO² emissions and support evidence-based measures that can ensure these benefits but any action that sacrifices the health of our environment, community or economy without delivering these benefits is not responsible. That is why we are firmly opposed to the development of offshore wind turbines off the Illawarra.
  • Engaged Dialogue with Politicians: As an association we are not promoting any Political Party, however we will listen and stand next to any political party who supports our communities fight against the current government’s mantra of environmentally, economically and technologically unsound rollout of renewables that threaten the very fabric of our ocean & region. We will actively lobby politicians to ensure that the concerns of our community are represented. We welcome discussions with any current or future leaders who are open to considering our concerns and perspectives.
  • Environmental and Community Integrity: Our vision for a cleaner, greener planet does not overlook the importance of preserving our local environment and community welfare. We advocate for sustainable development that harmonises with the ecological and social fabric of our region into the future.
  • Neutral on Alternative Energy Solutions: We do not endorse specific alternative energy solutions; instead, we look to our government and industry experts to propose realistic, feasible, and environmentally sustainable energy strategies. Our role is to ensure that these solutions are developed responsibly and with due consideration for all stakeholders now and into the future.

The Roots of Our Movement

Though Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter) Inc was formally established in January 2024, it stands on a solid foundation laid by a series of significant community-driven initiatives for many months before this. These endeavours, which showcase the collective spirit and determination of the Illawarra community, have been instrumental in shaping our present efforts and affirming the need for a structured organisation.

Responsible Future - Rally to Oppose the Illawarra Offshore Windfarm

Some key milestones that have galvanised our community include:

Media Engagement:

  • Achieved a strong media presence on platforms like 2GB, ABC, WIN News, Sky News, and the Illawarra Mercury, enhancing the visibility of our message.
  • Noted the challenge of some outlets misrepresenting the community’s views, reaffirming the importance of direct communication and advocacy.

Community Meetings:

  • Conducted meetings in Coledale, Shellharbour, Fairy Meadow, Dapto, and Kiama, providing opportunities for information sharing and community feedback.

Public Rally:

  • Hosted a peaceful rally on October 29, 2023, with over 2,000 attendees and a paddle-out of 250 surfers, showcasing community solidarity.

Survey Participation:

  • Engaged with the DCCEEW survey, resulting in 14,200 submissions from the community, eagerly awaiting the breakdown of support versus opposition.

Community Engagement:

  • Connected with members across various Facebook Groups who collectively oppose offshore wind turbines in Illawarra, sharing key initiatives to mobilise community action.

Information Campaign:

  • Organised a letterbox drop, with volunteers distributing over 25,000 flyers to inform residents about the proposed wind turbine project.

E-petition Drive:

  • Collected over 11,000 signatures through an e-petition (EN5444) to the federal government, demonstrating significant opposition within the community.

Active Representation:

  • Represented the Illawarra at the Reckless Renewables Rally in Sydney, urging the state government to acknowledge and address the community’s concerns.

Fundraising Efforts:

  • Sustained our campaign through fundraising initiatives, which included selling branded merchandise such as t-shirts and stickers, and creating a Go Fund Me page to gather financial support.

Notably, the Illawarra region was the only area to be granted an extension for the DCCEEW consultation phase, receiving an additional 30 days due to the volume and quality of community response. Additionally, we witnessed the withdrawal of a submission by the developer BlueFloat, a decision that came in the wake of concerted community pushback.

These actions are a testament to the power of our collective voice. They underscore the fact that as a community, we are not just being heard; our concerns are leading to tangible outcomes. Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter) is proud to carry forward this legacy of active engagement as we continue to advocate for the interests and wellbeing of the Illawarra region.

What Sets Us Apart?

What sets Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter) Inc apart is our steadfast independence and integrity.

We proudly affirm that our initiatives and advocacy are not swayed by funding or influence from major fossil fuel entities, nuclear energy, political party affiliations, or government grants. We are committed to unbiased action, free from the influence of any entities with a vested interest in the outcomes of our research.

Our organisational ethos is built on transparency and a community-led focus, ensuring that our actions and goals are reflective of the collective values and aspirations of the Illawarra residents and businesses. We are a part of the Illawarra community, dedicated to responsible choices that positively impact our environment and community.

This principled stance not only strengthens our credibility but also reinforces our dedication to pursuing a future that honours our region’s environmental and communal legacy.

Become A Member

Throw your support behind Responsible Future and have your voice heard.

Join Now