Reduction of Southern Ocean wind farm a ‘kick in the guts’ for Newcastle and Port Stephens

The reduction of the size of the Southern Ocean’s offshore wind zone is a “kick in the guts” for residents who are still awaiting consultation, Newcastle & Port Stephens Game Fish Club President Troy Radford says. The Federal government formally declared the Southern Ocean an offshore wind zone on Wednesday, but at a fifth of the size originally proposed. A large contingent of Port Stephens’ residents are expressing frustration at the lack of consultation about the planned offshore wind project that remains in place for them. “We see it as a small victory for the guys down in the Southern Ocean, but at the same time it’s a kick in the guts for the people of Port Stevens and the mile coast,” Mr Radford told Sky News Australia host Chris Kenny. “It looks like Mr Bowen has finally adopted the nine point recommendation that was handed down by the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner back in February. “The people of Port Stephens would like the same process; we need Mr Bowen to reopen the consultation process for the hundred offshore wind farm zone so that we can get this right.”