Wind worry

Tuesday September 05, 2023

THE South Australian Government has recommended to the federal government to remove the waters off the coast of South Australia from the proposed off-shore wind farm declared area.

Minister for Primary Industries Clare Scriven spoke in response to a question posed to her in the Legislative Council last week while Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell also commented on the issue in the House of Assembly.

Ms Scriven said the processes were of great concern for those working in the industries which may be impacted.

"We are aware, of course, of the process that the commonwealth government goes through for this type of declaration of a zone," Ms Scriven said.

"I am very pleased to hear that Minister Chris Bowen in the federal government has been very open about the process, indicating to those who have been to see him that this is a very sincere consultation and he is keen to listen to the feedback that is received."

She said the state government had recommended to the federal government to remove waters off the coast of South Australia from the proposed declared area.

"That is because, based on the evidence we have before us, the state government considers the risk is too great to established industries in the South East as well as to biodiversity, ecosystems and wildlife within the region," Ms Scriven said.

"The proposed declared area also directly overlaps with an area of what is of biological and oceanographic significance, not only at a national level but at an international level: namely, the area well known for the Bonney coast upwelling.

"Our government certainly supports renewable energy projects, particularly where they improve South Australia's energy security, but this proposal has risks for South Australia that the commonwealth needs to be aware of in addition to providing no benefit for South Australians."

Mr Bell congratulated the Port MacDonnell and surrounding communities on their action taken.

"With the strong backing of the local community they formed a group, an active social media page and began a strong campaign to voice their concerns," Mr Bell said.

"At the heart of their concerns were the potential impacts on the local fishing industry."

Mr Bell also likened the community concerns to the 10-year fracking moratorium which was passed in Parliament in 2018.

"There are general concerns about the effects of offshore wind farms on our valuable natural resource which is a major economic and tourism driver for our region," he said.

"Proponents of major development projects in the Limestone Coast must understand the important concept of community licence which includes considered comprehensive and transparent consultation with local residents."

It comes following the Port MacDonnell and extended community gathered at the local boat ramp last week to further emphasise the strong rebuttal to the proposal.

Recently, Southern Coast Ocean Care committee member Jeremy Ievins said it was welcome news that the State Government rejected the proposal.

"We welcome the State Government's support to stop the offshore wind project at the Victorian border," Mr Ievins said.

"The State Government has obviously seen concerns around the fishing industry, the environmental impacts to the ecosystem and wildlife, and it's a positive step in the right direction."

Submissions for the offshore wind farm proposal closed on Thursday night.

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