Suzanne de Vive
INDEPENDENT
Candidate for Wollongong City Council
Author of POWER SUBURBS
CORPORATE BACKGROUND
DIPLOMA of TOWN PLANNING
Community First, Not Party Politics
All posts on this site are written and authorised by Suzanne de Vive Level 1 345 Lawrence Hargrave Drive Thirroul 2515.
Energy, Equity, Employment
Hello
I’m Suzanne de Vive, a long-term resident of Ward 1, and I’m running for Lord Mayor and Councillor in the upcoming Wollongong City Council elections. My vision is clear: to preserve the natural beauty and unique character of our city while driving innovative and sustainable solutions to meet the challenges of our time. Wollongong is more than just a city—it’s a close-knit community surrounded by stunning landscapes, from our pristine escarpment to our iconic beaches. But current political decisions threaten what makes our home special. Proposals to industrialise our coastline with offshore wind turbines and overdevelop our suburbs with high-rise buildings do not reflect our community’s values or needs. We deserve solutions that are driven by what’s best for Wollongong, not by party politics or corporate interests.
I wrote Power Suburbs, a strategic blueprint for achieving climate goals without compromising the environment, focusing on local, smart energy solutions. As an Independent, I am not bound by party policies, allowing me the flexibility to act in the best interests of our community. With my corporate experience, academic background in town planning, and a deep connection to our community, I am ready to lead Wollongong toward a future that is both sustainable and innovative.
My platform focuses on three key areas:
Energy: A faster, more ecological transition to renewables by leveraging Australia’s solar advantage.
Equity: Affordable housing, equitable energy access for all residents, and a commitment to listening and responding to community needs.
Employment: Creating sustainable, long-term jobs through local innovation and industry collaboration.
ENERGY
No Offshore Wind Farms: A Smarter and Greener Path to Renewable Energy for Wollongong
As Lord Mayor, I’m committed to leading Wollongong toward a truly sustainable future—one that protects our environment while meeting our energy needs. My Power Suburbs blueprint offers a strategic vision for achieving our climate goals without sacrificing the natural assets we cherish. The plan prioritises rooftop solar, energy-efficient design, and urban planning that reduces heat island effects—all within our existing footprint, without the need for costly and environmentally harmful offshore wind farms.
Why push offshore wind farms when rooftop solar can be deployed faster, at lower costs, and without risking our marine ecosystems? My plan focuses on solutions that deliver affordable, locally generated renewable energy to everyone—including renters and low-income households—preventing the two-class energy economy that could arise if large-scale offshore wind projects go ahead. The reality is that as more homeowners install solar panels, those left relying on the grid, often renters and lower-income earners, will be burdened with the costs of maintaining offshore wind infrastructure, management salaries, and shareholder dividends.
I’m committed to stopping the proposed offshore wind farm because it’s not the right solution for Wollongong. Here’s why:
-
Australia is the sunniest continent on Earth (CSIRO, 2016).
-
Research shows that covering all rooftops in Australia with solar panels would exceed our electricity demand (University of Technology Sydney, 2019).
-
Cutting-edge perovskite-silicon solar technology, developed in Australia, can generate 50% more electricity than traditional panels. This technology is already being commercialised in Asia while Australia continues to invest heavily in outdated fossil fuel infrastructure.
-
Europe, with 40% less solar potential than Australia, has committed to creating 100 Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) that generate more than enough energy for their communities while contributing surplus to the grid. Australia, with our far superior solar resources, could easily achieve much more. Yet, we are sidelining this potential in favor of offshore wind farms that could damage our ecosystems and tourism industry.
-
The University of Wollongong's 2023 submission acknowledged the inevitable impact that offshore wind infrastructure will have on marine ecosystems, with broader effects still unknown.
-
Offshore wind farms won’t be operational for at least seven years—delaying our climate goals while allowing for more fossil fuel projects to be approved in the meantime.
-
Rooftop solar is the smarter, faster, and more ecological alternative, preserving habitats and making use of existing infrastructure.
In the U.S., offshore wind farms have led to debris issues, with beaches closed due to turbine waste washing ashore. This is the kind of risk we should avoid, especially when better options are available.
My vision for Wollongong is clear: a city that leads by example with a renewable energy transition that works for everyone—without compromising our environment or leaving anyone behind. As Lord Mayor, I will always stand up for the solutions that make sense for our community. Offshore wind isn’t one of them. Together, we can achieve a greener future by leveraging our natural advantages and investing in technologies that align with our values. See Power Suburbs Plan from the menu on this site.
EQUITY
HOMES FOR LOCALS FIRST SCHEME
Alleviating the Rental Crisis and Enhancing Housing Affordability in Wollongong: A Policy on Short-Term Holiday Rentals
Objective
To increase the availability of long-term rental housing by limiting the number of days a property can be used for short-term holiday letting while still allowing property owners to benefit from tourism during peak periods.
Background
There are currently over 1,100 properties in Wollongong listed for short-term holiday letting on platforms like Airbnb and Stayz. The concentration of these holiday rentals has reduced available long-term rental housing, worsening affordability issues for local residents.
Scope
This policy applies to privately owned residential properties in the Wollongong LGA offered as short-term holiday rentals on platforms such as Airbnb, Stayz, and similar services. It does not apply to properties owned and operated by registered businesses managing multiple holiday rentals as a commercial venture.
Policy Details
-
Annual Rental Cap: Short-term holiday rentals will be limited to a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. Property owners wishing to exceed this limit must apply for planning permission to reclassify their property as a commercial enterprise.
-
Mandatory Registration: All short-term rental properties must be registered with the council, and owners must report occupancy details annually to ensure compliance with the 90-day cap.
-
Enforcement and Monitoring: The council will work with rental platforms to track and enforce the 90-day limit. Non-compliance will result in fines and possible suspension of registration.
-
Exemptions: Properties that are the primary residence of the owner and only occasionally rented out (e.g., while the owner is on holiday) are subject to the 90-day cap. Properties operating as dedicated holiday homes year-round must adhere to stricter regulations.
Rationale and International Precedent
Similar policies in cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam, and San Francisco show how rental caps can address housing shortages:
-
Paris limits short-term rentals to 120 days per year, resulting in increased long-term rental availability.
-
London imposes a 90-day limit to balance tourism and residential needs.
-
Amsterdam reduced its initial 60-day limit to 30 days due to ongoing housing pressures.
-
San Francisco enforces a 90-day limit for non-primary residences, backed by strict monitoring and fines.
By adopting a 90-day limit in Wollongong, this policy balances the benefits of tourism with the need for housing affordability. International evidence shows that reducing short-term rental days can successfully return properties to the long-term rental market, relieving rental stress.
Integrating the Policy into Wollongong’s Draft Housing Plan
This policy should be a priority in Wollongong’s Draft Housing Plan. Regulating short-term holiday rentals can immediately free up housing stock for long-term rental use, providing a rapid and cost-effective solution compared to constructing new affordable housing. With similar policies proving effective in other cities, Wollongong can adopt this approach quickly to alleviate the local rental crisis.
Conclusion
The Homes for Locals First Scheme aims to enhance Wollongong’s long-term rental market by ensuring housing remains available for residents while still allowing property owners to benefit from tourism. It’s a step toward a more sustainable housing market that prioritises community needs while balancing economic opportunities.
Background on My Advocacy
During COVID, many Northern Wollongong Suburbs properties were snapped up by out-of-area buyers, not just for homes but as holiday investments, leaving locals struggling to find rental options. Every day, I saw posts from families, single older women, and others desperate for a place to live. This crisis led me to leave the Sustainable Australia Party (SAP) after they refused to consider urgently tweaking their negative gearing policy.
As an independent, I wrote letters to all the major parties, urging them to prioritise long-term rentals by adjusting tax incentives like negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions. With over a million empty houses and nearly 280,000 people homeless, I argued that our issue isn't just supply—it’s a broken system rewarding those who keep homes empty. Yet, none of the parties responded, proving that they’re more focused on outdated policies than truly helping people.
In 2022, I wrote to the Illawarra Mercury, highlighting how our tax system worsens the housing crisis by benefiting those who leave properties vacant or use them for short stays. Two years later, nothing has changed, and my community still suffers.
As Lord Mayor, I won’t stand by while government inaction continues. I plan to introduce the Homes for Locals First Scheme to address the 1,100 holiday rentals in Wollongong, many of which likely receive generous tax concessions. By implementing this scheme, we can incentivise mortgage holders to convert their properties to long-term rentals to maintain their negative gearing benefits, freeing up rentals and providing immediate housing relief instead of waiting years for new supply to be built.
I will always stand up for the people of our community—unbound by party restrictions and focused on real solutions that work now.
Preventing a Two-Class Energy Economy in Wollongong
As we move toward renewable energy, it’s crucial that everyone benefits—whether they own a home or rent. The proposed offshore wind farm risks creating a two-class energy system, where homeowners who invest in rooftop solar enjoy lower costs, while renters and low-income earners are left to shoulder the rising expenses of grid maintenance.
As more homeowners become self-sufficient with solar, the costs of maintaining grid infrastructure and offshore wind projects won’t disappear. Instead, those costs will be passed on to renters and those who remain reliant on traditional energy. This could deepen inequality and leave the most vulnerable paying more for their power.
My Power Suburbs plan offers a fairer alternative. By prioritising rooftop solar and community-led energy solutions, we can ensure everyone—renters included—benefits from affordable, locally generated energy. The energy transition should lift everyone up, not leave some behind.
As Lord Mayor, I’ll fight to keep energy access equitable for all, preventing the creation of a two-class energy economy in our city.
Preventing Overdevelopment: Protecting Our Community’s Character and Liveability
Equity isn’t just about affordability—it’s also about ensuring that our city’s growth is balanced and sustainable. Overdevelopment, especially high-rise projects in our suburbs, threatens the unique character of Wollongong’s neighborhoods and reduces our quality of life. It leads to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and loss of green spaces, hitting those already facing housing pressures the hardest.
As Lord Mayor, I’ll push for community-driven planning that preserves our city’s character while supporting smart, sustainable growth. We can meet Wollongong’s needs without compromising what makes our community special.
Food Forest for the Soul: A Comprehensive Strategy for Food Security, Cost of Living Relief and Education
The "Food Forest for the Soul" is a pioneering initiative designed to address the pressing issues of food security, cost of living, and community well-being in the Illawarra region. Unlike traditional community gardens, which often focus on seasonal crops and require significant soil disturbance, this project offers a more sustainable, perennial-based food system that is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
Key Features
-
Natural Design and Self-Maintenance: The Food Forest is designed to mimic a natural forest ecosystem, but instead of wild plants, it is filled with a diverse range of food-producing trees, shrubs, and perennials. This approach not only reduces the need for constant human intervention but also creates a largely self-maintaining system. By closely following natural processes, the Food Forest supports soil health, biodiversity, and water retention, making it an ecologically sustainable solution.
-
Accessible Design: A key feature of the Food Forest is its inclusion of a winding boardwalk, ensuring that individuals with disabilities or those in wheelchairs can easily navigate the forest and pick fresh fruit. This inclusive design promotes accessibility and ensures that everyone in the community can benefit from the initiative.
-
Teaching Space: The Food Forest includes a dedicated teaching space where community members can learn essential skills such as how to grow their own food and attend classes on cooking healthy, cost-effective meals. This educational component empowers individuals with the knowledge to become more self-sufficient and make healthier food choices.
-
School Program Integration: The Food Forest for the Soul is envisioned as an outreach hub for schools, where experiential learning programs can be integrated into the curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to engage with sustainable agriculture, learn about Indigenous plant foods, and develop a deeper connection to the environment. Volunteer teachers trained through the Food Forest will assist in school programs, helping schools set up their own garden projects, ensuring a wide reach and lasting impact. Ecological and Social Benefits
The Food Forest for the Soul offers several advantages over traditional community gardens. By mimicking the structure and function of a natural forest, it creates a self-sustaining ecosystem that requires minimal intervention. The focus on perennial and Indigenous plant foods reduces the need for constant soil disturbance, which can lead to silt and fertiliser runoff into waterways. This approach not only protects the environment but also fosters a more resilient ecosystem. Socially, the project encourages community interaction and education, making it a holistic solution that benefits both individuals and the environment.
The "Food Forest for the Soul" is more than just a garden; it is a comprehensive strategy for addressing food security, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering community engagement. Envisioned as a network of one large central Food Forest and a number of smaller food forests throughout the LGA, this initiative will create accessible, sustainable, and resilient food systems across the region. By integrating natural design, accessible features, educational opportunities, and outreach programs, the Food Forest will serve as a model for how we can build a more sustainable, connected, and thriving community.
Employment
Building a Stronger Wollongong: Real Jobs, Sustainable Growth, and Protecting Our Local Economy
Introduction
Wollongong’s economic transition is vital to the well-being and future of our community. As Lord Mayor, my priority is to foster solutions that generate long-term, sustainable jobs while preserving the natural assets that define our region. The Power Suburbs vision, grounded in local innovation and forward-thinking strategies, offers a better pathway than offshore wind farms, which pose risks to our tourism, marine life, and community values. This plan focuses on building an economy that benefits everyone by supporting industries that align with Wollongong’s strengths and growth potential.
The Power Suburbs Vision: A Smarter Path for Economic Transition
Our local economy thrives when we leverage our unique strengths. My Power Suburbs plan focuses on three key areas: supporting solar technology manufacturing, promoting local energy production, and encouraging sustainable industries that generate stable, well-paying jobs.
Why Offshore Wind Farms Are Not the Solution
-
Short-Term Job Creation: Offshore wind farms mainly create jobs during the construction phase, with minimal ongoing employment once operational. This fails to contribute to a sustainable job market and does not align with Wollongong’s long-term economic needs.
-
Negative Impact on Tourism and Local Businesses: Large offshore turbines threaten coastal tourism, particularly activities like whale watching and recreational fishing that rely on a pristine environment. Degrading our natural assets could discourage visitors, impacting local businesses that depend on tourism.
-
Threats to the Fishing Industry: Offshore wind farms can disrupt marine ecosystems, threatening fish populations and biodiversity. This could lead to job losses in commercial and recreational fishing, further harming our local economy.
The Power Suburbs Plan: Sustainable Growth and Long-Term Employment
-
Creating Jobs in Key Sectors: By fostering a collaboration between Tindo Solar and BlueScope Steel, we can produce advanced solar roofing and building cladding locally, generating skilled jobs in manufacturing, technology, and construction. This initiative, which I have already discussed with Robert Sporne, Head of Innovation and Development at Tindo Solar, could become a significant export opportunity while supporting our local economy.
-
Protecting Coastal Tourism and Marine Activities: The Power Suburbs plan avoids the environmental risks associated with offshore wind farms. By preserving our coastline, we ensure that industries like whale watching, recreational fishing, and coastal tourism continue to thrive, supporting local jobs and economic growth.
-
Developing Sustainable Local Industries: Investing in a biogas industry in the Illawarra creates a new sector focused on capturing methane and converting it into energy. This aligns with environmental goals while generating long-term jobs in technology and engineering—industries critical to Wollongong’s future.
-
Leveraging Existing Expertise: By collaborating with established local industries like BlueScope Steel, we can build on Wollongong’s strengths and position our region as a leader in renewable technology. This approach fosters local innovation and resilience, creating jobs that endure economic changes.
A Future-Focused Economic Strategy
The offshore wind farm proposal falls short of delivering the sustainable economic growth Wollongong needs. In contrast, the Power Suburbs plan offers a vision that not only creates lasting jobs but also safeguards our environment and supports essential industries like tourism, fishing, and renewable energy. By investing in solar manufacturing, biogas, and strategic local collaborations, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone in our community.
Wollongong deserves solutions that prioritise local industries, create sustainable jobs, and protect our coastal assets. The Power Suburbs plan is the forward-thinking approach that will ensure our city thrives—now and in the future.
The Power Suburbs Plan – Scaled for Wollongong LGA
Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Equity
The Power Suburbs plan presents a transformative approach to managing energy generation, storage, and distribution within the Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA). This innovative system is designed to maximise the use of solar energy, ensure equitable access to electricity, and integrate a variety of renewable energy sources. By implementing Suburb and District batteries across the region, this plan enhances efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. This report outlines the key features and benefits of the Power Suburbs plan and explains how it differs from traditional energy systems.
Overview of the Power Suburbs Plan
The Power Suburbs plan envisions the comprehensive solar coverage of all rooftops—both residential and non-residential—within each suburb in the Wollongong LGA. Rather than the solar energy being used directly by individual households or buildings, all generated electricity is directed to a central Suburb Battery. Each suburb within the LGA will eventually have its own Suburb Battery, creating a network of energy storage systems that connect to the District Battery to optimise energy use and distribution.
Interaction Between Suburb and Hub Batteries
In this system, each Suburb Battery serves as the primary source of electricity for all buildings within its respective suburb. Households and businesses interact only with their local Suburb Battery, which stores and distributes the solar energy generated within that suburb.
Key Functions of the Suburb Battery:
-
Energy Storage and Distribution: The Suburb Battery stores all the solar energy generated by the rooftops within the suburb. It then sells this energy to households and businesses as needed, ensuring a consistent and fair rate for electricity across the suburb.
-
Interaction with the District Battery: The Suburb Battery does not interact directly with the wider energy grid. Instead, it connects with a larger, centralised District Battery, which serves as a secondary storage facility for excess energy and as a backup source when local generation is insufficient.
-
Localised Energy Management: By centralising energy storage at the suburb level, the system ensures that energy is used efficiently within each suburb, reducing waste and maximising the benefits of renewable resources.
Key Functions of the District Battery:
-
Long-Term Energy Storage: The District Battery, likely utilising advanced Vanadium Redox Flow Battery technology, acts as the central repository for energy generated by all the Suburb Batteries in the Wollongong LGA. This flow battery is capable of storing large amounts of energy for extended periods, ensuring that energy is available even during prolonged periods of low generation.
-
Interaction with the Grid: The District Battery interacts with the national grid when necessary. It can sell excess energy back to the grid during periods of high demand or purchase electricity from the grid during times of low local generation. This interaction is managed by sophisticated smart grid technology, ensuring that energy flows are optimised and that the system remains resilient.
-
Central Energy District for the Region: As the central node for energy management in the Wollongong LGA, the District Battery ensures that all excess energy from the Suburb Batteries and other renewable sources is stored efficiently and made available when needed. The expectation is that the District Battery will be net positive, feeding energy into the grid to support demand-heavy Districts and other regions.
Integration of Multiple Renewable Energy Sources
The District Battery is designed to store not only the energy coming from the suburb batteries but also energy from a variety of innovative renewable sources. This includes:
-
Green Gravity Projects: Using disused mineshafts for gravity-based energy storage.
-
Compressed Air Energy Storage: Harnessing energy through compressed air systems.
-
Solar Cycleways: Generating energy from solar panels installed along cycle paths.
-
Mini Solar Farms: Utilising car parks and other available spaces for small-scale solar farms.
-
Enlil Wind Turbines: Integrating vertical-axis wind turbines, which can be placed in urban environments, to capture wind energy.
-
Biogas from Methane: Converting methane from organic waste into biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source.
These diverse energy sources feed into the District Battery, creating a robust and resilient energy system that enhances the sustainability of the entire region. Importantly, the energy generated by these initiatives is a bonus to the rooftop solar coverage, contributing to a net positive energy balance that feeds surplus power to the grid.
Benefits of the Power Suburbs Plan
1. Maximising Solar and Renewable Energy Utilisation
-
By directing all solar energy to the suburb batteries, the Power Suburbs plan ensures that no energy is wasted. The District Battery further enhances this by storing excess energy from all suburbs and other renewable sources, making it available when demand is high or generation is low and to feed non household or building energy needs.
2. Equitable Access to Renewable Energy
-
The system ensures that all residents and businesses in the Wollongong LGA, whether they own or rent, have equal access to renewable energy at a consistent price. This addresses the limitations of traditional systems, where only those with the ability to install solar panels could fully benefit from renewable energy.
3. Enhanced Energy Security and Resilience
-
The dual-layered storage system—Suburb and District Batteries—ensures that energy is always available when needed. The Suburb Batteries meet the immediate needs of each suburb, while the District Battery acts as a regional backup, storing energy from various sources and interacting with the grid only when necessary. This structure significantly enhances energy security and reduces the risk of outages.
4. Integration of Multiple Renewable Energy Sources
-
The District Battery allows for the integration of a wide range of renewable energy sources, including cutting-edge technologies like Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries, Green Gravity projects, Enlil Wind Turbines, compressed air storage, and biogas from methane. This diverse energy mix increases the overall stability and sustainability of the energy system.
5. Simplified and Fair Energy Management
-
For users, the system simplifies energy management by providing a single source of electricity—the Suburb Battery—at a uniform price for peak and off peak. This removes the complexities associated with fluctuating energy costs and varying access to renewable energy, making the system both user-friendly and equitable.
6. Scalability and Regional Impact
-
The Power Suburbs plan is designed to be scalable across all suburbs in the Wollongong LGA. As more suburbs adopt this model, the cumulative impact will be a significant reduction in the region’s carbon footprint, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced resilience. The District Battery, acting as a central storage and management facility, ensures that energy flows are optimised across the entire region, with the surplus being fed into the grid to support other areas and energy-intensive industries.
Integration with BlueScope and Other Major Industries
As the Power Suburbs plan is implemented, it is crucial to consider the integration of major energy-consuming industries like BlueScope. BlueScope will have its own dedicated District Battery when it transitions to Green Steel, designed to ensure a constant and reliable baseload energy supply for its substantial electricity demands. Unlike the suburb batteries, the BlueScope District Battery will be a "taking" or "purchasing" district, drawing energy from the grid and other districts when necessary to meet its needs.
The expectation is that as more regions adopt the Power Suburbs plan, excess energy from Suburb Batteries and other initiatives will feed into the District Battery network, and from there, into the grid. This ensures that the BlueScope District and similar high-demand industries are supported by a stable and sustainable energy supply.
Additionally, national initiatives such as the solar cycleway along Australia's major highways (Power Suburbs, 2024), which is projected to generate up to 25 kWh, will play a significant role in supporting large energy industries. Given that BlueScope requires approximately 10.5 kWh, the energy generated from such large-scale projects will significantly contribute to meeting industrial demands, further reinforcing the grid's capacity and stability.
The Power Suburbs plan offers a superior and equitable approach to energy management compared to traditional systems. By centralising energy generation and distribution through Suburb Batteries and connecting these to a central District Battery that can store energy long-term, this plan maximises the use of renewable energy, ensures fair access, and enhances energy security for all residents. The inclusion of advanced technologies like Smart Grid Technology, the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery and the integration of major industries like BlueScope demonstrate the plan’s scalability and adaptability. This innovative system positions Wollongong as a leader in sustainable, suburb-focused energy solutions, paving the way for a resilient and low-carbon future across the entire region and beyond.
Volunteer
If you’re passionate about creating a sustainable and innovative future for Wollongong and would like to support my campaign, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re interested in volunteering to distribute flyers or handing out how-to-vote cards, or if you wish to contribute in another way, your help would be greatly appreciated.
Please feel free to reach out at powersuburbs@gmail.com to discuss how you can get involved. Thank you for considering being a part of this important journey toward positive change.
GREEN STEEL: BlueScope Needs A Battery
The European Union (EU) has implemented the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will fully apply in 2026. This carbon tariff on high-emission goods like steel, aluminium, and cement aims to push global industries towards cleaner practices. If Australia doesn’t transition to green steel, our steel exports could face significant tariffs, making them less competitive and harder to sell internationally.
BlueScope Steel requires around 10.5 TWh of electricity annually to produce green steel. But instead of relying on offshore wind farms, which could disrupt ecosystems, we should focus on innovative, ecosystem-friendly solutions. For example, solar-covered cycleways along Australia’s major highways could generate up to 25 TWh annually—far more than BlueScope needs.
By integrating large-scale batteries, BlueScope could store energy and stabilise supply without needing wind farms. This approach isn’t just about energy; it’s about smarter integration into existing infrastructure.
We can go further by embracing other innovations within our built environment, like mini solar farms over carparks, Enlil wind turbines along roads, and biogas plants capturing methane and turning it into electricity. These solutions generate clean energy without disrupting ecosystems or communities, unlike large-scale offshore wind projects. Our capacity for innovation is only limited by our willingness to protect the environment and respect nature.
If we truly care about the environment, we must focus on solutions within our built environment, leveraging Australia’s strengths—like our abundant sunshine. Australia is the sunniest continent on the planet (CSIRO, 2016). Covering all rooftops in Australia with solar could exceed our current total electricity demand (UTS, UNSW, 2019). Adding projects like solar cycleways, solar carparks, Enlil turbines, and biogas can give us more energy than we need without harming the environment.
All BlueScope needs is a battery, not a wind farm.
It’s time to be compatible with nature rather than exploit it.
The estimate of 10.5 TWh per year for BlueScope Steel is based on general industry figures for green steel production, which typically require around 3 to 4 MWh of electricity per ton of steel produced and that BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks produces approximately 3 million tons of steel annually.
This figure represents a rough estimate based on the electricity demands for green steel production using renewable energy. However, the actual energy requirements could vary based on the specific technologies adopted and efficiency improvements.
The Role of Natural and Scenic Attractions in Tourism Growth
The Illawarra is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including pristine beaches, dramatic escarpments, lush rainforests, and coastal lookouts. These natural and scenic attractions have been central to the region's tourism appeal, attracting visitors from both domestic and international markets. Tourism growth in the Illawarra has been strongly linked to its reputation as a destination for outdoor activities such as:
-
Beach Tourism: The region's beaches are a major draw for tourists, offering opportunities for swimming, surfing, and relaxation. The scenic beauty of these coastal areas is a key selling point (Destination NSW, 2023).
-
Eco-Tourism: The Illawarra’s natural reserves, including the Royal National Park and the Illawarra Escarpment, attract eco-tourists interested in hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring unspoiled environments. These attractions make the region particularly appealing to those seeking nature-based experiences (Tourism Research Australia, 2022).
-
Scenic Drives and Lookouts: Tourist routes like the Grand Pacific Drive and lookouts such as Bald Hill provide visitors with breathtaking views of the coastline and ocean, enhancing the region's appeal. These drives are often highlighted in tourism campaigns promoting the natural beauty of the area (Tourism Australia, 2021).
Perceived Industrialisation of the Coast
The introduction of offshore wind farms could be perceived as a form of industrialisation, especially if the turbines are visible from key tourist areas. This perception has the potential to slow the momentum of tourism growth, which has relied heavily on the region's natural and scenic attractions. Several factors could contribute to this:
-
Visual Disruption: Offshore wind farms, depending on their proximity to the coast, could alter the visual aesthetics of the landscape. For tourists who value the unspoiled, natural beauty of the coastline, the presence of wind turbines could diminish the area’s appeal. This is particularly true for visitors whose primary reason for visiting is to experience the region's natural scenery, such as beachgoers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts (Ladenburg, 2010).
-
Branding and Image: The Illawarra has marketed itself as a destination where visitors can escape urbanisation and reconnect with nature. The construction of offshore wind farms might conflict with this branding, leading to a perception that the area is becoming more industrialised. This shift in image could deter certain segments of the tourist market, particularly those looking for a pristine and natural environment (Hooper et al., 2020).
-
Impact on Property Values and Tourism Infrastructure: If perceptions of the region change due to the offshore wind farms, it could also affect property values and investments in tourism infrastructure. Lower property values could lead to reduced investments in accommodations and tourism facilities, potentially impacting the overall tourist experience. Additionally, if tourism operators feel that the area’s appeal is diminishing, they may be less likely to invest in new services or activities (Agarwal, 2018).
-
Competition with Other Destinations: The Illawarra competes with other coastal destinations in New South Wales, such as the South Coast and Byron Bay, which are also known for their natural beauty. If offshore wind farms are seen as detracting from the Illawarra’s scenic qualities, potential visitors might choose these alternative destinations where the natural landscape remains uninterrupted by industrial structures (Destination NSW, 2023).
References
Agarwal, S. (2018). Coastal Tourism and Development: Managing Growth in Coastal Areas. Journal of Coastal Research, 34(2), 487-495. https://doi.org/10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-17-00077.1
Destination NSW. (2023). Tourism in Regional NSW: Insights and Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.destinationnsw.com.au
Hooper, P., Higgins-Desbiolles, F., & Pocock, S. (2020). Tourism and Industrial Landscapes: Navigating Conflicts in a Changing Environment. Routledge.
Ladenburg, J. (2010). Attitudes towards offshore wind farms: The role of beach visits on preference formation. Energy Policy, 38(3), 1297-1304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2009.11.034
Tourism Australia. (2021). Scenic Drives and Lookouts in NSW. Retrieved from https://www.tourism.australia.com
Tourism Research Australia. (2022). Nature-Based Tourism in Australia: A Growing Market. Retrieved from https://www.tra.gov.au
Offshore Wind Farms: A 7-Year Delay Tactic Putting Profits Before Climate Action
Is the push for offshore wind farms in Australia more than just a flawed climate change mitigation strategy, or is it a deliberate 7-year delay tactic designed to prioritise profit over environmental protection? Offshore wind, while technologically feasible, won’t be operational until after the critical Paris Agreement target has passed. This timeline allows fossil fuel companies to continue reaping the benefits of Australia’s increased subsidies—a 31% increase to $15.4 billion last financial year—and permits the approval of new fossil fuel projects. Far from mitigating climate change, this strategy actively delays Australia’s energy transition while giving the illusion of progress.
I come from a corporate background, so this is difficult for me to reconcile.
From a corporate perspective, this is unacceptable. Imagine a business unit tasked with phasing out a dangerous product in favour of a new product and direction for the corporation. If that unit opted for a 7-year delay without just cause, while simultaneously ramping up spending on the harmful product it was meant to replace, its leadership would be swiftly removed. There would be no tolerance for such a blatant contradiction in goals.
In politics, however, this behaviour is normalised. The offshore wind farm proposal, if the long delay and increased fossil fuel subsidies are scrutinised, appears not to be about protecting the environment; it seems more of a neoliberal project designed to maintain profitability for entrenched interests. The delay enables these entities to continue profiting from fossil fuels while deflecting criticism through the promise of future green energy projects.
The choice to focus on offshore wind, rather than leveraging Australia’s solar potential through innovative solutions like Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), speaks volumes about where priorities lie. Despite being the sunniest continent on the planet, Australia’s leaders are bypassing solar in favour of a strategy that keeps existing power structures intact. The comparison between a political system driven by vested interests and a well-run corporation committed to strategic change highlights just how misplaced these priorities are.
This approach is a massive failure as a climate change mitigation project. The focus should be on solutions that can be implemented now—like PEDs, rooftop solar, and energy-efficient building retrofits—not on delay tactics that give more time for fossil fuel profits to continue flowing. While politicians protect these profits, the environment and future generations are left to bear the cost.
About
Suzanne de Vive
With a strong corporate background and extensive experience as a self-employed Executive Coach, I spent years helping professionals unlock their potential to innovate and proactively implement sustainable solutions for complex problems. My career journey also includes many years working part-time at Woonona NRMA while pursuing my studies part-time online at the University of New England. The connections I made with the community during that time have left a lasting impact, and I still fondly recall the many customers who shared their lives with me, even though I left the role at the end of 2021.
Education has been a cornerstone of my life. I completed a Diploma in Town Planning and am currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Community Planning. These academic pursuits align with my passion for building sustainable and vibrant communities.
Caring for my community and my studies naturally led me to become active in politics. For over a decade, I was a member of a political party, and in recent years, I was honoured to stand as the second candidate for Council Elections and later for the Federal Senate. However, I realised that the best way to serve my community is as an independent. This allows me the agility to act in the best interests of my community, rather than being bound by party interests. As an independent, I can be more responsive and focused on the needs and concerns of those I represent, ensuring that my decisions are guided by what’s best for our community.
When I first heard that offshore wind farms were being considered for Australia, I was surprised. Given the advancements in solar technology and battery storage since Tim Flannery first suggested offshore wind 2 decades ago, I initially believed such a costly and disruptive endeavour wouldn't gain traction. As the sunniest continent on the planet, Australia holds a tremendous advantage in solar energy – one that could be fully realised by simply covering rooftops with solar panels, exceeding our electricity demands. Additionally, there are numerous innovative solutions that can generate even more electricity within our existing footprint, making the disruption of natural habitats for offshore wind farms both archaic and unnecessary. We've already caused significant environmental damage, contributing to our appalling habitat loss and native animal extinction record. It's time to focus on protection and sustainability and move away from exploiting nature as the default approach. As the dominant species, we need to be smarter in our stewardship of the planet.
Disrupting our ocean ecosystems for offshore wind farms is unnecessary when we have more ecological, economical, and faster ways to transition to renewable energy. However, as the push for offshore wind farms became a reality, I began reaching out to politicians and posting on social media to raise awareness. When these efforts didn't yield results, I wrote a book to present the facts and urge a reconsideration of these plans. Power Suburbs is a compilation of peer-reviewed science and research from reputable institutions and includes global initiatives combating climate change in a strategic plan designed for Australia's uniqueness.
Unfortunately, despite my efforts to share my book with politicians, they remain entrenched in their existing policies, and there hasn’t been enough curiosity outside their party lines for them to buy a copy. Their strong adherence to party rhetoric may be preventing them from recognising the glaring omissions in Labor's Powering Australia Plan and the supporting RepuTex Report, both of which overlook the full potential of solar energy in Australia. The plan has been devised with incomplete information. It's crucial to leverage our greatest natural advantage – solar energy – and other innovative initiatives within our footprint, rather than risking our precious ocean and terrestrial ecosystems. It makes no sense to thoughtlessly replicate the practices of countries with half the average solar irradiance that Australia enjoys. Australia enjoys twice the average solar irradiance of Denmark, yet our politicians looked there for renewable solutions and came back with offshore wind farms instead of harnessing our own abundant solar potential.
When I couldn’t get politicians to engage with the facts, I decided to step into the political arena myself. I’m now standing for election in the upcoming local government elections as Councillor for Ward 1 and Lord Mayor. My goal is to protect our oceans from unnecessary risks and advocate for an energy transition that respects both our environment and our economic realities. I believe we can generate all the energy we need within our existing footprint, preserving the environment for future generations.
As a grandmother of four, I am deeply committed to leaving behind a beautiful world for my grandchildren to grow up in—a world where nature is protected and renewable energy is harnessed in harmony with our planet. It's time to develop initiatives that are compatible with nature rather than exploit it. We can and must do things differently now.
Today, I am self-employed and continue my work through Vive Think Cards, an online product aimed at creating innovative, forward-thinking, and capable teams. This tool reflects my belief in the power of collaborative problem-solving and sustainable progress.
Authorised by Suzanne de Vive Level 1 345 Lawrence Hargrave Drive Thirroul 2515
Excerpt from Power Suburbs
"Given the abundance of misinformation from various sources, I eagerly reviewed the submission from the University of Wollongong (UOW) regarding the proposed Offshore Wind Farm in the Illawarra. My time studying environmental science subjects at UOW in the mid-nineties was immensely stimulating and rewarding. Although I've been studying online at UNE for many years now, my respect and admiration for UOW remain strong.
As expected, UOW’s submission offers a detailed assessment of both the positive and negative impacts of the OWF project, providing comprehensive feedback and recommendations. They also transparently acknowledge the $10 million government grant awarded to UOW for skills training associated with the project if it proceeds (University of Wollongong Researchers, 2023).
The submission was researched and compiled by 17 UOW academics of the Blue Energy Futures Lab and associated academics across all faculties within the University. The Blue Energy Futures Lab is “a developing and expanding interdisciplinary research team from the University of Wollongong and beyond, interested in the emergence of new offshore sustainable industries, such as offshore wind” (University of Wollongong, n.d.).
Given their interest is solely in offshore industries, they may be unaware of broader trends to combat climate change, such as “Positive Energy Districts.” Positive Energy Districts provide all the energy requirements for their district plus surplus. The Blue Energy Futures Lab’s apparent lack of knowledge of this strategy may have resulted in some oversight. Their submission stated: “With 87% of Australia’s population living within 50km of the coast, offshore wind enables enormous renewable energy production close to where energy is consumed” (University of Wollongong Researchers, 2023). This is a moot point with Positive Energy Districts, as the location of the population is inconsequential since the electricity is generated within the district itself, utilising the existing footprint rather than expanding into natural environments. External energy sources are unnecessary except in exceptional circumstances, and even then, energy can be imported from another Positive Energy District with an abundance to share.
Concern arises from the omission of alternatives for energy generation. With only one option to consider, there is a risk of achieving less than optimal ecological outcomes. The UOW submission states: “Inevitably, putting any infrastructure in the ocean will have some consequences on ocean ecosystems.” It speaks of the unknown “broader ecosystem effects” and the need to “minimise the ecological footprint” (University of Wollongong Researchers, 2023). I suggest the best way to minimise the ecological footprint is to avoid creating one in the first place when there is a viable, more ecologically sound alternative.
Blue Energy Futures Lab treats the Illawarra 1,461 square kilometre zone as if it’s a finite area. If OWFs become the preferred method of electricity generation, with a growing population, the area allocated for them will need to expand, raising questions about the extent to which we're willing to sacrifice oceanic ecosystems.
Ultimately, with 17 signatories on the submission, UOW’s researchers of the Blue Energy Futures Lab and associated academics across all faculties within the University provided in-principal support for offshore wind energy in the Illawarra.
Michelle Voyer, a member of UOW’s Blue Energy Futures Lab and an associate professor with the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), said in an ABC news article that the Illawarra OWF proposal was a “key step in addressing climate change … Most critically I think you have to put this in the context of us doing nothing" (Fernandez, Fuller, & Rheinberger, 2023). She is absolutely right. If you put OWFs in the context of us doing nothing, then of course OWFs are a key step. But omitting other possibilities denies the opportunity to find the most ecologically sound and impactful solution for Australia.
Offshore Wind Farms are often presented as a key solution to our energy needs. However, their impact on ocean ecosystems is often overlooked. UOW's submission on the Illawarra OWF proposal acknowledges these impacts but fails to consider viable alternatives.
The fact that the Illawarra Offshore Wind Farm and others like it will impact oceanic ecosystems is not in doubt. The question is by how much. But should this even be a question? Perhaps the question should be, why are we disrupting the habitats of other beings to produce electricity for us when we haven’t fully exploited opportunities within our own footprint?"
Excerpt from Power Suburbs
Instead of risking ecosystems with large wind farms, Power Suburbs invites innovation. It challenges us to generate electricity within our existing infrastructure footprint, avoiding expansion into natural environments, and thereby protecting ecosystems and the habitats of other species.
Excerpt from Power Suburbs: “If Australia's major highways had solar-covered cycleways, they could generate approximately 25 TWh of electricity annually, enough to power 5 million households. Utilising the shoulder or median strips of highways for this purpose would produce electricity without unnecessarily destroying untouched natural ecosystems, while also providing an alternative form of travel. Additionally, solar-covered cycleways in regional and remote areas with storage capacity could power electric vehicles on long trips, addressing a major barrier to the transition to electric vehicles. This infrastructure could also become a tourist attraction, offering adventurous travellers the opportunity to explore Australia by bicycle with reliable access to electricity and shade. Furthermore, the solar roofs of the cycle paths could potentially capture water, making this a highly multi-purpose endeavour. This idea is no crazier than building a fence across the middle of Australia! And it would be far easier to maintain than wind turbines in the ocean. The Dingo Fence stretching across the middle of Australia is now an iconic Australian feature.”
Case in Point: In South Korea, a 36-kilometer cycle track between Daejeon and Sejong is fully covered with solar panels. These panels not only power streetlights along the route but also provide energy for electric vehicle charging stations. The cycle track is accessed via underground on-ramps, offering a seamless and rapid connection between the two cities, demonstrating the practical application of solar-covered infrastructure.
I’ve been wondering – why are people so attached to a particular source of electricity? Unless, of course, they’re making money or gaining in some other way from it. When you turn on your electric kettle, it doesn’t know whether the power comes from solar, wind, coal, gas, or biogas. So why do people feel so strongly about how it’s generated?
At this critical point in Earth’s history, shouldn’t our focus be on choosing the energy source that does the least harm to the planet – one that actively preserves the environment and protects habitats for wildlife?
This is the very essence of Power Suburbs. It’s about caring for the environment and generating energy in ways that respect natural systems rather than exploiting them. We need to commit to solutions that work with nature, not against it. Let’s make choices today that genuinely safeguard our planet’s future and the ecosystems we rely on.
I was reminded of this Carl Sagan piece earlier today. Listen to the best speech ever about humanity on YouTube: “ … there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves … it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known “
For more detailed information on the Power Suburbs Strategic Plan please read Power Suburbs, now available at Wollongong Libraries
“Power Suburbs” presents a transformative blueprint for Australia's energy landscape, championing innovative design, community collaboration, and environmental stewardship. With urgency and clarity, it outlines how generating renewable energy directly from our suburbs can exceed our nation's energy needs while preserving and regenerating natural habitats.
Rejecting the widespread adoption of large-scale wind farms, Suzanne de Vive argues for more effective and environmentally friendly alternatives that preserve ecosystems while combating climate change. Drawing on extensive research and real-world examples, Power Suburbs presents a visionary blueprint for suburban development that prioritises ecological balance, economic viability, and social well-being.
Power Suburbs presents a strategic plan to transform every roof into an energy generator, eliminating the need to destroy ecosystems for large-scale wind farms and creating a sustainable, self-reliant future. The book offers insights into the economic, political, and philosophical shifts needed to combat climate change and biodiversity loss and provides a comparative analysis of Australia's past crisis responses, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale, rapid action.
Power Suburbs goes beyond being a technical guide for combating climate change; it is a rallying cry for a new era of environmental synergy, resilience, and energy equality.Drawing on successful historical precedents, this book advocates for a government-led approach that contrasts sharply with current market-driven, neoliberal solutions. From rooftop solar panels to biodiversity corridors, Power Suburb emphasises deep ecological principles, urging us to rethink our relationship with nature and prioritise long-term ecological health.Whether you are an urban planner, environmentalist, or passionate about the future of our country and planet, Power Suburbs will inspire you to rethink the possibilities of sustainable suburban living. Embrace the vision to transform our suburbs, ensuring a thriving, sustainable, and fair future for generations to come.
Suzanne de Vive has a rich corporate and diverse academic background. As an Executive Coach, she discovered that many company or business unit issues stemmed from applying solutions to symptoms rather than identifying and solving the underlying problems. Suzanne is the founder of ViveThink.Co, whose flagship product, ViveThinkCards, aids in identifying and solving these root problems, fostering effective leadership, cohesive teams, and strategic thinking to drive innovation and sustainable change. Leveraging her studies in Town Planning and her innovative problem-solving capabilities, Suzanne has turned her focus to the Australian energy landscape, aiming to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss within the urban environment.