MAN CHARGED: Misinformation Fuels Dangerous Wind Farm Protest Incident: Claims Meryl Swanson MP

PORT STEPHENS, NSW – A protest against the Hunter Offshore Wind Project took a dangerous turn on Sunday, resulting in the skipper of a vessel being charged with operating his boat in a reckless and menacing manner. The incident, which occurred during a Labor Party fundraising cruise at Lemon Tree Passage, has prompted local MP Meryl Swanson to attribute the aggressive actions to misinformation being spread by anti-wind farm groups.

The Wangi Queen, a century-old ferry, was carrying Labor Party supporters who were raising funds for mayoral candidate Leah Anderson when the 46-year-old man allegedly used his powerboat to disrupt the cruise. Witnesses aboard the Wangi Queen reported that the man’s boat zig-zagged in front of and alongside the ferry, creating large wake waves that posed a significant risk to the vessel’s stability.

Former NSW Fisheries Minister and Port Stephens MP Bob Martin, who was on the ferry, described the protestor’s actions as the maritime equivalent of road rage. He expressed concern that the waves could have caused serious harm, especially given the ferry’s age and the presence of elderly passengers, young children, and pregnant women on board. Martin praised the ferry’s skipper for taking quick action to avoid a potentially dangerous collision.

The protest occurred amid broader opposition to the Hunter Offshore Wind Project, with dozens of people lining the banks of Lemon Tree Passage to voice their concerns. The project has been a contentious issue in the region, with various groups expressing fears about its impact on the local environment and community.

Meryl Swanson, the Federal Member for Paterson, responded to the incident by blaming the aggressive actions on deliberate misinformation being circulated by anti-wind farm groups. In a Facebook post, Swanson condemned the behaviour of the protesters and highlighted the ongoing consultation process that has been in place since 2023. She stated that numerous meetings have been held in both Port Stephens and Canberra, involving representatives from various community groups, to ensure that all concerns are addressed.

Swanson emphasised that her goal has always been to secure the best outcome for the Port Stephens community and its environment. She pointed out that the preliminary feasibility license area for the wind project has been strategically placed as far south as possible, approximately 24 kilometres east-southeast off Boat Harbour headland, to minimise impact.

The MP expressed frustration with the spread of misinformation, which she believes has fueled unnecessary fear and hostility towards the project. Swanson called for continued factual discussions and consultation to prevent further incidents like the one involving the Wangi Queen.

Following an investigation by officers from Marine Area Command, the 46-year-old skipper was charged with operating a vessel in a menacing manner and operating a recreational vessel recklessly. He has been issued a court attendance notice and is scheduled to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tuesday, 24 September.

The incident has underscored the heightened tensions surrounding the Hunter Offshore Wind Project, with local leaders urging calm and responsible dialogue as the community navigates the complexities of renewable energy development.