The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen has today declared an Offshore Renewable Energy Zone in Geographe Bay, the Bunbury region of Western Australia.

Surfers for Climate recognises that climate change is the biggest environmental challenge the ocean faces. Surfers for Climate sees offshore wind, when done well, as a massive opportunity to provide a sustainable and reliable energy alternative to drilling for oil and gas in our ocean.

Surfers for Climate has been working with their members in the Bunbury region, local surfers, community leaders and WA environmental organisations in the lead up to this announcement to better understand how the community views offshore wind, and address misinformation in relation to this form of renewable energy.  

Approximately 1,000 community members attended in person community drop-in sessions held by the federal climate change department across the region in Bunbury, Busselton, Harvey and Mandurah during March.

Surfers for Climate’s CEO Josh Kirkman:

“Offshore wind, when done well, with strong environmental research and mitigation for impacts from the development, is a massive opportunity for coastal people, who don’t want continued fossil fuel exploration in their ocean and want reliable and long-term jobs for local people," he said.

“WA experienced record-breaking heat over the past summer, losing eucalypt forest across the state, including trees more than a century old, after a summer of massive drought and 40 degree days. This is just another reminder of why we need to shift to clean energy as soon as possible.

“We are hearing that the majority of community members in offshore wind zones either support or have no strong position on offshore wind. Local business leaders and community members see the opportunity for new jobs and community benefits that come from this new clean energy source for the region.

“Surfers are deeply passionate about the ocean, and Surfers for Climate wants to see environmental research in offshore wind zones done well, by experts with local knowledge and who are independent from the wind industry, to ensure we are doing the best for our ocean while taking this step forward to tackle climate change.”

About Surfers for Climate

Surfers for Climate is an Australian charity dedicated to turning the tide on climate change. Our Line in the Sand campaign has been on the front line of gaining bipartisan support to see an end to oil and gas exploration in Australia’s oceans. Surfers for Climate engages and collaborates with coastal communities on protecting Australia's oceans and shifting to renewable energy.