The rally has been organised by local One Nation spokesperson Mark Watson, the Newcastle Port Stephens Game Fish Club and concerned residents of Port Stephens.

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In July, the Australian Government declared an area in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter as suitable for future offshore wind development.

The declared Hunter area covers 1,854 square kilometres (km) between the Central Coast and Port Stephens and is 20 km from the coast in the north and over 35 km from the coast in the south.

The Government believes the zone has the potential to generate up to five gigawatts of renewable wind energy, enough to power an estimated 4.2 million homes.

Renewable energy benefits aside, a growing number of Port Stephens residents have expressed concern about the suitability of the location for such a project, citing potential negative impacts to the tourism industry, commercial and recreational fishing, the marine environment and wildlife.

The visibility of offshore wind projects from the Port Stephens coast has also been raised as an issue.

“The area it is destined for is right in the middle of arguably Australia’s best game fishing grounds, it will also hinder whale migration and may have an impact on marine life,” Mark Watson said in a statement to media last week.

“It will most certainly impact tourism to the area and could impact small businesses.”

Mr Watson indicated that several state and federal MPs from various parties had been invited to attend the rally.

Opponents of the offshore wind proposal feel that they were not properly consulted prior to the declaration of the offshore wind zone.

“There have been multiple calls for more consultation which has fallen on deaf ears,” Mr Watson said.

The zone was declared following a 65 day public consultation period from 23 February to 28 April 2023.

The consultation included seven community information sessions from 6 March to 9 March 2023 in Wamberal, Doyalson, Swansea, Newcastle, Bar Beach, Nelson Bay, and Hawks Nest.

1916 submissions were received in response to the area being proposed.

As a result of public feedback, the size of the declared zone was reduced and the shape adjusted, with infrastructure heights limited to 260 metres.

The majority of submissions expressed concerns about the environment and visual impacts.

This included the potential impact of turbines on endangered migratory bird species as well impacts on whales, dolphins, and other sea life.

Shipping impacts were also repeatedly raised, including the risk to safe management of vessel traffic in and around the area.

A number of submissions also expressed support for the development of an offshore wind industry, including the opportunity for a transition of skilled workers from retiring coal-fired power plants to offshore renewables.

The transition to sustainable, low-emissions energy sources was also widely supported.

No offshore wind projects have yet been approved for the Hunter zone.

For potential offshore wind proponents, the next step is to apply for a feasibility licence.

The application period for such licences opened on 8 August and will close on 14 November 2023.

During the feasibility stage, licence holders must undertake detailed environmental assessments and further stakeholder consultation to advance their specific project proposals.

Construction cannot begin until the feasibility stage is complete, and environmental and other approvals are in place.

By Doug CONNOR