Friends of the Earth is disappointed to learn that the Victorian government's first offshore wind auction will once again be delayed, as announced this morning by Victorian Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio at the Asia Pacific Wind Energy Summit in Melbourne.
The auction - which will award contracts to developers so they can proceed to construction on Australia's first offshore wind farms - was due to take place in September 2025. However, its going ahead relies on a funding commitment from the federal government.
"It's disappointing that the Albanese government has not yet partnered with the Victorian government to deliver the country's first offshore wind auction. Communities in future offshore wind regions deserve greater certainty after hearing the benefits of offshore wind talked up for so many years," said Friends of the Earth offshore wind campaigner Anna Langford.
"We remain hopeful that the Albanese government will commit the funding needed for Victoria to hold its first offshore wind auction by the end of the year."
Communities in future offshore wind regions want greater certainty from federal government:
Earlier this month, Friends of the Earth took a delegation of community members from three future offshore wind regions to Canberra to make the case for federal government support of Victoria's auction. They presented federal government MPs with an Open Letter signed by 36 groups, including Victorian Trades Hall Council, the Maritime Union of Australia, and local groups such as Voices of the Valley, Hunter Jobs Alliance and Good for the Gong.
Gippsland resident and Voices of the Valley President Wendy Farmer said "Latrobe Valley communities cannot wait any longer for the rollout of offshore wind to begin. Our communities need the offshore wind industry to create thousands of good jobs, hope for the future, and ensure our future energy security."
"Victoria's ageing coal fired power stations have all announced closure dates. If offshore wind is not constructed on time, we will not be able to replace their energy supply" continued Ms Farmer.
Friends of the Earth urges the Albanese government to consider the national implications of delaying the rollout of offshore wind in Victoria.
"The Albanese government has put a lot of effort into creating a suitable policy landscape for the offshore wind industry in Australia. However, the speed and success of Victoria's rollout is seen by developers as a key indicator for the success of the offshore wind industry rollout across the rest of the country. Australia has the opportunity to become a world leader in offshore wind, and now is the time for federal government investment to kickstart the industry in Victoria" said Friends of the Earth National Organiser, Coco Venaglia.
Due to the national implications, communities in the Illawarra and Hunter regions are equally concerned about the delay in federal government support for Victoria's auction.
Sam Wilkins, Community Organiser at the Hunter Jobs Alliance, said "We are already seeing developers get cold feet about committing to build offshore wind in Australia. Funding Victoria's offshore wind auction will give developers greater certainty to invest in offshore wind around Australia."
Offshore wind essential for Australia to meet climate action commitments:
Friends of the Earth says that the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment yesterday and the imminent announcement of Australia's 2035 Emissions Reduction Target add weight to the call for federal government support of Victoria's offshore wind rollout.
"We know that when it comes to avoiding catastrophic climate change, the biggest emissions cuts need to be made well before 2050. Offshore wind will be crucial for Australia to meet its 2035 Emissions Reduction Target" said Anna Langford.
"Kicking the can down the road means exposing communities to intensified climate impacts such as bushfires, floods, and drought, which wreak social, ecological and financial havoc," continued Ms Langford.
"Bringing offshore wind online, on time, will create thousands of jobs, attract international investment, secure our future energy supply, and make a strong contribution to our emissions reduction targets. We urge the Albanese government to ensure there are no further delays to the national rollout of offshore wind by partnering with the Victorian government to hold the first offshore wind auction by the end of 2025."
