Consultation Opens for Offshore Wind Zone in the Illawarra, Driving Regional Jobs and Investment

The Albanese Government is working to unlock renewable energy jobs, energy security and job security in the Illawarra with consultation now open on a new offshore wind zone off the Illawarra.

This comprehensive consultation period is open until 16 October and includes six community information sessions across the Illawarra.

We strongly encourage all community members, industries and businesses to participate and make sure their questions are answered and concerns are heard.

The proposed offshore wind area is 1461 square kilometres with the potential to generate up to 4.2GW from offshore wind farms.

This would be enough to power up to 3.4 million homes.

Just one turn of one offshore wind turbine provides as much energy as an average rooftop solar installation generates in a whole day, and it produces energy more consistently than onshore wind.

The Illawarra was identified for its strong offshore wind resource, major port infrastructure and role as an industrial and manufacturing hub looking to transform to greater renewable generation and thrive in a changing global economy.

The region has a diverse and skilled workforce, and the introduction of an offshore wind industry will bolster its existing strengths and spearhead the economic opportunities of the energy transformation.

The zone open for consultation would be at least 10 km from shore, out to 30km at Kiama, and would be able to deliver up to 2,500 jobs in construction and 1,250 jobs ongoing.

The development of offshore wind in the Illawarra will provide new renewable energy options for Illawarra industries.

Communities often have questions about amenity, environmental impacts, shipping and fishing.  The community consultation process is an opportunity for those questions to be raised so that the government has the chance to address them in a final decision.

Info sessions will start the week commencing 18 September, providing an opportunity for all community members, workers, residents, industry groups and businesses to ask questions, and provide feedback on a potential offshore wind industry for the Illawarra.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, emphasised the transformative potential of this new energy industry for the Illawarra.

“Offshore wind is energy rich and jobs rich but despite having some of the best wind resources in the world, Australia doesn’t currently have any offshore wind.

“This presents a huge economic opportunity for the regions that help power Australia – like the Illawarra, to continue to power our nation for generations to come.

“This is a genuine consultation and I encourage all community members to get involved and have their say on the proposed zone,” Minister Bowen said.

In addition to the Illawarra, the Hunter and the Southern Ocean, the Government has previously announced the Bass Strait region off Northern Tasmania, and the Indian Ocean region off Perth/Bunbury as further regions earmarked for offshore wind zones.

For more information on the Illawarra offshore electricity area public consultation, visit https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/oei-illawarra  

Community information sessions