Changes Announced For Hunter Offshore Wind Zone

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister has announced changes to the offshore wind zone declared for the Hunter's coast.

Chris Bowen is expected to announce a zone 1000 square metres smaller than the one originally proposed, which will run from Port Stephens to Swansea. 

It's also been moved about 9 kilometres further offshore.

The Central Coast section of the zone slated to go 10 kilometres off the shore at Norah Head has been removed from the proposal, after Shadow Minister Ted O'Brien last week heard concerns from the community about its potential to have visual, economic and environmental impacts on the area. 

The height of the turbines will be capped at 260 metres to address aviation concerns.

The changes mean the zone's energy-generating potential has shrunk from 8 gigawatts to 5. 

Mr. Bowen said the offshore wind industry has the potential to create over 3,000 construction jobs in the Hunter and 1,560 ongoing jobs. 

The government estimates the declared zone will generate enough electricity to power 4.2 million homes once fully developed. 

Residents Call for Another Round of Community Consultation On The Proposed Hunter Offshore Wind Farm

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy says the Federal Government isn't doing enough to keep Hunter and Central Coast residents in the loop about a proposed local wind farm project. 

The almost 3,000 square kilometre Hunter Offshore Wind Zone extends from Port Stephens in the north to Norah Head in the south. 

It's possible turbines could be placed within 10 kilometres of the shore. 

Meeting with members of the Love Norah Head community group this week, Ted O'Brien was told the residents are concerned about the project's potential impacts on the local economy, marine environment, fishing industry and surfers. 

He says, community consultation needs to be properly carried out. 

"They want to be heard they want their questions answered," he said. 

"There was nothing put to me by the community that was unreasonable. No one was out there campaigning against action on climate change or the need for renewable energy sources; they were just going back to basics saying "If you're going to change our way of life, shouldn't we have a say?"

"I'll be making representations to the Minister and the government on their behalf, and we have to remember that it is local, regional communities that are on the frontline of Australia's energy transition, and their voice must be heard and listened to."