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. 

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Involved In Dramatic Ocean Rescue At Norah Head

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter performed a life-saving mission on the Central Coast last night when a woman was swept off rocks.

The chopper was called to Norah Head just after 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Crews used night vision goggles to help locate the woman in her 20's who was clutching a torch in the water.

Graham Nickerson from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter says she's lucky to be alive.

"Fortunately she was holding a torch which made things a little easier for the crew to spot her and a Critical Care Paramedic from NSW Ambulance was winched down into the ocean with her and secured her and she was delivered safely back into the aircraft," he said.

The woman is now recovering in the John Hunter Hospital.