Australia’s Department of Environment has a responsibility to uphold and protect endangered whales and marine mammals under international treaties. Currently the US Congress and the UK Government and associated organisations are investigating abnormal whale, dolphin, and porpoise deaths in areas where offshore wind turbines have been installed in their oceans. We need to work collaboratively with these agencies and organisations to ascertain the long-term effects on endangered whale populations caused by offshore wind turbines, from surveying, installation and operation.

Your petitioners ask that the Senate immediately place an Australia-wide moratorium on all offshore wind turbine activities.

We ask the Senate to place a moratorium on marine surveys, allocation of feasibility licences, and development of offshore wind turbine zones until thorough investigation and research is completed by marine experts into the unprecedented whale, dolphin, and porpoise deaths recorded in offshore wind turbine zones around the world.

We have a responsibility to ensure our whales are protected and given the opportunity to thrive and perform their vital role in the marine environment for eco-system balance for future generations.