Canning MHR Andrew Hastie officially opposes offshore wind farm development in consultation period submission

Canning MHR Andrew Hastie has made his opposition to the proposed offshore wind farm zone official, making a submission to the Federal Government as part of the public consultation period. The Peel region’s Federal member revealed on Friday he had written to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to raise “significant concerns” about the potential for the renewable energy technology to be built off the coast between Dawesville and Cape Naturaliste. In his submission, Mr Hastie said the development of the industry could have “irreversible impacts on the future of our environment, local tourism and recreational activities, and the economy”. He highlighted a number of factors behind his opposition, including community concern and potential economic, recreation and national security impacts. Mr Hastie wrote any project that has an impact on the waterways, wildlife and natural attractions in the region would undermine the tourism industry. “Against the current backdrop of increased regional power competition, strategic consideration must be given to any sizeable infrastructure assets off Australia’s Indian Ocean coastline,” he said. “These considerations should include, but not be limited to, the risks to the surveillance, operation and maintenance of the asset in both peacetime and conflict.” Mr Hastie has been campaigning against the proposed offshore wind farm zone in recent months, unveiling bumper stickers last week opposing development off the coast during a visit to the region by deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley. A petition created by the Canning MHR opposing the plans has gained more than 9300 signatures since it was created in February.