Sophie Conlon
THE City of Mount Gambier has followed in another local councils footsteps and officially taken a stance against offshore renewable energy projects in waters off South Australia.
At its August meeting, council voted to officially oppose the Southern Ocean Region in SA waters and submit this view to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) in its community consultation which closed on August 31.
Mayor Lynette Martin said councillors had held a workshop and heard a “compelling argument” against the zone, while some councillors had also attended community information sessions held by DCCEEW.
“Our concern lies with the sustainability of the southern rock lobster industry and the general fishing industry should the offshore windfarm go ahead as is currently proposed,” she said.
Councillor Max Bruins said the consultation by DCCEEW left “a lot to be desired”.
“The fact that they are willing to threaten an industry that provides so much employment to this region, and the state and national economy, and as for the environmental impacts [to be] disregarded, is appalling,” he said.
