Community to rally for Hunter Offshore Wind

Supporters for the responsible development of Hunter offshore wind are set to rally on Sunday, February 4, at 11 am at the Railway Sheds, Newcastle Foreshore.

This event provides a crucial opportunity for the community to showcase support for an energy future led by offshore wind, championing both community prosperity and environmental responsibility.

The rally holds particular significance amid the Coalition's escalating efforts to impede the progress of renewable energy initiatives across Australia.

Worryingly, recent discourse has been aggressively dominated by rampant misinformation propagated by the Coalition, who are advocating for nuclear development and expansion in our communities.

Recognising the pressing need and unparalleled potential of Hunter offshore wind, local organisations representing workers, environmentalists, communities, and businesses have come together in a unified effort to endorse and support the rally.

Organisations include:

·      Hunter Workers

·      Australian Conservation Foundation

·      Hunter Jobs Alliance

·      City of Newcastle

·      Business Hunter

·      Maritime Union of Australia

·      CFMEU Construction

·      National Tertiary Education Union

·      Australian Manufacturing Workers Union

·      Electrical Trades Union

·      Public Service Association

·      NSW Teachers Federation

·      NSW Nurses and Midwives Association

·      Independent Education Union

·      Australian Services Union

·      United Workers Union

·      Community and Public Sector Union

In an effort to clear up confusion and dispel misconceptions, local organisations have also worked together to supply clear and relevant information about Hunter offshore wind via the HunterOffshoreWind.com.au website.

Quotes by Leigh Shears, Hunter Workers Secretary:

“Hunter offshore wind is integral to securing our future energy needs, and to minimise environmental impacts while maximising benefits to workers, our communities, and the local economy. 

Building our capacity of community support by providing opportunities for rational discussion and information is essential to ensure we maximise worker and community benefits while maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment.

The days of the us or them culture wars are over. Hunter Workers represents ALL working people across our region. From our coal communities to our coastal areas. From our miners, retail workers, manufacturing workers to our Nurses and teachers, transport, maritime and hospitality workers. This is our region. These are our jobs, our communities. Ensuring job security and shared prosperity across our region is our collective responsibility.

After a decade of chaos and division it’s shameful that the Liberals and Nationals, along with their political puppets, seek to continue to confuse and divide our communities for short term political opportunism ahead of the interests of our region”.