Tuesday 20 February 2024

Federal Member for Canning, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP, has raised concerns over the Albanese Government’s proposal for an offshore wind farm just south of Mandurah, which would encompass nearly 8,000 square kilometres of ocean.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, launched consultation for the Western Australia Offshore Wind Zone on Tuesday. 

The proposed wind zone, spanning 7,674 square kilometres and located 20 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia, will stretch from Mandurah to Bunbury.

Mr Hastie called the proposal a desperate attempt from Labor to bolster its failing 82% 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.”

The proposal follows the Government’s introduction of a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which will increase the cost of utes and family cars by thousands of dollars to subsidise electric vehicle purchases.

Expressing the unique lifestyle and significance of the ocean to Mandurah and the Peel region, Mr Hastie emphasised the need for a more nuanced approach to energy policy.

“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.

“It’s unfair for Labor to expect Australians to carry the burden of their radical energy policies.”