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Which of the following best describes you?
Which of the following best describes your standpoint on the proposed area being declared for offshore renewable energy?
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As a resident of Norah Head I am dismayed by the rush to implement this plan and the lack of proper community consultation. I would implore you to hold a proper town hall meeting where experts can explain the plan and address the concerns of the inhabitants of the Central Coast and The Hunter region.
Speaking to my neighbours and community, there is a high degree of anxiety about these proposed measures. These concerns include:
CHANGES IN ZONING: We are a residential neighbourhood. Without exception, none of us would like to see this are become industrial/semi industrial and suffer the effects of industrial activity from noise pollution, water, air and soil pollution involved in erection and maintenance of the proposed turbine structures that may affect quality of life and health of the residents of this area.
EFFECT ON PROPERTY VALUES/QUALITY OF LIFE: the majority of the residents of this area have this in common - We have all worked a lifetime and saved and invested every penny into our homes. We have paid a premium on the average house value primarily to enjoy the beaches and the views and the natural beauty of our area and community. The proposed plan, as we understand it, will negatively impact both our quality of life and the value of our life savings. What provisions does this scheme provide to compensate local affected local residents?
EFFETS ON HEALTH OF RESIDENTS: It is my understanding that each turbine requires a large quantity of petroleum based lubricant on a monthly basis which eventually works it's way into the local ecosystem. Furthermore there are concerns about infrasound, shadow flicker and electromagnetic radiation; none of which have been sufficiently studies and documented.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS/ANIMAL WELFARE: My research into the methods of building and maintenance of these turbine structures indicates that there will be massive disturbance to the ocean topography in the region, danger to aquatic life, destruction of marine ecosystems, danger to sea birds and as the experience of marine biologists in New Jersey on the East Coast of The United States as well as other regions indicate, putting these structures anywhere close to whale migratory corridors, with Norah Head being one such major corridor, has ended in disaster for the whales.
ECONOMIC CONCERNS: Speaking for myself and in consultation with other local residents, we are also concerned about corporate welfare with the costs of this project being borne by taxpayers and customers of electricity companies while the economic benefits, for the most part are being by allocated foreign privately owned and operated companies.
For the above reasons, I strongly and strenuously oppose this scheme in its current format and in its current proposed location; without thorough and independent studies (not funded/conducted by the economic beneficiaries of this scheme), into the effects of these structures.
Sincerely,
A Local Resident Of Norah Head
