A strong union alliance firmly believes Equinor’s decision to walk away from the Hunter offshore wind zone is a setback but not the death knell of the project.
The Norwegian energy giant withdrew from the $10 billion venture, off Port Stephens, last week after months of investment uncertainty across the industry.
While the declaration drew countless praise from people opposed to the concept, it also prompted Hunter-based Nationals Senator to take aim at Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen for the company’s resolution in abandoning its role.
“Floating offshore wind is nothing more than a Labor-fuelled fairy dust fantasy,” he said.
“For more than two years, Mr Bowen has treated the people of Port Stephens and the Illawarra with complete contempt.
“He’s continued to scream from the mountains about an energy plan that even he, deep in his own heart, knew wouldn’t work.
“Chris Bowen should not just admit fault but get in the car and visit Port Stephens and the Illawarra to apologise.”
But, Hunter Workers, the Maritime Union of Australia and Electrical Trades Union (ETU) are confident another chapter will be written.
“Equinor’s decision is disappointing, however it’s far from the end of offshore wind in the region,” Leigh Shears said.
“The Hunter has powered Australia for generations and, with strong government leadership and investment, it can lead renewable energy moving forward while creating secure, skilled, well-paid jobs for local workers.
“Building a new industry always faces impediments.
“What matters now is how governments, industry and communities respond to keep the transition on track.
“Celebrating Equinor’s withdrawal is shameful.”
The Hunter Workers secretary added offshore wind offered more than energy.
“It can still bring generational jobs and industrial revival to the Hunter, but only with leadership, not self-interest and denial,” Mr Shears said.
“That’s critical to ensure this opportunity is captured, instead of being missed.
“The Hunter boasts the skills, ports and industrial know-how to lead Australia’s renewable energy future.”
Maritime Union of Australia Newcastle branch secretary Glen Williams agreed.
“If political flip-flopping on this issue has scared away investment and made it impossible for the private sector to commit, the politicians responsible for that need to swing in with public finance to get this proposal over the line,” he said.
“This decision [by Equinor] will cost port workers, wharfies and seafarers the opportunity to start work on transformational, long-term projects, which is a massive blow for a community and a sector that had been counting on this development going ahead.
“The great hope for Hunter energy workers was that there would be opportunities in the renewable arena on a walk-in walk-out basis as the coal-fired energy industry wound down.
“If this proposal doesn’t go ahead, that social and economic dividend will be lost completely.”
ETU NSW/ACT secretary Allen Hicks echoed his colleagues’ sentiments.
“Without projects like Novocastrian Offshore Wind, the so-called ‘just transition’ is just talk,” he said.
“The Hunter deserves to be at the forefront of Australia’s clean energy future and ventures like this are crucial to ensuring that.
“The Australian Government can’t shirk its responsibility here.
“It’s lagging behind other countries when it comes to projects of this nature.
“It’s time they stepped up and started showing the leadership that local workers and the local community needs, and deserves, to see.”
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