Offshore windfarm creates waves at Bay

Thursday March 16, 2023

There is disquiet in Port MacDonnell about a proposed offshore windfarm according to Independent Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell.

Blue Float proposes to build 77 bottom-fixed wind turbines eight to 20km off the coast of Port MacDonnell in Commonwealth waters.

The company recently held a community consultation forum at Port MacDonnell and Mr Bell has provided his own account of it to the House of Assembly.

“At the meeting, there were many questions raised by community, business and professional fishers,” Mr Bell said.

“One person indicated they believe that an environmental impact study should be completed before a licence is given.

“Most importantly, the overriding theme was: how can their voices be heard?

“Social licence or community licence, as we have seen in this place many times over, is a crucial step and very important step for all projects of this size and scope.

“It is very clear that Port MacDonnell is looking for some answers.

“What will the long-term impact be on our coastline and marine life, and how will the wind farm affect our professional rock lobster fishing industry?

“Port MacDonnell has worked incredibly hard to boost their tourism prospects over the last few years and have amazing plans going forward.

“What will the impact be on the local visitor economy?

“This social impact and community licence needs to demonstrate a strong benefit to the region they are interacting with.”

Mr Bell said there was an opportunity for public comment on the proposal open now through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act referrals process.

He said the public comment period for the EPBC referral will last until Tuesday (March 21.)

“I encourage all local residents with concerns to put them in writing and submit them through the EPBC process,” he said.

“Again, it is not the community is against future development, but they are certainly concerned that community consultation has involved one session, with people split into small groups so that, in some people’s opinion, it is a divide and conquer-type approach.

“I say to Blue Float that if they want genuine community engagement they need to interact over a long period of time with the community and have genuine questions answered before being able to satisfy that community consultation has indeed been undertaken.”

According to its website, Blue Float said the Southern Winds Offshore Wind Project has a planned capacity of 1.2 GW and will be located off the coasts of South Australia and Victoria, to the west of Portland.

“This region has world class wind resources and a history of successful industrial and renewable energy developments,” the website states.

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