Wind Farm Zone proposal a slap in the face to South-West residents

The Member for Forrest Nola Marino, state Shadow Minister for Energy Dr Steve Thomas, and candidate for Forrest Ben Small have joined together to slam the announcement by the Albanese Federal Government today that confirms a wind farm zone in the iconic Geographe Bay.

“Geographe Bay is an iconic part of the culture and lifestyle of the South-West, and it is used for recreation by hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors” Dr Thomas said.

“The proposal to open up nearly 4,000 square kilometres of it for windfarm development is an appalling outcome.

“We are not opposed to wind farms, but this is simply the wrong place to put them.”

“Even though the original proposal has been cut down into two separate smaller areas it gives us no reassurance, because proponents have already told us they don’t want the deep water further out.”

 Member for Forrest Nola Marino said there was very strong opposition to this proposal not only from local people but also from those who respect and value Geographe Bay.

“The threat posed to our environment by massive industrial development off our coast is clear. Wind turbines cannot be installed without extensive impact to the benthic habitat of Geographe Bay” Mrs Marino said.

“The Federal Government’s own South-West Marine Bioregional Plan highlights key ecological and biodiversity features of Geographe Bay and the surrounding ocean which includes migratory pathways of multiple species of whales.

“We also hold serious concerns that the South-West community will be left with a legacy of rusting steel, concrete and cabling across Geographe Bay with potential asset ownership changes over the years.”

Candidate for Forrest Ben Small said the announcement would simply add a decade of uncertainty for locals as the rules around how they can use the 4,000 square kilometre zone will not be finalised until then.

“The Department of Environment advised us when they conducted a half-hearted consultation process months ago that the rules around how locals can use the area the Government is proposing to declare won’t be written for a decade” Mr Small said.

“The South West community deserves better than a decade of uncertainty in their own back yard.”