PM’s assistant minister calls for ‘fact-based debate’ about offshore wind farms amid strong emotions

A member of the Federal Government has called for the debate about offshore wind farms in the South West to remain “fact-based” amid strong emotions within the community. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman described some of the matters which have been brought up as “frankly inaccurate” as he encouraged the community to put the renewable energy technology into perspective. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water held a number of community sessions about the proposed wind farm zone late last month across the region — most of which descended into chaos. State Liberal leader Libby Mettam raised concerns about a lack of transparency and said the consultation process had raised far more questions than answers. “The offshore wind farms will have a profound effect on our coastline and yet there are still many unanswered questions about the full impact it will have on the health and wellbeing of residents living in nearby coastal communities but also on whales, migratory birds and our fish stocks,” she said. In response to Ms Mettam’s comments, Mr Gorman said the Federal Government wanted to hear from the community and take feedback on board. “People have had some concerns that needed to be aired and we had the opportunity to respond to those concerns,” he said. “I think it’s important that when people do raise those concerns, they actually listen to the responses. “Some of the things that have been raised are frankly inaccurate and I call on Libby Mettam and all involved to make sure that we keep this as a fact-based debate — that’s really important.” Mr Gorman said it was important things were put into perspective with the offshore wind farms, noting the technology has been used in other advanced economies including the UK for decades. “This is a huge opportunity and what I don’t want to see happen is that these jobs and the electricity that powers the new industries of the future, I don’t want to see all of those opportunities go east,” he said. “Some of those people who are out there just naysaying need to be really honest that if you say no to this, you’re saying no to manufacturing, to more electricity into our grid, to more jobs, and you’re missing out on a big opportunity.”