Rally against offshore wind zone gathers strong public support

More than 100 surfers have paddled out into the turquoise seas off the NSW south coast to create a giant ring of solidarity in opposition to a wind farm the government wants to build 10 kilometres offshore.

Hundreds more people covered the grassy surrounds of Wollongong Head Lighthouse at Flagstaff Point on Sunday to rally against the proposal some have dubbed an “environmental disaster waiting to happen”.

About 25,000 flyers promoting the rally were handed out by members of the Coalition Against Offshore Wind urging residents to support the cause.

The federal government wants to build a 1461 square kilometre site at least 10 km from the shore, out to 30 kilometres at Kiama, saying it will deliver jobs and clean energy for NSW.

Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen says Australia has some of the best wind resources in the world, including at Wollongong but has no offshore wind farms.

“This presents a huge economic opportunity for the regions that help power Australia,” he said.

The government argues the site will generate up to 4.2 gigawatts of power, enough to supply as many as 3.4 million homes, but locals say the impact to ocean life would be devastating.

Concerns include the threat to migrating whales and sea birds, as well as unknown impacts on the seabed.

Another major complaint is how the turbines would change the look of the coal coast.

The public consultation period has recently been extended by 30 days until November 15

Signs with “Saving the planet does not mean destroying the ocean”, were held aloft, with the local member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, spotted among the crowd.

AAP