Local union Hunter Workers has slammed Peter Dutton’s promise to “kill off” the Port Stephens Offshore Wind Zone.
The federal Opposition Leader, who was joined by Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Ted O’Brien, NSW Senator Ross Cadell and Liberal Party candidate for Paterson Laurence Antcliff in the region on Thursday 5 December, announced the Coalition would rescind the controversial project… if elected to government in 2025.
And, while the decision was roundly applauded by the majority of the Port Stephens community, it also copped some backlash.
“Peter Dutton’s risky plan to scrap offshore wind and attempt a shift to nuclear is nothing more than a Trojan horse to enrich the profits of his rich big business mates,” Hunter Workers secretary Leigh Shears said.
“His idea will cost taxpayers up to $600 billion and force millions of household solar energy systems to shut down.
“Scientists and environmentalists agree that the responsible development of Hunter offshore wind will significantly reduce the impact on the environment and reject the unfounded alarmist claims irresponsibly propagated by the Coalition.
“Hunter Workers strongly support the venture because of its clear benefits.
“There’ll be thousands of quality well-paid jobs, local economic growth and affordable, reliable power that meets our growing energy needs while protecting our environment.
“This move is part of the Coalition’s broader proposal to halt renewable projects and instead attempt to establish publicly-funded nuclear power plants across Australia, including one for the earthquake-prone region of Muswellbrook.
“Workers, businesses, scientists and environmentalists stand with us in support of the responsible development of Hunter offshore wind.
“But, Mr Dutton’s toying with our future.
“His proposal threatens local jobs, the economic future of our region and the environment.”
Dr Dutton, however, said he was simply putting the needs of the Port Stephens community first.
“The Albanese government has deliberately ignored serious economic, social and environmental concerns raised by those who actually live here,” he explained.
“In fact, the Prime Minister and his Energy Minister Chris Bowen have shown complete disregard to the people of Port Stephens, Newcastle and the Hunter in a desperate attempt to achieve their ideological target of a renewables-only electricity grid.
“Locals treasure their waterways and they are deeply concerned about the potential impacts on migratory whale populations and tourism operations, including the recreational fishing industry.
“Labor’s deeply flawed community engagement process has distressed and divided residents.
“It failed to reassure them that their concerns were being listened to… or addressed.
“Everyone from commercial and recreational fishers, tourism operators, community groups, small business owners and residents have lined up to reject this proposal.”
Quite simply, Mr Dutton stated “enough was enough”.
“This bungled project will not proceed under a Coalition government,” he said.
“Most locals were not even aware that public consultations had already come and gone, unions were co-opting the process by pressuring for positive submissions, there were little to no in-person briefings, no answers to reasonable questions were ever provided, and many senior citizens were shut out of the process as it took electronic submissions only.
“That’s not good in anyone’s language.
“Now, the ball is in Mr Albanese and Mr Bowen’s court to ensure that the local community’s views are heard and respected… and we call on them to join us in rescinding this project.”
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