“Flow directly back to our community”: Punch wants local benefit front of mind in offshore wind farms

Impact on recreational uses and community benefits are two areas Bunbury MLA Don Punch would like to see addressed for the proposed offshore wind farm zone in the South West. The zone is proposed to be 20km off Bunbury’s coast by the Federal Government and could produce up to 20 gigawatts of electricity. Mr Punch, who is also Fisheries Minister, said the zone was in the Federal jurisdiction but he would be trying to ensure it benefited the region. “Should wind farms eventuate then I would be very keen to make sure that the benefits of those wind farms flow directly back to our community,” he said. “I would be encouraging people to really get to understand what it is that’s been proposed and make a submission because people have got a great affinity to the waters off Geographe Bay. “From my point of view, those submissions are going to be really important in understanding what it is that the community wants to see happen.” Mr Punch said he had heard concerns raised by both the community and industry. “I think there’s a number of concerns, I think we need to be clear about how recreational values can be addressed,” he said. “That’s important because people do recreate in those waters, we certainly have to make sure that both recreational and commercial fishing can coexist with wind farm developments.” Following on from the announcement by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, the WA Fishing Industry Council said it was apprehensive of the idea. WAFIC chief executive officer Darryl Hockey said the announcement had come with little dialogue. “Today’s announcement confirms our worst fears and is disappointing given we reached out to engage with the Federal Government more than six months ago, to ensure they could circumvent priority fishing grounds, which simply didn’t happen,” he said. Two consultation sessions will be held on March 19 in Bunbury with three more happening in the South West and Peel region.