What is the Senate Inquiry on Offshore Wind Industry Consultation Process?
In a win for the community, a Senate Inquiry into offshore wind industry consultation process was announced on 3 July 2024 following a motion by Nationals Senator Ross Cadell.
Submissions closed on 30 August 2024 and the report is due by 13 February 2025.
The Senate Inquiry is about consultation, so you didn’t need to be an expert on offshore wind projects to share your perspective and experience.
Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter) Inc made a submission. Many members and committee members also made individual submissions.
Submissions can be found the Australian Government website https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Environment_and_Communications/OffshoreWind/Submissions
Why is this Important?
This Senate Inquiry is focused on consultation across Australia. Thank you to those members who took the time to make a submission about the lack of communication and consultation with our community as well as other concerns about the offshore wind project proposed for the Illawarra-Cronulla coastline.
Terms of Reference of the Senate Inquiry
The consultation process undertaken on behalf of the Australian Government into the offshore wind industry, with particular reference to:
(a) the efficacy of community engagement and benefit in planning, developing and operating the offshore wind industry;
(b) community engagement within the existing Australian Government offshore wind industry regulatory and legislative frameworks;
(c) the adherence to the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent from Traditional Owners of the affected Sea Country by the Australian Government and offshore wind industry;
(d) the impact of the offshore wind industry on marine life and marine environments in Australian waters, including strategies for impact minimisation and management; and
(e) any other related matters.
When we know more about the outcome of the Senate Inquiry we will let you know.