LABOR must confirm whether Bluefloats’ paused Illawarra offshore wind farm proposal has in fact been cancelled, says Nationals leader, David Littleproud.

The Government has paused consideration of the feasibility licence in the Illawarra offshore wind farm at the applicant’s request until after the federal election.

The Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen said the pause is due to the sovereign risk created by the Coalitions “reckless and unprincipled opposition to investment and jobs in the renewables sector”.

Mr Littleproud said a future Coalition Government has committed to scrapping the 1,022-square kilometre project.

On a visit to the Illawarra, Mr Littleproud said if Labor doesn’t rule the project out once and for all this week, and it is returned to government, it will be a sign that planning for the mega offshore project will begin soon as the election is over.

“I’m calling for the Illawarra community to be given certainty this week and for Labor to stop this unwanted project now,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The Coalition will ensure this project is stopped, once and for all.

 “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.

“The Nationals are also concerned the transmission lines from the wind farm could go through ‘The Farm’ beach and Killalea Regional Park.

“Only a vote for The Nationals’ candidate for Whitlam (The former seat of Throsby) Katrina Hodgkinson will stop the project.”

It comes as the Senate Inquiry into the Offshore Wind Industry Consultation, that was opposed by Labor and the Greens, did not proceed last week.

Minister Bowen said the Coalition has abandoned policy on offshore wind in pursuit of its $600 billion nuclear power agenda that will push power prices up for Australians.

“Its commitment to scrapping the Illawarra zone will undermine energy security for the region and create operating risks for major energy users,” he said.

“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.

“The Government is establishing industry committees for the Hunter and Southern Ocean zones to secure lasting economic and social benefits for local communities.”

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