Confusion over BlueFloat plans amid offshore wind zone consultation
Mr Bowen's office this morning shared a transcript of that interview, which can be read below or heard here
Confusion reigned in the Illawarra on Tuesday, November 7 as residents learned that Spanish company BlueFloat Energy had begun an environmental approval process for a project in the as-yet-undeclared Illawarra offshore wind zone.
Social media groups from both sides of the wind farm debate were united in criticising the developer's move.
On Tuesday morning, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, was on ABC Illawarra talking to Melinda James about the turn of events.
"I can completely understand why people would be saying, “Well, hang on a second, what’s going on here?" Mr Bowen said, describing the environmental approval as "a separate process" with the office of Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.
When asked if he was aware that BlueFloat was going to do this, Mr Bowen said no. "I don’t talk to them during this process. It’s all quite proper and arm’s length." He compared it to taking a risk in planning a house in an area council was still considering whether to zone for housing.
"If you go to the time and expense and effort of declaring – of preparing an application you’re taking a risk that that money may or may not be wasted at the end of the day because, you know, where they’re proposing may or may not be inside the zone that I eventually declare. If it’s not, sorry, bad luck to them. They’ve wasted their money."
Mr Bowen's office then shared a copy of the ABC radio interview, which readers can listen to here.
A few hours later, BlueFloat withdrew its South Pacific Offshore Wind Project referral to the office of the Environment Minister.
Associate Professor Michelle Voyer, a spokesperson for the Blue Energy Futures Lab, the informal, independent group of researchers at the University of Wollongong, said she thought withdrawing it was "totally appropriate".
"Any plans need to be made in consultation with community," said Michelle, who was particularly concerned to see significant First Nations sites such as the Five Islands, Lake Illawarra and Windang Island in BlueFloat's documentation. "They are some of the most significant cultural spaces in our region. You just can't have those kind of plans put out without talking with First Nations. It's just not on."
Tuesday's turmoil followed earlier confusion after the government’s zone consult started on August 15, two months after BlueFloat held a wind farm session of its own on June 15 at Thirroul Surf Club. Community members asked questions about this, including Is this a real consultation?
"We want to bring the community with us," Chris Bowen told the ABC on Tuesday morning.
Asked how the department planned to do this, a spokesperson for Mr Bowen shared the following statement:
"The Albanese Government is setting up an offshore wind industry to unlock regional job opportunities, provide cleaner, cheaper energy and strengthen energy security across the country.
"We are committed to genuine community consultation, which is why the department has held local community information sessions and letterboxed thousands of residents.
"Residents in the Illawarra have until 15 November to have their say on the declared area for the proposed offshore wind zone.
"Before a project can commence, proponents must seek and receive approval for feasibility licences and comply with strict environmental regulations.
"These processes will give the community three further opportunities to have their say on individual projects.
"These zones are not at any cost – the government will carefully consider all issues raised through consultation before it declares a final area.
"Furthermore, we will only be licensing projects that can demonstrate how they work well with existing industry and the environment, and deliver meaningful, long lasting community benefits."
