“Concerns in Australian Groups: Renewable Energy at Risk of Infiltration by Nuclear Advocacy Networks” 

AI-generated image of dead whale and wind turbines sparks fears about offshore wind in the Hunter region. Local groups like No Offshore Turbines Port Stephens (NOTPS) and National Rational Energy Network (NREN) are co-hosting an “environment and energy forum” to raise awareness about the potential impact of offshore wind on the Hunter region. The forum is also attended by Nuclear for Australia, a group with informal National party links. NOTPS secretary Leonie Hamilton says they are not a political group but want to listen to what politicians have to say. The coastline of the Hunter was declared a potential area for offshore wind after community consultation, but some are still angry about a lack of detail. Local groups want their concerns to be heard but do not advocate for particular energy sources. However, there is a coordinated alliance of conservative thinktanks, political lobby groups, and politicians who are opposed to the clean energy transition. Critics say there is an information gap that has been ceded by the government, industry, and environmental groups, allowing interested parties to step in. Sandra Bourke, a cohost of the forum, is a member of NREN and a spokesperson for the conservative lobby group Advance, which is fundraising on a “lies of renewables” campaign. Bourke’s Facebook account is present in almost 20 community groups and pages opposing renewable projects. This news story highlights the growing concerns and opposition to the clean energy transition in Australia, particularly in the Hunter region. The use of an AI-generated image of a dead whale and wind turbines is a powerful visual that sparks fears and raises questions about the potential impact of offshore wind on the environment. The involvement of local groups and conservative organizations in raising awareness and opposing renewable projects shows the complexity of the issue and the need for more transparent and inclusive communication from all stakeholders. The potential impact of this opposition on the clean energy transition and the country’s overall climate goals is yet to be seen.