Alocal council will support the South Eastern Professional Fisherman’s Association submission to the area proposed for future offshore renewable energy projects.
The SEPFA has called on Grant District 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 July monthly meeting.
Mr Kimber highlighted the association’s concerns regarding the potential impact of the project.
“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.
“Further, the scale of works and size of machinery required can only be conducted out of Portland, meaning very few, if any, jobs for South Australia and the council area.
“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 will be making a submission the Southern Ocean offshore wind zone concludes at the (west) Victorian and South Australian border.”
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,
“The industry has an asset value well over a billion dollars,” he said.
“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.”
The SEPFA has requested council also make a submission consistent with its position.
“Why would Grant District Council entertain wind turbines off its coastline that will decimate that state’s most important and sustainable seafood resource, destroy habitat, recreational and tourism opportunities all while providing no benefits to ratepayers in the council area,” Mr Kimber said.
In his report, chief executive Darryl Whicker said council’s mission was to provide a range of facilities and services which meet the environmental, social and economic needs of the community.
“Since June 2022 council has supported the Local Government Association’s (LGA) policy position and acknowledge that human-induced climate change is occurring,” he said.
“As part of council’s stance, it reinforces the LGA’s support for the State Government’s ambition to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.
“On the surface, the Federal Government’s commitment to exploring renewable energy, such as the zone proposed for the Southern Ocean region would appear to represent a logical opportunity to progress toward the above-mentioned ambition and stated commitment.
“At a macro-economic level, the benefit of boosting the availability of renewable energy and overall energy supply into the national electricity grid would seem to be a positive step in reducing Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels, and thereby reducing carbon emissions.”
