Labor/Greens/Teal offshore renewables plan is failing, failing, failing

It’s obvious that Chris Bowen’s plan to replace reliable coal and gas fired power with floating offshore wind turbines is failing fast.

On Tuesday, Norwegian oil giant Equinor and its Australian proxy Oceanex announced they would abandon their plans to build the 1000 km² Illawarra Wind Zone, stretching between Kiama and Stanwell Park in NSW.

Leaving aside the irony of a foreign fossil fuel company like Equinor spearheading this heavily taxpayer subsidised “green” project, the practical challenges were clear from the start.

The estimated cost for floating offshore wind farms is an eye-watering $150 billion to $200 billion (lasting only 30 years, operating 30 per cent of the time).

Deep-water technical difficulties, serious environmental concerns, and strong community opposition further hindered the project.

Global inflation, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical instability have only exacerbated the situation.

Bowen’s other offshore wind plans, particularly the 1854 km² Hunter Offshore Floating Wind Turbine installation, should all be scrapped for similar reasons.

There is no justification for destroying kilometres of pristine underwater canyons, rich in unique marine life, off the coast of Port Stephens and Hawks Nest Beach.

On Friday, Coalition leader Peter Dutton announced he would scrap the massive offshore zone off Western Australia.

Another win for mainstream Australians.

It is now increasingly clear to most Australians, except the elites and activists, that Bowen’s push for offshore turbines is undermining the nation’s energy future rather than securing it. 

These destructive projects exemplify the government’s ongoing ideological overreach, pursuing ill-conceived, costly energy initiatives that alienate regional communities and drive up the cost of living.

Hundreds of these communities, dismissively labelled by Bowen as “cookers” or “NIMBYs”, have continued to protest with reason and conviction.

They understand that Australia cannot function productively without affordable, clean, and reliable baseload power.

These grassroots protests have since evolved into a broader national movement, aligning with the growing nuclear and pro-environment campaigns.

Together, we will fight for a future in which cheap and reliable energy, nuclear included, becomes a reality.

As the Queensland state election approaches, it is increasingly clear that Labor, Green and the Teals obstinate prioritisation of their ideology over our national interest will face significant challenges at the ballot box.

Policies driven by alarmist ideology, rather than evidence, that impose extreme costs on Australians and the environment, are destined to fail.

What will succeed are the families and farmers committed to building Australia up and fighting for our prosperity.

Sandra Bourke
ADVANCE Spokeswoman