Canning MP Andrew Hastie has raised serious concerns over a proposed wind farm off the coast of Dawesville.
On Tuesday, the Federal Government called for feedback on the proposed offshore wind farm, which would cover 7674 square kilometres of ocean between Cape Naturaliste and Dawesville.
It would be located about 26km off the coast of Dawesville and 20km from Bunbury, Myalup and Cape Naturaliste.
The proposed zone was chosen as an "ideal location" due to high wind speeds in the Indian Ocean and its proximity to areas of high electricity demand, grid connections and port facilities.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said harnessing offshore wind would unlock new job opportunities across Western Australia, while providing energy security.
“Offshore wind will be a critical new clean energy industry for Western Australians as electricity demand increases, helping to provide thousands of jobs along the way," he said.
“The Albanese Government is committed to genuine consultation on offshore wind – that’s why we want communities, industry and businesses to have their say on an offshore wind area off WA from the very beginning."
But Mr Hastie has called the proposal a desperate attempt from Labor to bolster its failing renewables plan.
“Labor has its priorities all wrong – while my community is grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, the Prime Minister and Chris Bowen are obsessed with pursuing their green dreams," he said.
“The Western Australian coast is important to my community’s lifestyle, for recreational activities and industries such as commercial fishing, which contributes to our local economy.
“Labor wants communities like mine to pay the price of replacing proven coal and gas power with renewables. You're never going to see a 120-metre-tall wind turbine in Cottesloe."
The public consultation period is open from now until May 3, 2024.
Community drop-in sessions will also be held from March 19 to 21 at various locations including at the Mandurah Seniors and Community Centre on Thursday, March 21 from 4.30pm to 7pm.
Map of proposed offshore wind farm location. PIC: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
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