Hon. Moermond questions the government regarding scientific studies on the impact of offshore wind farms near Binningup on marine life and tourism, to which the government responds that these issues will be addressed in the Commonwealth consultation process.

AnsweredQoN 142Legislative Council
Asked
13 March 2024
Portfolio
Energy

QuestionView source ↗

OFFSHORE WIND FARMS — BINNINGUP
142. Hon SOPHIA MOERMOND to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Energy:
I refer to the planned offshore
wind farms in the Indian Ocean, 20 kilometres off Binningup, Geographe Bay,
where the government intends to station 200 turbines.
(1) Has there
been a comprehensive scientific study to help understand how this proposal will
affect marine life, including whale migration patterns, dolphin behaviour and
ocean floor ecosystems?
(2) Particularly
given that the completion of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road will draw travellers
away from Bunbury, what consideration has the government given to the effect of
the proposed wind farms on tourism for the region?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. On behalf of the Minister for Energy I provide the
following answer.
(1) The
consultation process on offshore wind farms announced by Minister Bowen is a commonwealth-led
process. While understanding any potential impacts on marine life is of
critical importance, this will need to be addressed as part of the commonwealth
consultation process.
(2) Consultation with the tourism sector is expected
to occur as part of the commonwealth consultation process.

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