City of Busselton publishes responses from Federal Government ministers over potential offshore wind farm zone

The City of Busselton has published the responses it has received from the offices of two Federal Government ministers after asking them about their positions on offshore wind farms. The city sent letters to members of the Federal and State governments in May seeking their views on the potential electricity source being developed in Geographe Bay after concerns were raised at a special electors’ meeting in April. The city has received two responses, which were noted at Wednesday night’s council meeting. In a letter addressed to chief executive Tony Nottle, Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen said he noted the concerns of Busselton residents and thanked the city for relaying community concerns to him. “I will include the issues raised by the electors and community in your letter as part of the considerations in my decision on whether to declare an area off Bunbury for offshore renewable energy,” he said. Mr Bowen highlighted the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s consultation process for the potential Geographe Bay offshore wind farm zone included a letterbox drop of flyers to 88,700 households and businesses to encourage community submissions, as well as “targeted” meetings with government agencies, industry and community groups. He said the declaration of an area as suitable was just the first step in a multi-year planning process which identified an area where more work needed to be done. “If an area is declared, individual developers will be able to apply for feasibility licences,” Mr Bowen said. “If they are successful in gaining feasibility licences, they will then be able to start undertaking further investigations and seeking the required approvals for their specific project proposals.” Mr Bowen said specific project details, including the number of turbines for a project, would be determined at the feasibility licence stage, and developers must undertake “extensive” environmental assessments before being able to seek approval. DCCEEW’s Kylie Calhoun was asked by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to respond to a letter from Mayor Phill Cronin on her behalf, saying the Government was committed to strong action on climate change through renewable energy projects including offshore wind farms. “However, as important as renewable energy is, it must be the right kind of development in the right place and done in the right way,” she said. Ms Calhoun said the issues raised with the Geographe Bay offshore wind farm zone through public submissions were now being considered. “Siting offshore wind areas to avoid areas that are sensitive, where there might be threatened species or a type of environment that’s particularly vulnerable to development, can avoid future social and environmental issues, and this is an important consideration for the minister,” she said. “Minister Plibersek is working closely with (Mr Bowen), considering the possible environmental impacts of the renewable energy sector on nature within the South W marine area — for example, offshore windfarm development effects on marine parks, whale habitat, migratory birds and water quality.” Letters were also written to State politicians including Premier Roger Cook, Regional Development Minister Don Punch, and State Energy and Environment Minister Reece Whitby.