Newcastle, the Hunter, & the Central Coast need offshore wind &

This is an incredible opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter to build the renewable energy infrastructure we need to tackle the climate crisis, and create thousands of good union jobs. [...] Given the urgency of the climate crisis, we are also asking for development of renewable energy to be given priority over other uses of the Hunter and Central Coast offshore area, such as for defence exercises or gas exploration. [...] Recreational fishers must be allowed to fish within the boundaries of offshore wind farms (as is the case in the USA and UK) and as close as possible to wind turbines. [...] We are concerned that about 900km2 of the proposed Area is more than 200m MAP OF THE PROPOSED RENEWABLE ENERGY AREA deep, which will increase the technical challenge and cost of offshore wind projects, and could impact electricity bills. [...] We ask the Minister to increase the available area less than 200m deep, by extending the Area 25km to the south (while keeping 15km offshore) and to explore any mitigation measures that could reduce the proposed 46km exclusion zone for the RAAF base.