Not anti-renewable energy, not yet!
SUPPORTERS of renewable energy and some of those who want immediate action on Climate Change may be confused about our motives in highlighting how close, how high and how extensive the plan is to roll out 350-metre-high wind turbines off the coast...
SUPPORTERS of renewable energy and some of those who want immediate action on Climate Change may be confused about our motives in highlighting how close, how high and how extensive the plan is to roll out 350-metre-high wind turbines off the coast between Phillip Island and the 90 Mile Beach.
We’re not against renewable energy and we’re not ‘Climate Change Deniers’.
What we are, however, is concerned that the Federal Government is trying to appease the Greens and the powerful climate change lobby by wrecking our coast, our tourism and our local fishing industry by passing this development off as a “Bass Strait” development.
“The Bass Strait off Gippsland,” they say, “will be the nation’s first priority area to be assessed for suitability for offshore wind developments.”
But the reality is that turbine structures, double the height of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, could be located as close as 5.5km off the beach at Cape Woolamai, Kilcunda, Inverloch, Waratah Bay and Wilsons Promontory.
If you haven’t got a problem with that… don’t worry.
If you have got a problem with where the turbines are located, and would prefer to see them in marine areas where offshore islands or other geographic features screen them from popular tourist areas and areas of scenic, cultural and historic significance; you only have until October 7 to have your say.
Go to: https://consult.industry.gov.au/oei-gippsland
There is also the concern about what happens to these structures after their use-by date, in approximately 30 years’ time. How much is it going to cost the companies to take them down when they’ve outlived their usefulness? Is there even a plan for that or is this just another one of those election cycle ideas we’re so fond of in this country?
Bass Coast CEO appointment
On a completely different issue, the community will be interested to see how the appointment of Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Ali Wastie as Chair of the Victorian Alpine Resorts Board impacts her well-paid, crucially important job as administrative head of our $100 million-a-year municipality.
Surely, when you can have employees out in the field 24/7, like they have been in response to the weekend’s floods, you need a CEO who is available 24/7 to deal with issues as they arise?