Mount Gambier City Council will join other local councils in supporting the South Eastern Professional Fisherman’s Association (SEPFA) submission to the area proposed for future offshore renewable energy projects.

The SEPFA has called on City Council to support its submission to the Federal Government’s current consultation on the proposed Southern Ocean Region offshore renewable energy zone.

Following the Federal Minister’s consultation announcement, council received correspondence on the matter from SEPFA executive officer Nathan Kimber.

The letter was tabled for discussion at council’s August monthly meeting.

As in correspondence to Grant District Council, Mr Kimber highlighted the association’s concerns regarding the potential impact of the project when writing to City Council.

Mayor Lynette Martin said some elected members attended a workshop in relation to the proposal.

She said other councillors also took the opportunity to attend community drop-in information sessions held in recent weeks at Port MacDonnell and Mount Gambier.

“Our concern lies with the sustainability of the southern rock lobster industry and the general fishing industry should the offshore windfarm go ahead as is proposed,” Mayor Martin said.

“The report includes a compelling argument from Nathan Kimber as to why this should not go ahead as currently proposed.”

In July, Mr Kimber, along with Southern Coast Ocean Care Committee chairman Chris Carrison were invited to provide a briefing to council.

The briefing included an outline of the environmental and economic risk the proposed Southern Ocean offshore wind zone presents to the local region.

In her report tabled at council’s general monthly meeting, City Infrastructure general manager Barbara Cernovskis highlighted the environmental and economic implications of the proposed development.

“As a Commonwealth initiative, the perceived disregard to the impact on the South Australian Government and immediate Local Government areas did not go unnoticed,” Ms Cernovskis said.

“Any impact on the rock lobster, commercial fishing industry and recreational fishing around Port MacDonnell would significantly affect the local community and have a detrimental multiplier impact on plans for tourism and economic development in a broader regional context.

“Proposed activities potentially impact on numerous threatened and endangered species that are known to inhabit the area, particularly due to the local regular natural event of the Bonney Upwelling – these include activities of Blue Whales, Southern Right Whale and White Sharks which are deemed Matters of National Environmental Significance.

“Included in the presentation to council, it was explained that to determine suitability of site, seismic testing will be required to be undertaken.

“Seismic testing is the blasting of the seafloor with high powered airguns to establish the constitution of the seabed and bedrock. Seismic testing disturbs, injures, and kills marine life. Studies specific to seismic testing and Southern Rock Lobster show the sound blasting damages the lobster’s sensory system, and their ability to ‘right’ themselves.”

In addition, Ms Cernovskis reported on the risk implication associated with the proposed zone.

She said department staff at the ‘drop-in’ information sessions were directly approached with enquiry regarding the environmental approvals process.

“Advice received confirmed that such a process would occur after the area has been declared, and when an actual proposal from a company is being considered. The company would then pay for the assessment. “Declaration of an area to become open to any economic activity without any consideration to the environmental impacts is a significant risk to our region,” Ms Cernovskis said.

“Failure to clearly articulate an end-of-life risk assessment and remediation plan for any approved economic activity within the proposed zone also presents a significant future risk to our region.”

At the conclusion of her report, Ms Cernovskis tabled a number of recommendations for council’s consideration.

This follows the request from SEPFA that council also make a submission consistent with its position.

Mr Kimber said SEPFA will be making a submission the Southern Ocean offshore wind zone concludes at the (west) Victorian and South Australian border.

“Projects proposed under the Southern Ocean area, including that by BlueFloat, will fall under Commonwealth and Victorian Government jurisdiction. Thus generate no net energy benefit to South Australia,” Mr Kimber said.

“Almost arrogantly, those involved in the zoning processes for the Southern Ocean area have simply dismissed the view of the South Australian Government, local government, and affected South Australian industries and residents in this process.”

SEPFA represents 180 licence holders, vessel owners and crew and families that make up the Southern Rock Lobster Fishery.

Mr Kimber said the local industry generates $200m in economic activity annually and supports 1200 jobs.

“If we are going to initiate an offshore wind industry off the coast of South Australia, let’s do it in our own time, on our own terms, with thorough local government consultation and most importantly so that South Australians benefit,” he said.

Council resolved to write to Mr Kimber of its intent to support a submission to the Commonwealth’s current consultation.

At the request of Cr Paul Jenner, council will also write to Mr Carrison and Grant District Council, informing of its intent.

This will include highlighting the relevant concerns in support of SEPFA’s intent the proposed zone concludes at the Victorian and South Australian border.

Council also confirmed in-principle that it is not averse to renewable energy projects where appropriate locality, value proposition and whole of life impact to the environment and communities mitigated can be sufficiently demonstrated.

Council has authorised Mayor Lynnette Martin and chief executive Sarah Philpott advocate on this issue.

Cr Max Bruin expressed his views when speaking to the motion.

“It threatens an industry that provides so much to the region, and the state and national economy. “Environmental impacts have been disregarded which is appalling,” he said.

The motion was seconded by Cr Virgo and carried.