Workers are up in arms following one state’s choice to reject a proposed offshore wind power zone, saying the transfer undercuts internet zero ambitions and places hundreds of jobs in danger.
The South Australian authorities wrote to Energy Minister Chris Bowen final week to formally oppose the proposed Southern Ocean offshore wind power zone, a serious inexperienced venture based mostly in waters off the coast.
The venture aimed to pay attention power manufacturing in Commonwealth waters from Warrnambool in Victoria, to Port MacDonnell within the state’s southeast Limestone Coast area.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven stated the development of large generators might harm the state’s $187.5m rock lobster trade.
But the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union has hit again that the federal government had “jumped the gun” and prompted hundreds of jobs to vanish to different states.
“We know that rock lobster fishing and offshore wind coexist in other parts of the world,” CEPU South Australian state secretary John Adley stated.
“Uninformed knee jerk decisions like this risk the state’s broader economy and environment.
“Thousands of jobs in renewable electricity are at stake and transitioning to a greener, cleaner economy will put the rock lobster industry on a sustainable footing for the future.”
The State Government has requested the federal authorities to cut back the dimensions of the proposed space to cease on the South Australian border.
The CEPA, the Maritime Union of Australia, CFMEU and Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union have all blasted the transfer.
“Maritime workers are shocked by the government’s decision to oppose investment worth billions of dollars and the thousands of secure union jobs that could accompany it,” MUA South Australian department secretary Brett Larkin stated.
“There is great potential for offshore wind in waters off South Australia.
“The Australian Energy Market Operator has found that waters off South Australia have stronger and more consistent winds than anywhere onshore in the state.”
AMWU South Australian secretary Peter Bauer stated the choice might put the state’s manufacturing competitiveness in danger.
“The government’s opposition risks denying us the opportunity to develop good sustainable jobs, as well as being at odds with the state’s renewable energy policies.
“It must be reconsidered.”
Deputy Premier and Climate Minister Susan Close stated her authorities supported renewable power jobs however the proposal threatened South Australia’s numerous marine ecosystem, together with pygmy blue whale, southern proper whale, white shark, Australasian gannet, wedge-tailed shearwater and a number of other species of albatross.
“The South Australian government is committed to renewable energy projects that improve our state’s energy security, but we cannot support ones that have the potential to cause significant harm to local industries and the environment,” she stated.
“The zone’s proximity to our marine parks and the Bonney upwelling is also of significant concern given the rich biodiversity in the region.”
The authorities has additionally argued the power generated within the zone would hook up with Victoria’s energy grid and provide “no net benefit” to South Australians.
South Australian Rock Lobster Advisory Council govt officer Nathan Kimber praised the transfer, saying it could cut back stress and uncertainty in his trade.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
