Stop Wind Farm off coast of Port Stephens
Stop Wind Farm off coast of Port Stephens
The issue
This petition is opposing the Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s plans to build an offshore windfarm off the coast of Newcastle and Port Stephens. Chris Bowens plans were revealed on his recent visit to the Hunter region. The proposal is for at least 130 wind turbines with the possibility of more in the future. The proposal puts them between 10km and 30km off the pristine coastline of Port Stephens. They can be up to 260m in height, by admission of the consultation department, they will be visible from shore. This will not only be damaging to tourism but will also impact fishing, shipping and marine life.
Environmental risks involved:
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
Increased electromagnetic fields that disrupt fish and mammals orientation for navigation and in turn can affect breeding and migration.
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 Greater Newcastle area
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.
4,288
The issue
This petition is opposing the Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s plans to build an offshore windfarm off the coast of Newcastle and Port Stephens. Chris Bowens plans were revealed on his recent visit to the Hunter region. The proposal is for at least 130 wind turbines with the possibility of more in the future. The proposal puts them between 10km and 30km off the pristine coastline of Port Stephens. They can be up to 260m in height, by admission of the consultation department, they will be visible from shore. This will not only be damaging to tourism but will also impact fishing, shipping and marine life.
Environmental risks involved:
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
Increased electromagnetic fields that disrupt fish and mammals orientation for navigation and in turn can affect breeding and migration.
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 Greater Newcastle area
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.
4,288
The Decision Makers
Petition created on 28 July 2023