On October 29, the Coalition Against Offshore Wind (CAOW) stepped off the pages of Facebook to hold a real-life rally during the Illawarra’s offshore renewable energy zone (REZ) consultation period. The protest attracted more than 1000 people, who gathered at Flagstaff Hill for a series of speeches followed by a paddle out.

The federal government's consultation period closed on November 15, but the private Facebook group has 2400 members and remains active, with more than 700 posts in the past month. So, what's next for CAOW?

CAOW admin Grant Drinkwater, one of the Flagstaff Hill rally organisers, told the Flame, "I think the main thing for the Coalition Against Offshore Wind is to continue to raise awareness in the Illawarra about what is being proposed.

"We believe that there are many people who still don’t know or understand the sheer scope and scale of this project…"

Grant – a lifelong surfer and local resident for more than 25 years – has spent many volunteer hours campaigning against offshore wind. His efforts have included speaking to local and national media organisations, ranging from the ABC to A Current Affair.

In a November 29 email, Grant wrote: "We believe this proposal will have a severe detrimental impact on our marine environment  particularly on whales during the construction phase as well as migratory bird species. Professional and recreational fishing will also be adversely affected and overall we think this will be a real blow to our tourism industry and beautiful beaches.

"The proposed Offshore Wind Turbine cluster is an ill-thought, ill-conceived idea that could only be dreamed up by university professors and politicians with some kind of messianic complex that they are going to ‘save the world’."

Grant was critical of the Labor Party's motivation for pursuing offshore wind in the Illawarra, saying that he views it as an attempt to "win Teal and Green votes in the city". 

"We will continue to do our best not to let that happen."

Grant's comments came after the Flame's print deadline for the December 2023 issue; readers can find more information about the future of other Facebook forums in What's next for offshore wind groups.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's Illawarra’s REZ consultation period ran for three months, starting on August 14 and closing on November 15.

In her submission, Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes expressed support for offshore wind, with a number of recommendations, including that the Government move the nearest point of the zone to the coast from 10km to 20km from shore.  

The University of Wollongong's Blue Energy Futures Lab – an informal group of more than 30 researchers – gave ‘in principle’ support for offshore wind, provided developments meet the highest environmental, social and cultural standards.

"We strongly endorse a rapid movement towards decarbonisation of our current energy base in order to contribute to global efforts to mitigate and address climate change," the BEFL submission states. "We believe all parts of Australia will need to play their part in this transition and as a region the Illawarra is both well suited, and strongly positioned to play a lead role in this."

The government's decision is not expected until next year.

Read more in What's next for offshore wind groups?