Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen travelled to Portland last week to announce the opening of a consultation period for a proposed offshore windfarm project.
A 5100 square kilometre stretch of coast between Warrnambool and Port MacDonnell is currently under active consideration for a Declaration as an Area Suitable for Offshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure Development.
BlueFloat Energy, subject to that declaration, has announced its intention to seek to develop the Southern Winds Offshore Wind Project, encompassing a 1.115 GW fixed foundation offshore wind farm within any such Declared Zone.
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.
Mr Bowen will consider public submissions to help inform their decision as to whether the proposed area is suitable for offshore renewable energy developments.
The Southern Ocean is one of six key regions around Australia declared to have offshore wind potential by the federal government, including locations off Gippsland, the Hunter, the Illawarra, northern Tasmania and Perth/Bunbury.
However, the Federal Minister’s failure to travel to Port MacDonnell was criticised by Member for Barker Tony Pasin.
Mr Pasin said he had written three separate letters to Mr Bown between April and June on behalf on the Port MacDonnell community requesting to meet but had received no response.
“The fishing and tourism sectors are key economic drivers within the township and community members, business and industry representatives have expressed to me their serious concern regarding the potentially irreparable harm that Offshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure would cause to the local marine environment,” Mr Pasin said.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will also facilitate community information sessions, which will be held throughout the region during the consultation period.
There will be community information sessions held locally on August 3, 2023 at City Hall from 12pm-2pm and at the Port MacDonnell Football Club from 4pm-5.45pm.
Submissions will be open until 31 August 31.
