Illawarra offshore wind zone: Shellharbour councillor John Davey calls for nuclear debate

Plans for a wind farm off the Illawarra coast have been slammed as “ideological” by a local councillor who has backed a conversation about the nuclear option.

Debate around the yet to be declared Illawarra offshore wind zone has seen opponents suggest nuclear power plants be considered.

Plans for a wind farm off the Illawarra coast have been slammed as “ideological” by a local councillor who has called for a conversation about the nuclear option.

Shellharbour councillor John Davey described the Labor-backed 1400sq km Illawarra offshore wind zone proposed by the federal government as a “massive confidence trick”.

The independent councillor argued there has not been proper feasibility studies undertaken nor adequate community consultation about the project.

Mr Davey made the comments in a YouTube video interview at a Coalition Against Offshore Wind rally in Wollongong last year attended by Kiama MP Gareth Ward and One Nation MLP Tania Mihailuk.

In the interview conducted by Shellharbour deputy mayor Kellie Marsh, Mr Davey states he wants a “comprehensive conversation” about injecting nuclear power into Australia’s energy mix – an option which has been banned since 1999.

Shellharbour councillors Kellie Marsh and John Davey speaking at a Coalition Against Offshore Wind rally in Wollongong on October 29, 2023. Picture: Supplied

“How on earth can you [reach net zero] if you’re pulling away from fossil fuels,” Mr Davey, who is an ex-card-carrying Labor member, said in the interview.

“You’re going to be relying upon solar and wind, when you can only rely upon them for about 30 per cent of any 24 hour period? It just doesn’t make sense.”

The proposed Illawarra offshore wind zone. Picture: Supplied

Speaking to this publication, Mr Davey said he “believes” in climate change and moving to renewable energies, however, he argued Australia cannot rely on renewables alone.

“That’s why I say it’s ideological,” he expanded.

“When the conversation started to turn to ‘let’s put nuclear on the table’ that was very, very quickly shut down and I believe without a detailed feasibility study.”

When asked if he would welcome a nuclear power plant in Shellharbour, Mr Davey admitted he would have reservations.

“I don’t know, given the technology associated with nuclear, how close it has to be to a city or to an urban area,” he said.

“Do I want one outside my back fence? No. Would I want one beside the civic centre? No.

“Hand on heart I don’t know where we would put these things … but that is my whole point. Where are these feasibility studies that would answer those questions?”

Mr Davey’s remarks echo those of federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton who told a joint Coalition party room meeting last year: “It is high time that Australia had an honest and informed debate on the benefits and costs of nuclear energy.”

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton wants an “honest and informed debate” about nuclear power. Picture: NewsWire / David Clark

Nuclear advocate and former ANSTO boss Dr Adi Paterson has previously told this publication nuclear upfront costs appear expensive, but in the long term cost far less for a “predictable high-density source” of energy.

University of Wollongong academic Ty Christopher, who is the director of the Energy Futures Network, is a proponent of offshore wind, but has previously spoken in favour of nuclear power.

In an interview with The Illawarra Flame in January he said nuclear was a “missed opportunity for our nation in terms of decarbonisation”, arguing it was legally, politically and financially challenging.

“[Nuclear] at the moment really fits in the category of too expensive and too late,” Mr Christopher said.

Cunningham MP Alison Byrnes, who is pushing for the Illawarra offshore wind zone alongside Energy Minister Chris Bowen, said the consultation to this point has been about the establishment of the zone and there would be “further opportunities for consultation as any proposed zone progresses”.

Ms Byrnes said the consultation to this point has been about the establishment of the zone and there would be “further opportunities for consultation as any proposed zone progresses”.

Cunningham MP Alison Byrnes and Energy Minister Chris Bowen. Picture: Dylan Arvela

The MP believes there is support for renewable energy projects in the community, but ruled out Labor entertaining the prospect of nuclear energy.

“I think most people in our community agree that we need a mix of renewable energy projects,” she said.

“[This includes] offshore wind, onshore wind, solar farms, household solar and batteries to keep the lights on and power industry, households and businesses and these projects need to be shared fairly across our nation.

“Nuclear power is the most expensive form of energy generation. Why would you want a more expensive option, it just does not make sense?”

A decision on whether the Illawarra offshore wind zone will be established is expected in the first half of 2024.

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