Successful Illawarra Rally Against Offshore Wind Proposal

We are thrilled to report that the rally against the Illawarra offshore wind proposal, held on Sunday, 28 July 2024, was a resounding success. Despite challenges like cold, windy weather, insurance hurdles, scheduling conflicts with the St. George Illawarra Dragons’ 25th anniversary, and various kids’ sports events, around 1,000 passionate community members gathered with their blankets and beanies. This was our first event in the city of Shellharbour, and the turnout exceeded expectations, demonstrating a unified stance against the controversial floating wind turbine project.

Illawarra Rally Highlights

• Impressive Turnout: Around a thousand concerned citizens gathered at Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra showing their commitment to protecting our marine environment and advocating for responsible energy development.
• Powerful Speakers: The rally featured compelling speeches from a range of influential figures, including Ted O’Brien, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy; Deputy Shellharbour Mayor Kellie Marsh; Former Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Andrew Constance, and now Federal Liberal Candidate for Gilmore; and Wollongong Mayoral Candidate John Dorahy. This strong lineup of senior opposition party members underscored the political significance of the issue, with many candidates signalling their opposition to the project as a key campaign point. The speakers collectively highlighted concerns over the project’s unproven technology, high costs, the sham consultation and environmental impact.
• Community Spirit: The event was a peaceful, family-friendly demonstration of community solidarity. Attendees of all ages participated, reflecting the broad spectrum of concern over the proposed offshore wind project.

The rally underscored the community’s strong disapproval of placing untested and costly floating turbines in a vital whale migration zone. It also highlighted the significant lack of consultation and engagement with the public, with 65% of feedback opposing the project being largely ignored.

Moving Forward

This successful rally sends a clear message to the Labor party and developers: our community demands responsible and transparent decision-making in energy projects. We will continue to advocate for the protection of our marine environment and ensure that community voices are heard in these critical discussions.

Thank you to everyone who attended and made their voices heard. Your support is invaluable in our ongoing efforts to challenge this proposal and advocate for sustainable and sensible energy solutions.

As a next step, it’s important that the community makes submissions to the Senate Inquiry about the consultation process for offshore wind. Submissions close on 30 August. More information can be found here.