Today we announce that a Dutton Coalition Government will rescind the Southern Ocean Offshore Wind Zone – a decision that puts the South West Victorian community first.
Click here to watch the video: https://youtube.com/shorts/GOUA81Q9zC8
The Albanese Government has deliberately ignored serious economic, social, and environmental concerns raised by residents about this proposed wind zone.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Energy Minister Chris Bowen have shown complete disregard for the people of Warrnambool and Port Fairy in their desperate push to impose a renewables-only electricity grid.
The local community treasure their waterways and are deeply concerned about the potential impacts on the nearby Logans Beach Whale Nursery, the whale migration highway, migratory seabirds, recreational fishing, and tourism operations.
Instead of addressing these concerns, Labor’s deeply flawed community engagement process has only caused distress and division.
More than 7,000 people signed a petition opposing the offshore wind farms which Member for Wannon Dan Tehan presented to Parliament. The Coalition has held extensive meetings and consultations with the local community and listened to their objections.
Recreational fishers, tourism operators, community groups, small business owners, and residents have all rejected this proposal. Their voices have been ignored by a government intent on pushing through a project that the community does not want.
Enough is enough. A Dutton Coalition Government will ensure this bungled project does not proceed.
The ball is now in Mr Albanese and Mr Bowen’s court to respect the community’s views – and we call on them to join us in rescinding this project.
The Coalition has consulted closely with concerned residents from day one and has concluded that offshore wind in this zone is completely untenable. Impacted residents feel betrayed by a Labor Government that has steamrolled over them in its reckless pursuit of a ‘renewables-only’ electricity grid.
Fair and reasonable questions from the community about the economic and environmental impacts of offshore wind have been ignored, and the situation has now reached a point of no return.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request uncovered a report from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Migratory Species Section, revealing the environmental impact this offshore wind farm will have on local wildlife, particularly whales and seabirds.
Around Australia, we have seen that when governments botch consultation, projects ultimately fail.
Residents of South West Victoria have spoken, and a Dutton Coalition Government will stand with them.
ENDS
