Suzanne de Vive has a strong corporate and diverse academic background encompassing neuroscience, sustainability, executive coaching, and a Diploma in Town Planning which saw achievements in sustainable neighbourhood designs. A resident of Thirroul, she now heads Vive Think offering tools and training to empower organisations to cultivate innovative thinking and create sustainable solutions. Since her last article in The Bulli & Clifton Times, she has launched her book Power Suburbs and thrown her hat in the ring for Wollongong lord mayor and ward 1 councillor in the upcoming local government elections in September.

_{By Suzanne de Vive}

As Wollongong undergoes its economic transition from a mining-based economy, the choices we make now will determine the future prosperity of our region. With a focus on long-term job creation, sustainable growth, and protecting our natural assets, I believe it’s essential to pursue solutions that benefit our community and environment. As a candidate for lord mayor and ward 1 councillor, I’m committed to driving a better path forward through the Power Suburbs plan, a vision that prioritises local industries, enhances economic resilience, and delivers real outcomes for the people of Wollongong.

While renewable energy is crucial for our future, the proposed offshore wind farm falls short of meeting the needs of our region. It promises short-term jobs but overlooks the long-term stability our local economy requires. Offshore wind farms primarily generate employment during their construction phase, after which maintenance needs are minimal, leading to few ongoing positions. This doesn’t contribute to a sustainable job market and fails to align with Wollongong’s long-term economic goals.

Moreover, the presence of large offshore turbines could have detrimental effects on key local industries like tourism and fishing. Wollongong’s identity is strongly tied to its coastal beauty and thriving marine environment, which attract tourists for activities such as whale watching and recreational fishing. The pristine condition of our coastline is vital for drawing visitors, and any industrial-scale development that mars this natural appeal risks deterring tourists, impacting local businesses that rely on them. We’ve seen in other regions how offshore wind farms can disrupt marine ecosystems, potentially affecting fish populations and marine biodiversity, which could have serious consequences for both commercial and recreational fishing in our area. The ripple effects of such damage could lead to job losses and economic decline in these crucial sectors.

In contrast, the Power Suburbs plan offers a smarter, more locally integrated alternative that aligns with Wollongong’s strengths and long-term economic needs. At its core, Power Suburbs is about leveraging our natural solar resources, existing industries, and innovative technology to create ongoing, well-paying jobs across multiple sectors. By focusing on Australian solar manufacturing and the production of advanced solar roofing and building cladding, we can stimulate job growth in manufacturing, technology, and construction. I have already spoken with Robert Sporne, Head of Innovation and Development at Tindo Solar about collaborating with BlueScope Steel to produce these solar products locally, combining the expertise of both companies to create new economic opportunities for the Illawarra. This kind of collaboration builds on our region’s existing strengths and ensures that we are creating jobs that are resilient to future economic changes.

Unlike offshore wind farms, the Power Suburbs plan safeguards the local tourism and marine activities that are essential to Wollongong’s identity. Coastal tourism, whale watching, and recreational fishing are key drivers of our local economy, and protecting these industries means protecting the jobs and businesses they support. By focusing on solar solutions that utilise existing infrastructure – like rooftop solar – rather than large-scale offshore developments, we can preserve our natural environment while still contributing to Australia’s renewable energy targets.

The Power Suburbs vision also extends beyond solar to include the development of a biogas industry in the Illawarra. Methane capture and energy conversion not only align with our environmental goals but also create skilled, long-term jobs in technology and engineering – industries critical to Wollongong’s economic future. Establishing a biogas sector provides a new avenue for sustainable industry growth, positioning Wollongong as a leader in both innovation and climate action.

Through targeted local collaboration, we can harness the strengths of our existing industries to drive sustainable economic development. By partnering with companies like BlueScope Steel, we can foster local innovation and position Wollongong as a hub for solar and renewable technology. This approach ensures that our economic transition is built on a foundation of local expertise, supporting stable, well-paying jobs that will benefit the community for decades to come.

The offshore wind farm proposal, while well-intentioned, does not deliver the long-term economic benefits that Wollongong needs. Short-term construction jobs will not provide the enduring employment our region requires, and the potential harm to our coastline, tourism, and marine industries poses significant risks. In contrast, the Power Suburbs plan offers a comprehensive strategy for economic growth that not only creates jobs but also protects our natural environment and strengthens key local industries like tourism, fishing, and renewable energy.

The Power Suburbs vision is about more than just clean energy – it’s about creating a resilient, sustainable economy that benefits all of Wollongong. By investing in solar roof manufacturing, biogas development, and strategic local collaborations, we can build a future that ensures prosperity for our community while safeguarding the coastal assets that make Wollongong unique. As your candidate for lord mayor and ward 1 councillor, I’m dedicated to delivering real solutions that prioritise local industries, create lasting jobs, and enhance our region’s economic resilience.

Wollongong deserves better than short-term fixes and risky developments. The Power Suburbs plan is a forward-thinking approach that aligns with our city’s strengths and puts our community first. Together, we can build a stronger Wollongong – one that leads in innovation, protects its environment, and ensures lasting economic prosperity for all.

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