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Exclusion of western area of Wilsons Promontory from future offshore renewable energy zones applauded by South Gippsland Shire Council

Concerns about the environment, tourism, and visual amenity prompted this advocacy, resulting in today's welcome announcement.

By news@gippsland - 31st August 2023 - Back to News

South Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed today's announcement that Wilsons Promontory and the area to the west of Wilsons Promontory are officially off the table as a future offshore renewable energy zone. The announcement by Minister Chris Bowen at the Gippsland New Energy Conference in Sale, is a great win for the strength of local voices and for the many South Gippsland residents who advocated strongly for the area to be exempt from the declared renewable energy zone.

Council has expressed satisfaction with the recent declaration that Wilsons Promontory and the adjacent western region are excluded from future offshore renewable energy zone considerations

Coastal exclusion confirmed

Initial plans for the offshore wind zone had included this section of coastline, which council did not support, citing concerns impacting the environment, tourism and general visual amenity. Updated plans later removed this section from the declared offshore wind zone but it was not officially ruled out for future consideration, until now. Today's announcement gives peace of mind that this area of coastline will now be excluded from future offshore wind development.

South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Nathan Hersey, Chief Executive Officer Kerryn Ellis, and council staff are attending the conference to hear about Gippsland's transition to renewable energy whilst engaging with government and industry.

An important part of South Gippsland Shire Council's discussions is continued advocacy for the use of Barry Beach Marine Terminal and Port Anthony to support offshore wind projects in Gippsland.

Offshore wind zone

Cr Nathan Hersey, Mayor South Gippsland Shire Council said, "South Gippsland Shire Council strongly welcomes today's announcement by the Hon Chris Bowen MP, that including the offshore area to the west of Wilsons Promontory in an Offshore Renewable Energy Zone would present an "unacceptable environmental risk" and that it would not be considered further for declaration."

"Council has stated formally, and advocated strongly against the area being considered for offshore wind development and we are pleased that our real and valid concerns and those of local residents have been heard," Cr Hersey said.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
  Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment.
• Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions.
• Danny O’Brien thanks Gippsland community for generosity supporting foster children’s Christmas Giving Tree appeal
  Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season.
• Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
  Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives.
• Raise a glass to Gippsland's finest wines, brews, spirits and ciders at 'Eat Drink Play'
  EAT DRINK PLAY Gippsland serves up local wines, brews, spirits, and ciders. Festival-goers can enjoy tastings, community vibes, and unique creations from some of Gippsland's best makers.
• Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
  Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security.
• Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
  Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences.
• Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
  Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers.