A NEWLY-formed community organisation is calling on the Federal Government to move all proposed wind turbines to at least 50km offshore as a ‘common sense’ solution.
Responsible Renewables is looking to lead a national discussion on responsible planning of renewable energy infrastructure, with particular focus on offshore wind energy investments.
Co-founded by Waratah Bay resident and engineer Robert Boelen, the organisation has attracted hundreds of community members concerned about the Federal Government’s plans to erect 260-metre or higher turbines in Bass Strait, including next to Wilsons Promontory National Park and Phillip Island.
In recent months, Australian Commonwealth coastline waters of Bass Strait have been identified for substantial wind energy infrastructure investment, with myriad zones proposed to house hundreds of turbines only 5.5 kilometres offshore.
This month, feasibility licenses are expected to be granted to overseas investment consortiums by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, The Hon. Chris Bowen MP.
Mr Boelen said the rush to invest in offshore wind energy was clouding good judgement and ignoring environmental threats.
“Experts are telling us that the fields of towering turbines could disturb migratory birdlife, calving and breeding for Southern Right Whales, and colonies of fur seals, little penguins and other important fish species,” Mr Boelen said.
“We are supporters of Australia’s target of net zero emissions by 2050 and pro renewables but the pursuit of a clean environment cannot be at the cost of the environment itself – these plans are akin to erecting turbines next to the 12 Apostles, Uluru or the Great Barrier Reef.
“Our proposal is to move all turbines at least 30-50 kilometres offshore on the western side of Wilsons Promontory – it’s a common sense solution.”
The Federal Government’s Department of Industry Science and Resources entered a period of consultation on the plans from August 5 to October 7, 2022.
Concerned about the “quasi consultation” to date, Responsible Renewables has written to Mr Bowen and travelled to Canberra to meet with Senators from all political parties, requesting for more ‘common sense’ in the planning.
Jeff Nottle, president of the Phillip Island Conservation Society, believes offshore energy can significantly contribute to energy needs, but said it needs to be carefully managed and adverse impacts on the environment and the local economy need to be minimised.
“It is widely accepted that the Phillip Island environment is the Phillip Island economy. Protection of marine life and sea birds is paramount and the location of the turbines and the method of construction is key,” he said.
“Further consultation is required to ensure protections for the economy and the environment.”
Numerous organisations, peak bodies and councils also made submissions earlier this year during the consultation period, including Bass Coast Shire.
The shire expressed that the proposed area identified was extensive and “given the size of current and possible future turbines, too close to the shore, and would have a significant impact on several nationally iconic views including the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.”
They were also concerned that the Local Government has limited resources to effectively play its role in the planning and approval of projects.
While South Gippsland Shire was concerned that there is ‘a lack of information on the direct and indirect impacts that proposed projects, located near the South Gippsland coast, may have on the South Gippsland community and the position of the community is not yet fully understood’.
“Council does not currently support the proposed two zones closely adjacent to south western coastline and bays of the municipality, preferencing zones to be further off the coast, until further information is confirmed to reduce the potential impacts on coastal visual amenity,” South Gippsland Shire stated in their submission.
The State Government has also provided funding for three offshore wind projects from Star of the South, Macquarie Group and Flotation Energy.
The funding will assist each company conduct studies to determine the exact location of each project.
Star of the South is looking to establish an offshore wind farm to be located 7-25 km near towns such as Port Albert, McLoughlins Beach and Woodside Beach.
Up to 200 turbines are proposed to be installed out at sea.
They are targeting first power from the project in 2028 to deliver electricity and coincide with the planned closure of the Latrobe Valley’s Yallourn Power Station.