Commercial Fishing Industry Condemns Offshore Windfarm Proposal for Hunter and Illawarra Region
Date: October 12, 2022
Source: National Tribune
The NSW commercial fishing community has expressed its strong opposition to the Federal Government’s proposal to install windfarms in both the Hunter and Illawarra regions. Tricia Beatty, the Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Fishermen’s Association of NSW, criticized the proposal, stating that it would have devastating consequences for endangered species and the livelihoods of commercial fishing families in New South Wales.
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy has suggested an area in Australian Commonwealth waters off the Hunter and Illawarra for offshore renewable energy projects. While the commercial fishing industry supports the government’s intention to promote renewable energy and job security, they have raised significant concerns about the negative impact that offshore windfarms could have on the marine environment in the proposed areas and along the East Coast of Australia.
The proposed Hunter area covers 1,854 square kilometers between the Central Coast and Port Stephens, located 20 km from the coast in the north and over 35 km from the coast in the south. The proposed Illawarra area covers 1,461 square kilometers, with turbines allowed 10 km off Wollongong and Shellharbour and 30 km off Kiama. While the potential for generating up to 5 gigawatts of renewable wind energy is substantial, there is growing evidence indicating that the offshore windfarms would have significant negative impacts on the marine ecosystem and the marine life it supports.
Although offshore windfarms are relatively new, previous research findings highlight several concerning aspects. These include impacts on local wildlife, marine life, phytoplankton, currents, water temperatures, and noise levels in the ocean. Offshore windfarms can also introduce electro-magnetic fields that affect navigation, predator detection, communication, and the ability of fish and shellfish to find mates. The presence of turbines, noise during construction, underwater noise, boat traffic, and helicopter activity can disturb marine mammals and cause them to avoid wind farms.
According to Ms Beatty, various studies conducted to date have provided enough evidence to suggest that listed threatened species, ecological communities, and protected migratory species will be adversely affected by the proposed windfarms. She also mentioned a link under investigation between the increased mortality rate of whales and the expansion of offshore wind infrastructure in certain coastal cities, although further research is required. The areas proposed for the windfarms in the Hunter and Illawarra regions fall within the migratory path of important species such as southern right whales and humpback whales, both of which are highly endangered.
Mr Gauta, a spokesperson for the fishing industry, expressed concern over the significant impact the proposed windfarms would have on NSW commercial fishers. The fishing areas that would be affected contribute to the seafood supply of the entire state and Australia. Disrupting these grounds would lead to protein shortages and economic hardship. Additionally, the proposed windfarms are situated in a region with heavy container ship traffic. The Ulladulla to Newcastle offshore region has the highest density of container ship and cruise line traffic on the East Coast of Australia. Previous maritime accidents, such as the loss of many containers, as well as the destruction of Kingfish Seacage farms off Port Stephens due to extreme weather conditions, exemplify the challenges posed by the area.
The fishing industry argues that offshore wind farms are not the optimal solution for renewable energy. They point to the recent decision by Vattenfall AB, a UK-based company, to halt the development of their offshore wind project due to increasing costs and the technical difficulties associated with offshore wind power. Instead, the industry urges the Federal Government to abandon the pursuit of offshore windfarms in favor of more viable and productive alternatives.
In conclusion, the NSW commercial fishing industry strongly rejects the Federal Government’s proposal for offshore windfarms in the Hunter and Illawarra regions. They urge the government to reconsider its plans to avoid the potential creation of a major environmental disaster.
Original article: Commercial Fishing Industry Condemns Offshore Windfarm Proposal for Hunter and Illawarra Region
