Campaign against proposed Illawarra wind turbines ramps up

LAST year’s strong community response against the proposed large-scale wind turbine project off the Illawarra coast is about to hit a new level of momentum, with a refreshed campaign including a series of initiatives to update the community and halt the project.

A new community advocacy group, Responsible Future (Illawarra Chapter), has been formed to represent concerns about the proposed project, bringing together the core community opposition that erupted in late 2023 when news of the Federal Government’s plans became known.

As Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen’s decision on the wind farm zone looms, the Illawarra’s renewed campaign will kick off at a community session on 30 April 2024.

President of Responsible Future, Jenny Cullen said the community remains deeply concerned about the size and scale of this project, the significant risks to the Illawarra and its environment and the lack of meaningful community engagement.

“Make no mistake this issue has not gone away,” she said.

“Over the last few months, behind the scenes, we’ve been diligently assembling a professional group to stop this project, building on the strong community opposition voiced last year, and launching a series of community discussions about the project’s risks in a mature, fact-checked manner.

“We invite all members of the community to attend the event on 30 April and learn the latest about the proposed changes that threaten to permanently alter the Illawarra,” she said.

“At Responsible Future, we’re dedicated to fighting for a better, more responsible future for our region.”

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, April 30th
• Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Doors Open at 6:45 PM)
• Venue: Wests Illawarra, 1 Hargreaves St, Unanderra

Responsible Future (Illawarra) spokesperson, Alex O’Brien said the event will share research into the offshore wind industry, its risks, the costs and the developers behind the project.

“Our stance isn’t anti-renewables; we simply believe sustainability shouldn’t come at any cost,” he said.

“Organisations like Sea Shepherd echo our concerns about the highly sensitive nature of the Illawarra marine ecosystem and the unprecedented nature of an offshore wind farm in the humpback highway.

“If politicians won’t engage in mature energy discussions, it falls to groups like Responsible Future to ensure the community is aware and has a powerful voice.”

The upcoming community session will inform attendees about the latest developments and the project’s risks. Highlights of the event include:

• Up-to-Date Information: Insights into the offshore wind farm proposal and its impact on the Illawarra region.
• Interactive Discussions: Discussions on community initiatives to oppose the proposal and how the community can help.
• Official Association Launch: The official launch of Responsible Future and how we aim to advocate for the interests of the community.

Free subscription to The Bulli & Clifton Times

OR DONATE BY CREDIT CARD

Don’t have PayPal? Instead, you can support The Bulli & Clifton Times by leaving a secure $2 debit or credit card donation. Your generous patronage of my work and research, however small it appears to you, will greatly help with my continuing publication costs.