Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is standing firm on Australia’s 2030 renewable energy target after a wind energy hub was blocked.
This comes after Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek blocked a proposal to build offshore wind turbines at the Port of Hastings.
Mr. Bowen backed the decision on the project, noting the government is not planning to operate many offshore wind farms in Australia by 2030.
He noted the government is carrying out “proper environmental approvals and assessments.”
Mr. Bowen said while the government was “moving fast,” they were also, “moving appropriately and prudently,” highlighting that there was “time to work through these issues.”
“Setting up a new industry from scratch takes time, and we envisage most of the projects to be generating power post-2030.”
The Australian government’s 2030 target involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent lower than 2005 levels by 2030.
Mr. Bowen noted government officials have met to discuss a potential new application for the Victorian government’s offshore wind plan.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, also from the Labor Party, has expressed dissatisfaction at the government’s decision on offshore wind but intends to submit a new application.
“We have very strong renewable energy targets, and we have them for a reason. We have them because we need to make this transition to provide energy security through renewable energy sources, and offshore wind is a big and important part of that.”
The project was rejected due to risk of unacceptable risk to surrounding wetlands, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water found.
Liberal National Party Senator for Queensland Gerard Rennick suggested that the government’s decision to block the project could be used to “push back” other wind farm projects.
“Tanya Plibersek the Federal Environment Minister has overturned a proposed offshore wind farm in Victoria,” he said.
“What’s so significant about this is that the government now formally recognises the damage that wind farms cause. This can be used as a precedent to push back against other wind d farm projects.
“Those politicians who think that renewable energy should take precedence over our environment should be ashamed of themselves.”
Community group Circular Head Coastal Awareness Network has opposed the project for the last four years on the basis that it is situated along the migration flight path of the orange-bellied parrot. It is estimated that there are 81 adult parrots of this species left in the wild.
