THE first mention of any impact on the natural splendor of Gippsland from the proposed rollout of thousands of massive offshore wind turbines came in the Senate last Wednesday, November 23 and it came from an unexpected source.

Despite holding a strong position on renewable energy, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has warned the government not to destroy treasures like Wilsons Prom along the way.

“It is important, with all of these new industries, that we tread carefully to ensure that the public is brought along,” said the Greens’ Senator.

“There are already signs of concern about some of the proposals in Gippsland impacting on existing treasures like Wilsons Promontory

“I remember camping at the Wilsons Promontory campgrounds as a kid over summer. It is a stunningly beautiful area, and we need to protect it.”

Senator Hanson-Young was debating the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 when she warned the government to consult fully with the community, including traditional owners.

“We need to make sure we are protecting nature while at the same time investing in the transformation of the decarbonisation that we need.

“And you can do that: you can talk to community, you can respect local traditional owners and you can make sure you bring people along, but you do it with transparency, you do it with clarity and you do it with purpose.”

Meanwhile, a community-based group has been formed with the aim of protecting South Gippsland’s coastline from the proposed offshore wind turbine development, especially in the area from Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island.

‘Responsible Renewables’ is calling on the Senate Standing Committee on Environment to launch an inquiry into the granting of licenses and the lack of process by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

You can check out the website of this new group at: https://responsiblerenewables.com.au/

PLEASE NOTE: "An earlier version of this article included serious errors. The Sentinel Times apologises to Senator Hanson-Young for the incorrect attributions."