PREPARING FOR CHANGE:
YARRAM COMMUNITY SHARES VIEWS ON OFFSHORE WIND FUTURE
A new research study in Yarram has found the majority of participants believe the region is ready to host an offshore wind industry, as the community prepares for the potential development of offshore wind energy in Bass Strait.
The Yarram Offshore Wind Transition Social Impact Study included a survey of 230 local residents, finding 63 per cent of participants believed Yarram and district was ready to host an offshore wind industry, with 90 per cent agreeing new industries were needed to create local jobs.
The study found 45 per cent of participants didn't feel they knew enough about offshore wind, 56 per cent felt informed about the proposed benefits of the sector and 48 per cent felt informed of the negative impacts of offshore wind.
Led by Federation University’s Collaboration and Evaluation Research Centre (CERC) and developed in partnership with community initiative the Future of Yarram, the study provides a detailed view on community attitudes, expectations and readiness to host the offshore wind industry, while identifying the opportunities residents believe must be supported throughout the transition.
The research highlighted housing, roads, healthcare, schools, protective services, training and community and social acceptance of offshore wind as key priorities for the local community, while also finding strong community pride, with 89 per cent of participants describing Yarram as a great place to live.
Federation University Associate Professor of Regional Transformation and Sustainability Science Jess Reeves said the study demonstrated the strong need to ensure local voices and priorities remained at the heart of future planning.
“As Yarram and neighbouring communities are expected to experience many of the direct impacts of the Gippsland offshore wind projects, it is vital that local voices, experiences and aspirations inform decision-making," Professor Reeves said.
“We understand this region has already experienced significant change, particularly with the cessation of native timber harvesting and is looking for renewal, whilst preserving its natural attributes.
“A deeper understanding of the region’s social and economic context will help ensure future planning reflects community needs and priorities.”
The study recommended enhanced access to trustworthy, relevant and community-specific information about offshore wind, the development of impact assessment reports, establishment of community governance structures, strengthening community participation in decision-making and development of a community plan with shared goals, priorities and actions.
The study is a partnership between Federation University Australia, Future of Yarram and the Yarram and District Progress Association.
It was supported by the Victorian Government through the Forestry Transition Community Development Fund. A Yarram and District Progress Association spokesperson said the study was an important independent summary of local perspectives on offshore wind development.
“This study gives us a clear, evidence-based understanding of the views of Yarram and district as we continue to advocate for the best possible outcomes for our region from this large potential infrastructure project.”
The results of the study will be used to inform the progress association and Wellington Shire Council about the priorities for Yarram, as well as potential avenues for future investment. It will also provide a benchmark, allowing future research to track how community attitudes, readiness and priorities evolve over time.
