The Port of Hastings’ Windfarm Assembly Terminal in Westernport Bay
You may recall in January 2024, federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek rejected an application by the Port of Hastings for the Victorian Government’s Renewable Energy Terminal (V-RET) in Westernport Bay. The Minister’s decision was based on the project’s unacceptable impacts on the marine environment, outlined in her Statement of Reasons.
But the Victorian Government’s commitment to supplying the state with 2 Gigawatts of wind-powered energy by 2032, and 9GW by 2040 is contingent on the V-RET to construct Victoria’s offshore windfarms in Bass Strait.
The Port of Hastings Corporation, as the proponent for the Victorian govt’s Renewable Energy Terminal, has reviewed their plans, and the revised project will be assessed by an Environment Effects Statement, or EES in 2025.
Save Westernport has agreed to support the state government’s commitment to Offshore Windfarms, but not at the expense of Westernport’s internationally recognised marine ecosystems.
We will participate in the Port of Hastings’ Community Advisory Group throughout the EES that will assess the V-RET in Westernport in 2025.
The Port of Hastings recently announced the release of the Draft Scoping Requirements (Terms of Reference) for the EES.
This will be the public’s first opportunity to comment on the EES for the V-RET.
Read the Draft Scoping Requirements here https://engage.vic.gov.au/download/document/37543
If you notice something missing from the Draft Scoping Requirements that you believe should be included in the final version for the EES, please use the Engage Victoria webpage to make a submission BEFORE DEC 11th 2024: https://engage.vic.gov.au/victorian-renewable-energy-terminal-ees-scoping-requirements
The Port of Hastings has released the following information about the Draft Scoping Requirements https://portofhastings.cmail19.com/t/y-e-cliajt-dulkjjnn-f/
Watch this short YouTube video detailing the Port of Hastings’ proposal in Westernport Bay :
https://youtu.be/uYUxSFm_oE0?feature=shared
In October the Port of Hastings held two public information sessions to let people know about new details of the project and the EES assessment. Their virtual information session can now be viewed on YouTube
https://youtu.be/xTyJoHUV4-E?feature=shared
Sign up here on our website to receive Save Westernport’s newsletter updates about the Windfarm terminal and other events and projects in and around the Bay.
https://savewesternport.org/get-our-newsletter/
Remember you can support Save Westernport by hitting that ‘Become a Member’ button on the page above to join or renew your annual membership subscription at the value price of just $20 per year.
Western Port Biosphere and VNPA are hosting some wonderful speakers for our first Western Port community series
We’re hosting a webinar at 7pm on Wednesday 16 October to explore the marine life of Western Port Bay — above and below the surface. You’ll learn about seagrass, dolphins and whales, about citizen science and marine life that generally make Western Port their home. If you’d like to learn more, we’d love to see you. Feel free to share these details around.
Please Register here.
See you Wednesday!
Wind Farm Staging area at Port of Hastings Back on the Cards
The Victorian government, through the Port of Hastings Corporation, is seeking to breathe new life into the wind farm proposal following the rejection of the plan in January by the federal Environment Minister. Read the MP News story here…
And there’s more more wind farm details and other info in our June newsletter here…
Our FY 2022-23 AGM
Save Westernport held its Annual General Meeting for the 2022/23 financial year on Saturday 20th of April at the beautiful Coolart Homestead, Somers. Read more… Photo – Outgoing Save Westernport president Candy Van Rood, incoming president Jane Carnegie, and featured speakers Laura Brearley and Jo Lane.
Brown coal to hydrogen? Tell Japan HESC no!
The Japanese Government is supporting an international consortium to use Victoria’s dirty brown coal to produce hydrogen for export. The Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project is a climate disaster without a business case or social licence. Westernport’s Port of Hastings is a major part of the plan. Go here to read more and say NO!
Coal to Hydrogen Doesn’t Work
Jane from Save Westernport explains why Japan’s Coal-to-Hydrogen proposal is bad news for Victoria, and for our Climate.
Westernport
Westernport’s internationally recognised ecosystems are home to amazing wildlife, incredibly diverse wetlands and idyllic beaches. But, if you’re reading this you probably know just how special Westernport Bay is. This is why generations have fought to protect it – and now it’s our turn.
Endangered Species
The critically endangered Eastern Curlew uses Westernport’s wetlands to feed and recover before returning on the long journey back to its breeding grounds in Siberia. With fewer than 70 in the wild, the equally endangered Orange-bellied Parrot also uses Westernport’s resources over winter before returning to summer in Tasmania. They are the world’s only migratory parrot, and this year Westernport was chosen as the perfect site to release hand-raised chicks that will increase wild populations. These are just two of many endangered species that rely on the ecology of the Bay for survival.
Recovering Wetland
Westernport’s wetlands are undergoing a long recovery from damage caused by agricultural run-off and industrial pollution in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Countless plants and animals have re-established themselves and their future looks good, as long as we can stop any further industrialization of Westernport.
Stop the destruction
The inappropriate demands of heavy industry that defined the Port of Hastings in the 1960s must now be weighed against the urgent need to protect biodiversity and prevent ecosystem collapse. Nothing short of world’s best practice can reverse the damage. You can help by becoming a member of Save Westernport, and by signing up for our newsletter updates here.
Stop The Threat!
Many large corporations and even our own Victorian Government still regard Westernport as a potential heavy industry zone or port. Our work is ‘cut out for us’ in our passion to protect this unique biosphere, & Ramsar designated wetlands.
Scroll down to find out more.
Upcoming Events
Looking to see what we’re all about here at Save Westernport? Come along to one of our upcoming events to get a better idea of what we’re all about and what you can do to help!
