Last month, the Senate voted to establish a Senate Inquiry into the offshore wind industry consultation process. The Inquiry is taking submissions until 30th August, 2024, which means you have two weeks to ensure your voice is heard.
If you’d like to contribute, we urge you to submit to the inquiry addressing some or all of the terms of reference below.
The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry are as follows:
The consultation process undertaken on behalf of the Australian Government into the offshore wind industry, with particular reference to:
a) the efficacy of community engagement and benefit in planning, developing and operating the offshore wind industry;
b) community engagement within the existing Australian Government offshore wind industry regulatory and legislative frameworks;
c) the adherence to the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent from Traditional Owners of the affected Sea Country by the Australian Government and offshore wind industry;
d) the impact of the offshore wind industry on marine life and marine environments in Australian waters, including strategies for impact minimisation and management; and
e) any other related matters.
Remember your submission may wish to ask the committee to visit Newcastle and hold a public hearing while here.
Here’s some information about the Hunter consultation process:
A 65 day public consultation period began on 23 February 2023, over which 1,916 submissions were received.
Consultation was undertaken across Port Stephens, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Central Coast.
Methods of consultation included newspaper, radio and social media advertising, letterboxed flyers, targeted stakeholder meetings with business and community groups, and seven community information sessions (in Wamberal, Doyalson, Swansea, Newcastle, Bar Beach, Nelson Bay, and Hawks Nest).
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