THE bidder for the offshore wind zone project has asked for its application to be paused until after the federal election.

BlueFloat Energy lodged an application for a feasibility licence in the Illawarra offshore wind area in 2024.

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen says he received a request from BlueFloat to pause any progress on the offering of licences until after the federal election.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said The Nationals had fought tirelessly against Labor’s idea and it was clear the Illawarra community didn’t want the offshore wind zone.

“The Nationals were the first political party to have the courage to commit to ruling this project out last year and instead prioritise protecting the natural environment,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The Nationals have led the way in stopping Labor’s bad plan.”

The Nationals NSW Senator Ross Cadell said Minister Chris Bowen had been arrogant throughout the process, claiming the project would be smaller in size and further offshore.

“This ‘smaller’ project would still cover a huge 1,022 square kilometres,” Senator Cadell said.

“This project was always a dumb idea that was never going to work. It was an unrealistic project backed by a Minister devoid of reality.

“Even with an overreach of Minister Bowen’s influence to make the project stack up, no private developer was willing to risk their own name on this fanciful idea.

“The industry has voted with its capital. I encourage the people of the Illawarra to share their frustration with Minister Bowen at the ballot box.”

Minister Bowen said the applicant’s decision to pause the application is due to the sovereign risk created by Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton’s opposition to investment and jobs in the renewables sector.
”The Coalition has abandoned its own policy on offshore wind in pursuit of its $600 billion nuclear power agenda that will push power prices up for Australians,” he said.

“Its commitment to scrapping the Illawarra zone will undermine energy security for the region and create operating risks for major energy users.
”As well as ensuring energy security, the Albanese Labor Government is determined to secure benefits for Australian communities hosting offshore wind and other energy infrastructure.”

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