Department of Climate Change, Energy, and Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is preparing to declare waters off the Central Coast an ‘Offshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure Zone’ 

This zone will be located just 10km off the coastline of Norah Head, Noraville, Budgewoi, Budgewoi Peninsula, Lake Munmorah, Lake Munmorah Conservation Area, Catherine Hill Bay, Caves Beach, Swansea, Magenta, The Entrance, Toowoon Bay, Bateau Bay, Foresters Beach, Wamberal, to Terrigal. 

Minister Chris Bown and his Department (DCCEEW) have not conducted proper Community Consultation and have not undertaken Independent Environment and Economic Impact Research.

The Offshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure Zone will house hundreds of floating offshore wind turbines that will reach over 350m in height and can potentially result in the following 

Irreversible Ecological Damage to the Marine Environment 

Each floating turbine will need to be anchored to the sea floor using hundreds of meters of steel cable or chain. 

Injury or death of thousands of vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered marine and wildlife species who are known to use the ‘REZ’ as a migratory pathway.

Cable entanglement is a potential impact to a variety of threatened/ migratory marine fauna. Species include Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales, Pygmy Blue Whales, dolphins, turtles, seals and sharks

Vessel strike poses a risk especially large and slow-moving fauna near the surface such as whales. Increased vessels using the migratory pathways greatly increases this risk

High speed vessel strike poses a risk of collision for dolphins and seals 

Cable entanglement is a potential impact to a variety of threatened/ migratory bird species AND collision with giant rotating turbines. Species include critically endangered and endangered bird species that are known to frequent the area.

Sensitive habitat loss is likely to occur within the construction footprint 

Destroy our National Surfing reserve and surf breaks

Floating Wind Turbines have been identified to greatly reduce overall swell and causing surface water disturbance which will decrease wave speed and power.

Greatly diminish the quality of life in our coastal communities. 

Destroy the Visual Amenity of the Central Coast region

Reduce residents' property values

Impact tourism and Hospitality industries

Severely affect commercial fishing due to loss of fishing ground

DCCEEW is fast-tracking offshore wind energy development without doing the proper INDEPENDENT environmental and economic impact research.    

The negative impacts from floating offshore wind turbines must be identified and understood prior to the Zone being declared and construction commencing.

Immediate steps to combat the climate crisis can be taken by expanding solar and other onshore renewable endeavours- mature technologies where any risks are readily known.