Consultation on federal government plans to establish an offshore wind zone off the coast of the New South Wales Illawarra region is stirring up some bizarre claims, including that turbines will block the sunrise, as well as offers of rewards in return for filing objections to the plan.
Pitched as Australia’s fourth offshore wind energy development zone, and the second for NSW, the Illawarra zone is currently proposed for a 1400km2 area off the coast of Wombarra, a northern suburb of Wollongong, south to waters off Gerringong, and between 10km to 30km out to sea.
Federal energy minister Chris Bowen said in August, when opening the plans for public consultation, that the area had been chosen for its strong offshore wind resource, major port infrastructure, and potential role as a green industrial and manufacturing hub.
So far, the University of Wollongong and the Maritime Union of Australia have emerged as notable supporters of the offshore wind zone, with the UoW saying in its submission to government that development should go ahead, provided it is carried out “to the highest environmental, social and cultural standards.”
The MUA says here that the offshore wind plans present an “incredible opportunity” for Illawarra workers and communities to create thousands of jobs and meet our climate obligations.
“Offshore wind will provide the renewable energy to keep Illawarra manufacturing going and allow the furnaces at BlueScope to keep making the steel we need,” a statement says, .
“This means an economic injection not just into Port Kembla but all the small business and communities that depend on well paying union jobs that we all know lead to stronger local economy.”
On the other side of the equation, a number of community-based groups have sprung up in opposition to the proposed zone and are conducting their own campaigns – including on social media – to drum up support for the no vote.
The Illawarra Mercury reported on Monday that a a “tense and combative” information session on the proposed offshore wind zone was held on Saturday in Thirroul, hosted by local Labor MP Alison Byrnes, with more than 200 people in attendance.
The Mercury reports that one local Kiama resident accused the panel and government of peddling misinformation, and said he believed the wind farm would affect the sunrise.
“When you look at the rising run, how big do you think the wind turbines are compared to the rising sun coming off the ocean?” he reportedly asked.
“They are three times bigger than the rising sun so we’re going to get no sunrise.”
Another report from the Illawarra Mercury on Wednesday says that one Facebook page set up by opponents to offshore wind had offered “giveaways and freebies” in return for people registering their opposition to the proposed zone.
The Facebook posts in question are still online and have been seen by RenewEcoonomy. As the screenshot below shows, a post on the The Illawarra ( Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama ) Wind Farm Chat offers “$1100 value just by voting no.”
“I realise this is blackmail I don’t care at this stage we need more signatures especially with the other corrupt side persuading people on the benefits,” the post’s author says.
“Renewable energy will be exported this is all about [money] make no mistake they don’t give a crap about the environment.”
The offer of a reward has since been withdrawn, with this message: “Edit – I’m sorry I need to remove the prizes as we’ve been informed this will be detrimental as fake votes and only done to win a prize. I really hope we still have your support.”
RenewEconomy has sought comment from the federal energy and climate department. The Illawarra Mercury cites a response from Bowen’s office saying:
“The government has been made aware of concerning and disappointing cases of financial and other inducements being made for submissions, as well as allegations of people sending multiple responses under fake email addresses.
“These consultations are designed for genuine engagement with communities – the Minister will consider each submission based on the merits of the issues raised.”
The newspaper also says that the person behind the posts in question has since clarified that the offer was for “discounted services for people to vote,” and was not blackmail.
As for the claims about turbines blocking the sunrise, there are no reports on how the Thirroul panel addressed this concern, but the MUA has a handy offshore wind mythbuster section here that offers an answer, of sorts:
“CAN THE TURBINES BE SEEN FROM THE SHORE?
“Most of the land-side edge of the zone is 10-30km from the coast, much further away than the big (mostly coal) ships that currently dot the horizon all along the coast to Port Kembla.”
