Opposition Vows to Axe Port Stephens Offshore Wind Farm Project

The opposition is pitching directly to Labor voters unhappy with renewable projects in their area.

A view of Wonthaggi Wind Farm to the south-east of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, on July 7, 2015. Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The federal opposition has pledged to rescind the proposed Port Stephens Offshore Wind Zone if elected to power, saying the project disregards local community concerns.

The move sees the Liberal-National Coalition pitch directly to voters in Labor-held strongholds who are unhappy with renewable projects in their area.

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the Albanese government’s plans ignored the “serious economic, social, and environmental concerns raised by local residents.”

“The prime minister and his energy minister, Chris Bowen, have shown complete disregard for the people of Port Stephens, Newcastle, and the Hunter in their desperate attempt to achieve their ideological target of a renewables-only electricity grid,” Dutton said.

Concerns Over Environmental and Economic Impact

On July 12, 2023, Climate Change Minister Bowen designated a 1,854-square-kilometre area in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter region in New South Wales, north of Sydney, as suitable for a major offshore wind farm.

The declared Offshore Electricity Infrastructure framework paves the way for the development.

However, local residents and community groups are concerned about the potential impacts on migratory whale populations, tourism, and the recreational fishing industry.

“Locals treasure their waterways and fear the damage this project could inflict on their environment and livelihoods,” Dutton added.

He also condemned Labor’s community engagement process, describing it as flawed and divisive.

Complaints include inadequate public consultations, limited in-person briefings, and lack of clear responses to residents’ questions.

Protests Against Another NSW Offshore Wind Farm

This announcement follows growing resistance to offshore wind projects across New South Wales.

Last year, over 100 surfers formed a ring of solidarity in the waters off the NSW South Coast to protest a proposed wind farm 10 kilometres offshore near Sydney’s southern city of Wollongong.

Thousands more gathered at Wollongong Head Lighthouse, dubbing the project an “environmental disaster waiting to happen.”

Signs bearing slogans like, “Saving the planet does not mean destroying the ocean,” were prominent at the protest.

Thousands of local residents attend a rally at Flagstaff Point protesting against a proposed offshore wind turbine farm to be located 10km off the Illawarra coast, Wollongong, NSW in Australia on Oct. 29, 2023. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Yet Bowen remains steadfast in supporting the projects, highlighting their economic and environmental benefits.

“This presents a huge economic opportunity for the regions that help power Australia,” Bowen said, noting the site could generate up to 4.2 gigawatts of power—enough to supply 3.4 million homes.

Bowen has championed the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme to encourage renewable electricity generation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Coalition Already Promised to Axe WA Wind Farm

Last month, the federal opposition pledged to halt another proposed 4,000-square-kilometre offshore wind farm off Western Australia’s coast if it wins the next federal election.

From Mandurah to Dunsborough, the project could see up to 700 wind turbines constructed.

Western Australian MP Andrew Hastie announced the opposition’s stance on social media, arguing that the development would jeopardise the environment and Australia’s energy security.

Despite the Coalition’s objections, the government says the project has garnered support from groups like the Smart Energy Council, Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, Electrical Trades Union, Maritime Union Australia, Conservation Council of WA, and Greenpeace.