Book now for New.E's Knowledge Exchange event on the impacts of Offshore Wind
The upcoming New.E Knowledge Exchange event will provide an opportunity for industry professionals and the local community to engage with environmental considerations of offshore wind development in the Hunter.
The March New.E Knowledge Exchange event on March 19 in Newcastle West will focus on opportunities and considerations around offshore wind in the Hunter.
The event also marks the launch of the rebranded NewH2 as New.E and will also begin the countdown to the Hunter New Energy Symposium, scheduled for 21-22 May 2025.
The Hunter offshore wind area, declared in July 2023, covers 1,854 square kilometres and could generate up to 5.2 gigawatts of power. Public consultation took place in early 2023, with concerns raised about environmental impacts, fishing, and visual effects. The declaration process led to modifications, ensuring the area avoids sensitive marine habitats and maintains safe shipping routes.
Jo Lynch, an environmental advocate and community organiser, will be the guest speaker at the March Knowledge Exchange. Lynch, who has been involved with the Hunter Community Environment Centre since 2018, has worked extensively on issues related to coal-ash waste pollution and regional conservation. She is also active in the Hunter Jobs Alliance and RE-Alliance, focusing on equitable transitions to renewable energy.
Lynch's presentation will discuss findings from the Hunter Community Environment Centre’s forthcoming report on the Hunter-Central Coast Offshore Wind Zone. The report examines potential environmental impacts, including risks to seabirds and marine life, and proposes strategies to mitigate these effects. It aims to present research-based information on offshore wind development while addressing misinformation.
The March New.E Knowledge Exchange event will run from 8:00 am to 9:30 am on March 19 at HunterNet, located at 102/470 King Street, Newcastle West. Tickets are $15 per person and include morning tea. The event provides an opportunity for networking and discussion on the region’s renewable energy future.
