Concerned Port MacDonnell residents have formed a group to object to the location of the proposed Southern Ocean offshore wind zone.
The Southern Coast Ocean Care (SCOC) committee is made up of 14 members who are a mix of local residents, recreational and professional fishermen and business owners who care for the seaside town and the surrounding area.
Offshore wind developers, including BlueFloat Energy, are exploring plans for projects within the proposed zone, which could occupy a total area of approximately 300km, stretching from Cape Douglas in South Australia to Warrnambool in Victoria.
Southern Coast Ocean Care member Lisa Priddle said the committee opposed the development of the proposed zone in its entirety.
“There is nothing in this proposed zone that benefits our area off the coast of Port MacDonnell,” she said.
“There are plenty of jobs for people in Portland and plenty of benefits for Victoria (but) there are plenty of negatives for us.”
Mrs Priddle said the turbines will interrupt the ‘perfect’ ocean view and potentially disturb the Bonney Coast upwelling which is the lifeblood of Port MacDonnell’s marine ecosystem.
She believes there will be a loss of fishing grounds for multiple marine creatures including crayfish which will jeopardise the local economy, as well as other environmental impacts.
Mrs Priddle said while the group felt strongly about the need for renewable energy due to climate change, they believe it should not come at the expense of the ocean and its existing values.
“Surely there are better alternatives than our ocean,” she said.
“We see value and importance in renewable energy sources however, they should not come with huge environmental impact.
“It seems crazy that suddenly it’s okay to destroy the environment to save the environment.
“There is no comprehensive research into the effects and long-term damage that offshore wind turbines can have on an ocean’s marine life, reef, breeding cycles, birdlife, zooplankton, migration pathways and feeding channels.
“At every opportunity available, our committee has endeavoured to engage with all parties involved and find out as much information as we can about the project.
“We have been speaking with pelagic bird experts, recreational fishing representatives, business owners, professional fishermen and councils to gain more knowledge.
“We would love to hear from any groups or organisations that share our concerns.”
The Southern Coast Ocean Care committee encourages everyone to attend one of the information sessions being held in Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell on August 3 by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The sessions will take place at City Hall from 12pm-2pm and the Port MacDonnell Football Club from 4pm-5.45pm.
A spokesperson for the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen spoke on the consultation process for the proposal by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water which includes the information sessions.
“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.”
