Media Release
26 September, 2024
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, and the Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio, have today announced that the Federal Government has released the first feasibility licence for the Southern Ocean offshore wind zone.
This is a great step forward for Victoria and Australia to pursue a responsible offshore wind industry that supports Victoria’s target of meeting net zero by 2045, supports local jobs and coastal communities, and provides a significant amount of energy to our grid.
Surfers for Climate would like to see strong environmental research and effective mitigation methods prioritised during the feasibility process, including the use of researchers who are familiar with the local area. This would minimise any risks to critical ecological areas, such as the Bonney Upwelling, and ensure sensitive habitats, including migration pathways for endangered species like the Southern Right Whale and several bird species, are protected.
The Southern Ocean offshore wind zone was declared in March this year, and was resized to avoid important ecological areas. We hope to see the Federal Government retain this consideration for the environment and maintain their attention on avoiding and mitigating any impacts of offshore wind in this area.
Surfers for Climate recognises that climate change is the biggest environmental challenge the ocean faces.
Surfers for Climate’s CEO Josh Kirkman:
“Offshore wind, when done well, with strong environmental research and mitigation for impacts from the development, is a massive opportunity for coastal people, who don’t want continued fossil fuel exploration in their ocean and want reliable and long-term jobs for local people.
“Surfers and deeply connected to the ocean. We know that the protection of highly sensitive ecological areas, such as the Bonney Upwelling and whale and bird migration paths, are of the highest priority to local people. We want to see this community concern addressed in the feasibility studies and in the Government's assessment of these studies.
“Surfers for Climate expects the proponents, Alinta Energy and JERA Nex, to undertake rigorous assessments and address any potential community concern or environmental impacts of the project. We also call on them to prioritise a local workforce and provide meaningful opportunities for local companies to be priority supply chain partners to the project.”
ENDS
Media Contacts:
Josh Kirkman, CEO, Surfers for Climate: 0421 594 487
About Surfers for Climate
Surfers for Climate is an Australian charity dedicated to turning the tide on climate change. Our Line in the Sand campaign has been on the front line of gaining bipartisan support to see an end to oil and gas exploration in Australia’s oceans. Surfers for Climate engages and collaborates with coastal communities on protecting Australia's oceans and shifting to renewable energy.