Who We Are

Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter) Inc is a community-led volunteer organisation dedicated to promoting transparent, evidence-based energy policy, environmental protection and responsible energy infrastructure development.
Established in response to community concerns surrounding the proposed offshore wind development off the Illawarra coast, Responsible Future has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a respected voice in national conversations on energy policy, environmental stewardship, marine conservation, microplastic pollution, community consultation, affordability, reliability, and energy security.
While our foundations remain firmly rooted in the Illawarra, our advocacy now contributes to policy discussions and community engagement at local, state, and national levels.

Our Story

Responsible Future was founded by a group of local residents seeking greater transparency, accountability and community involvement in decisions surrounding one of the largest industrial energy developments ever proposed for the Illawarra region.
What began as a local campaign quickly grew into a broad community movement advocating for responsible energy planning, environmental protection, and meaningful consultation. Over time, our work expanded to include wider environmental challenges including microplastic pollution, marine conservation, biodiversity protection and responsible coastal management.
Today, Responsible Future is one of Australia’s largest community-led organisations advocating for balanced energy policy, environmental responsibility and sustainable development. We believe that communities should have a genuine voice in shaping the future of their environment, economy, and way of life. We remain committed to ensuring that major energy policy and infrastructure decisions are guided by transparency, evidence, and the public interest.

Wollongong Rally Opposing Offshore Windfarms

Our Role in a Responsible Energy Future for Australia

Advocacy

We believe Australia’s energy transition must be grounded in transparency, scientific integrity, enviromental protection and long-term thinking. Our work ensures communityes are informed, consulted and respected.

Evidence-Based Energy Policy

We support rigorous assessment of all major energy proposals to ensure they are environmentally responsible, economically viable and in the long-term interests of Australian communities.

Engaged Dialogue with Decision Makers

We engage constructively with governments, industry participants, experts and community stakeholders to ensure decisions are transparent, accountable and informed by evidence.

Technology-Neutral Assessment

We believe all energy technologies whould be assessed on their merits, considering cost, reliability, environmental impact, scalability and long-term benefits to Australia.

What We Advocate For

  • Transparent Energy modelling and policy development
  • Affordable and reliable energy for households and industry
  • Independent environmental assessment and scientific scrutiny
  • Meaningful community consultation and social licence
  • Protection of regional industries, jobs and economic competitiveness
  • Accountability in government decision-making
  • Long-term planning that prioritises future generations
  • Protection of Australia’s marine ecosystems and biodiversity
  • Action on microplastic pollution and emerging environmental threats  

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) Inc, is proud to carry forward this legacy of active engagement as we continue to advocate for the interests and wellbeing of the Illawarra region and support other community groups in similar situations.

What Sets Us Apart?

Responsible Future is entirely community funded and politically independent.

We are not directd by political parties, governments, developers or vested interests. Our advocacy is driven by community participation, evidence-based analysis and a commitment to transparency.

We assess policies and proposals on their merits rather than ideology and engage constructively across political, industry and community sectors.

Responsile Future is committed to safeguarding Australia’s natural environment, from marine biodiversity to coastal ecosystems. We want to ensure future generations inherit a clener, healthier and more resilient country.

Become A Member

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