Two controversial energy projects proposed by Australia’s major political parties for WA’s South West have stirred voter interest in a year dominated by dual elections.
Labor’s planned offshore wind farm near Bunbury and the Coalition’s proposed nuclear reactor in Collie — both firsts of their kind for Australia — have sparked strong local opposition in the traditionally Liberal-held federal electorates of Forrest and O’Connor, rallying significant grassroots campaigns since their announcements last year.
Despite their prominence, both parties have notably toned down public discussion of these proposals during the current federal election campaign, while community groups continue to push for clarity and call on local candidates to publicly state their positions.
Nuclear Divides Collie
The Coalition’s nuclear energy policy has been especially divisive in O’Connor since Collie’s coal-fired power station was flagged as a potential nuclear site.
Collie resident Georgia Dowdell, who recently bought a home near the plant, said the plan had pulled her into politics for the first time, and she intends to vote against it.
“I’ve always stayed out of politics, but this is in my backyard — and I’ll definitely be voting against it,” she said.
Another local, Brian Kippin, backed the nuclear proposal, seeing it as essential for maintaining reliable energy supply and local jobs, though he admitted others remained unconvinced.
In Bridgetown, voter John Manera said while he wasn’t against nuclear energy in principle, the Coalition’s proposal lacked detail and seemed costly, making him reconsider his long-time Liberal vote in favour of Labor’s energy approach.
Coalition’s Nuclear Plan Causing Internal Tension
High-profile Liberals, including former leaders Malcolm Turnbull and John Hewson, have publicly criticised the nuclear policy. Andrew Gregson, a former Liberal candidate and founder of advocacy group Liberals Against Nuclear, warned it could spell electoral disaster.
“We’re still hopeful party leaders will realise this nuclear policy is toxic,” Gregson said.
According to recent ABC Vote Compass data, 47 per cent of over 270,000 respondents opposed nuclear power, while 38 per cent supported it — with undecided voters more likely to be against it.
John Curtin Institute of Public Policy’s John Phillimore suggested the Coalition’s subdued promotion of its nuclear plan during the campaign indicated awareness of its unpopularity, noting Peter Dutton referenced nuclear just twice in his latest budget reply speech compared to eight times last year.
However, federal Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor maintained the party’s stance during a Bunbury visit, calling nuclear “incredibly important” to Australia’s future energy mix.
Offshore Wind Sparks Protest in Forrest
In Forrest, Labor’s proposed 4,000-square-kilometre offshore wind farm has also drawn heavy local opposition, particularly from recreational fishers and environmental advocates. A protest group’s Facebook page now boasts over 6,000 members — a small but vocal minority in the 110,000-strong electorate.
Opposition Leader Dutton pledged to scrap the project if elected, while campaigners continue pressing other candidates for similar commitments.
At a recent Busselton candidates’ forum, independent candidate Sue Chapman faced heckling when she refused to give a clear yes-or-no stance, pledging instead to assess the evidence and consult the community.
Mariah Goria, a swinging voter and local resident, led the calls for clarity.
“I can’t vote for anyone backing offshore wind — it’s ignoring the community,” she said.
Liberal candidate Ben Small quickly capitalised, criticising Labor, the Greens, and Ms Chapman for supporting or hedging on the project. In contrast, Labor’s Tabitha Dowding defended the plan, calling it a jobs-creating initiative with broad community support.
A Potential Voter Shift in Once Safe Seats
Both major parties have exchanged familiar criticisms over the projects — labelling them expensive, risky, and untested. Meanwhile, Professor Phillimore noted that minor parties and independents are well positioned to pick up votes from disillusioned constituents.
Though Forrest and O’Connor have long been considered safe Liberal seats, recent shifts in margins suggest neither is as secure as traditionally believed.
