Like many in our community, I was shocked to see the EPBC referral by BlueFloat Energy yesterday. After media reports of this referral, I received feedback from members of our community.
The sentiment expressed by many members of our community is that the referral was ill-timed, confusing and there was not enough time for our community to properly consider the proposal.
After contacting both Minister Plibersek and Minister Bowen’s offices yesterday to find out more about the process, I then contacted BlueFloat Energy to discuss community concerns.
I spoke to BlueFloat’s Country Manager – Australia, Nick Sankey, this morning and relayed the concerns that had been put to me by the community.
I shared the community’s concerns that this referral had been made before the Minister for Climate Change and Energy had been given an opportunity to consider the community’s feedback on the proposed zone.
I advised that whilst the community is very keen for studies, but these must be accurate and based on a licensed proposal.
Mr Sankey subsequently advised me that BlueFloat had decided to withdraw their self-referral.
I welcome this announcement and acknowledge BlueFloat for their constructive engagement and taking on board the community feedback.
It is critical that the community are provided with accurate information at every step of the way and the BlueFloat proposal is based on a declared zone.
Our community has a direct role in shaping our future energy production and the brand-new industry and job opportunities that come with that.
We know that social licence engagement needs to be about working within communities to understanding local perspectives and local values – it is not the ticket that gets punched to move ahead with a project.
A new offshore wind industry represents a huge opportunity to boost Australian supply chains and local economies, in industries like steel and cement to advanced componentry.
That is why the Albanese Government will require projects to demonstrate their commitment to using Australian manufactured inputs in their projects.
This information on the use of Australian suppliers and benefits for the local economy as well as commitments to deliver good direct local jobs and training, will be used by Government in assessing the merits of project licence applications.
Renewable energy generation is something that is going to underpin the entire industrial transformation of our region and cannot be rushed.
The community must be given adequate time to consider information and nobody, developer or organisation, should pre-empt the Minister’s role in considering the community’s feedback.
Construction of offshore wind projects cannot commence unless a zone is declared by the Minister, and until developers have obtained a commercial licence, been approved under the EPBC Act, and had management plans approved under the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act.
The community still has until 23:59 AEDT on Wednesday 15 November 2023 to submit their feedback to the Minister on the proposed zone.
