The level of community opposition to a proposed Southern Ocean offshore wind zone in the Limestone Coast was evident last week as more than 550 locals attended consultations to dispute the project.

The sessions were held on Thursday by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell.

Spokespeople from the department allowed 20 minutes of questions in Port MacDonnell before being available to talk to the attendees and address their concerns individually.

The proposal is a first step of engagement for government to seek public feedback on the marine uses and users across the region, and further public feedback will be sought by developers as individual projects are proposed and developed.

In attendance were members of Southern Coast Ocean Care (SCOC), a group of concerned Port MacDonnell citizens objecting to the location of the proposed Southern Ocean offshore wind zone.

Southern Coast Ocean Care member Suzie Fullams said she would like “to give an enormous heart-felt thank you to the Port MacDonnell community and surrounding areas for coming to the government drop-in sessions”.

“There was a fantastic turn out in numbers, over 400 people went through the local Port MacDonnell Football Club,” she said.

“Federal Government representatives thankfully addressed the whole community at this session with a microphone too, as having a one on one chat in a two hour session was going to be impossible.

“For me personally there was an incredible feeling of nostalgia at the Port MacDonnell Football Club, incredible joy and happiness to see the passion of the coastal community coming together and feelings heard from officials.

“At the same time, (I have) heart piercing pain and sadness at even the thought of our beautiful ocean and all the life it holds disappearing if this project goes ahead.

“Not to mention people’s fishing livelihoods becoming obsolete after years of back breaking work.”

A number of questions were raised by concerned community members who were advised by the department to address their concerns in a submission to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.

“They were unable to provide any answers as they are still researching facts at this stage,” Mrs Fullams said.

“We were also advised from officials on the day that Chris Bowen will read every single submission and our local post code gets priority.

“Doing the submission online which you have until the 31st of August to submit is so important.

“Everyone’s passion for leaving our ocean in its pristine condition is different but they all matter.

“Please do the submission survey; they can be short and sweet, they can be long and include photos and videos.

“They all matter, every voice counts and we need your help.”

The survey can be accessed through the online Have Your Say portal at consult.dcceew.gov.au/oei-southern-ocean until midnight on August 31.

Mrs Fullams said those unsure of where to find the survey can reach out at the Southern Coast Ocean Care Facebook page via messenger.

“Or contact the local Port MacDonnell Community Complex and the staff can direct you to someone to help on 08 8738 3000,” she said.

“Please think of your family and friends who may not have access to the internet or are unsure where to go for information.”

A spokesperson for Minister Bowen spoke to The SE Voice about the consultation process for the Southern Ocean offshore wind zone by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

“The Albanese Government is committed to genuine community consultation for offshore wind zones,” the spokesperson said.

“Consultations around offshore wind to date have taken into consideration all sea users, including co-existence with fisheries and the environment.

“The Department will explore all local community and industry issues in their consultation for the Southern Ocean offshore wind zone.

“Only after a Commonwealth zone is declared, project proponents have bid and received a feasibility licence and met the strict environmental processes through the EPBC, can a project commence construction.”

Member for Barker Tony Pasin has organised a delegation to travel to Canberra this week to meet with Minister Bowen tomorrow and make their concerns heard about the proposed zone.

The group of big industry names will include SA Rock Lobster Advisory Council executive officer Nathan Kimber, RecFish SA executive officer Asher Dezsery, Southern Coast Ocean Care chairperson Chris Carrison and member Jeremy Ievins and Grant District Mayor Kylie Boston.