30 August 2023
Offshore wind farm secrecy undermines community confidence.
The Andrews Government’s secrecy and lack of genuine consultation surrounding the proposed offshore wind farm near Portland is undermining community confidence in the project.
Portland is home to a complex and unique ecosystem, with the Bonney upwelling bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface to feed the region’s marine life.
The upwelling is one of only 12 similar wells in the world, with whales known to use it as a key food source, and locals want confidence that offshore wind farms will not negatively impact the marine system.
Despite this, the Andrews Government is not conducting consultations with the community in good faith, undermining confidence and with a view to a predetermined outcome.
This is in contrast to the South Australia, where both sides of politics have invested in onshore renewable capacity via community consultation, with the current State Labor Government opposing the southern ocean offshore windfarm zone.
Member for South-West Coast, Roma Britnell, said the government’s pattern of behaviour has seriously eroded community trust.
“The Andrews Government has already railroaded through planning applications for onshore wind farms. We cannot let the same happen for offshore wind farms as well,” Ms Britnell said.
“Unfortunately the Andrews Government has a track record of secrecy, whether it be secret deals to subsidise AGL’s coal fired power plant until 2035 or even its secret compensation deal for its now-scrapped Commonwealth Games.
“The local community are rightly concerned about any development that may irreparably damage the environment. I cannot back a project such as this until the current government proves without a doubt that there will be no environmental impact.”
[ENDS]
Roma Britnell MP
Member for South West Coast
Shadow Minister for Ports and Freight
Shadow Minister for Boating and Fishing
