Illawarra Offshore Wind Area Declared: Federal Labor Government Initiates Illawarra Coast Industrialisation
The Illawarra Wind Zone is Declared
In a controversial move, the Federal Labor government has officially sanctioned the transformation of the ocean off the Illawarra into an industrial zone for renewable energy. This step, marking a significant pivot towards offshore wind energy, was declared on June 15, 2024, by Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
Although many in the community were not surprised by this declaration, it is disappointing to see first-hand the Labor government’s complete disregard of community concerns as they push ahead to try to meet Net Zero targets.
Details of the Declaration
The government has set aside a substantial 1,022 km² area, starting 20 km offshore between Wombarra and Kiama, for offshore wind development. This newly designated zone, scaled down from the initial 1,461 km² proposal, is the government’s response they say to a mix of community feedback and environmental concerns. The turbines have been moved to a minimum of 20km offshore compared to the original plans of 10km in response to concerns about visual impact. Detail of the declared area can be found on this DCCEEW announcement.
Community and Environmental Concerns
Throughout the consultation period from August to November 2023, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) received over 14,200 submissions. These submissions outlined significant concerns about potential environmental damage, disruptions to local industries like fishing and tourism, and the aesthetic degradation of our beloved coastline. 65% of the submissions received were opposed to the proposal although the government has sought to discredit the voice of the community reflected in the DCCEEW public consultation summary report into the Illawarra Offshore Renewable Energy Declaration. While the government claims to foster renewable energy and job creation, many in the community remain sceptical about the true costs and benefits of such a project. There is also a deep concern about the consultation processes adopted by the government.
Visual Impact
Although the visual impact is only one concern, it is worth highlighting the differences in what has been presented to the community.
The DCCEEW website includes a number of visualisations which show us that the proposed wind turbines would barely be visible across a number of vantage points across the Illawarra. For example, Bulli Rockpool where the turbines will be approximately 20km offshore, the DCCEEW site has the turbines as practically invisible.
This is in stark contrast to real world situations based on the visibility of offshore windfarms in the Northern Hemisphere. For example, at Gwyny-y-Mor in Northern Wales, wind turbines 10 miles (16km) from shore at Rhos-on-Sea are significantly taller. Now this windfarm is slightly closer to shore but also the turbines are significantly smaller – 150m high with a hub height of 98m in Northern Wales compared to a proposed 268m high and a hub height of 150m for the Illawarra. Why is there such a gross difference to what the government has presented to the Illawarra community?
Stock Media provided by Howard_Litherland / Pond5
A Call to Action
The recent declaration regarding the offshore wind project was anticipated, yet it remains a profound disappointment. Established in January 2024, Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter) Inc. has strategically prepared to address this challenge and now stands ready to lead the opposition against the irresponsible expansion of industrial-scale renewable projects. It’s imperative for our community to unite and persist in our advocacy to prevent the push towards renewable energy that compromises our local environmental integrity and the values of our community.
Our Final Thoughts
As we stand at this crossroad, it’s essential to remember that our community’s efforts can still influence the direction of this development. The Labor government’s decision to push forward with this industrialisation plan has awakened a community that has largely supported Labor in the past. We now realise that these “safe Labor seats” at both the Federal and State levels are a key reason this proposal is targeting the Illawarra. We must hold current and future governments accountable for our energy infrastructure, for the sake of future generations. Not only that, but we are committed to defending our coastline and ensuring that any development respects our unique environmental and community needs.
