The Albanese Labor Government is ignoring the concerns of the Wannon community about the impact of offshore wind farms on our local environment as it ploughs ahead with its Southern Ocean offshore wind zone.
Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said the Warrnambool and Port Fairy communities were strongly opposed to Labor’s offshore wind farm that will be built in their backyard.
“More than 5000 people signed a petition opposing this project because they had grave concerns about the impact on the pristine coastline, the marine environment, and local marine species,” Mr Tehan said.
“They sent a loud and clear message, and they deserve to be heard.
“It reeks of arrogance that Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has today announced the next stage in the wind farm’s development without listening to the concerns of our community.
“Chris Bowen in his Western Sydney electorate won’t have to live every day with the impact of this project on his local environment, but he should have the decency to listen to the people who will be affected.”
The No Offshore Wind Group member and petition organiser, Richard Conlan, said the local community felt ignored.
“Like a horse with blinkers on, Chris Bowen is just focused on his agenda and he’s not listening to what the people want,” Mr Conlan said.
“I’m angry that we are being walked over with no real answers.
“We have wind turbines all over our district, we are pulling our weight when it comes to renewable energy, and we are just asking that they leave our pristine ocean alone.”
Mr Tehan presented the petition in Federal Parliament in June.
