Consultation opens for WA offshore wind zone to spur new renewable energy opportunities

Consultation kicks off today on the proposed Bunbury offshore wind zone, 20km off the coast of Western Australia, potentially unlocking thousands of renewable energy jobs and cleaner, cheaper energy for the resources heavy state.

Offshore wind represents a huge opportunity for WA, providing highly skilled and well-paid jobs like engineers, electrical technicians, cable installers, boilermakers, crane operators, riggers, divers, seafarers, dockworkers and administrators. 

The Commonwealth is seeking feedback on a proposed area, which is 7,674 square kilometres and at least 20 km from shore at its closest point off Cape Naturaliste and Bunbury and 36km from Busselton.

The proposed Bunbury zone is an ideal location for offshore electricity generation because of the high speed winds in the Indian Ocean, its proximity to large energy users and could enable up to 20GW of offshore wind to be developed.

• Submissions on the proposed area can be made from today until 3 May 2024, with community information sessions held from 19 to 21 March 2024 for community members to ask questions and provide feedback on the zone.
• An offshore wind project can only start construction if it is in a legally declared area, is awarded a feasibility licence and commercial licence, and receives environmental approval.
• In addition to the consultation period on the area opening today – these processes provide multiple future opportunities for communities to have their say on any potential individual projects.
• Any potential projects will be required to demonstrate their commitment to using Australian manufactured inputs, as well as provide information on use of Australian suppliers and benefits for the local economy like direct local jobs and training, which will be used by Government in assessing the merits of project licence applications.

The West is a resources and heavy industry heartland, and as the world continues on the net zero economic transformation heavy industry is increasing its uptake of renewable energy to remain competitive and thrive.

Just one turn of one offshore wind turbine provides as much energy as an average rooftop solar installation generates in a whole day – and they turn around 15 times a minute, helping to provide energy security over the long-term.

While we know offshore wind is critical for future energy security, it’s also critical we maximise benefits to Australian communities and regional economies.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said harnessing offshore wind would unlock new job opportunities across Western Australia, while providing much needed energy security.

“Offshore wind will be a critical new clean energy industry for Western Australians as electricity demand increases, helping to provide thousands of jobs along the way.”

“The Albanese Government is committed to genuine consultation on offshore wind – that’s why we want communities, industry and businesses to have their say on an offshore wind area off WA from the very beginning.

“We encourage everyone to put in a submission and attend a community consultation session.”

For more information on the proposed Bunbury offshore wind area public consultation, visit https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/oei-bunbury