Offshore wind industry to power regional jobs across the Southern Ocean region

The Albanese Government is unlocking regional job opportunities and energy security across the Southern Ocean region from Port MacDonnell to Warrnambool with consultation now open on a new offshore wind zone in the Southern Ocean.

The 5,100 square kilometre area stretches from Warrnambool in Victoria to Port MacDonnell in South Australia. It includes Portland, which is home to one of Australia’s largest smelters and draws up to 10 percent of Victoria’s electricity.

Establishment of an offshore wind industry could support the decarbonisation and future of onshore manufacturing powered by cheaper, cleaner energy. An area this size has the capacity to support 3,000 jobs in construction and 3,000 jobs ongoing.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen is encouraging locals to be part of the consultation to hear about the best way offshore wind can benefit the region.

“Powering these South Australian and Victorian communities with cheaper, cleaner energy will support them to unlock new regional job opportunities in energy and manufacturing,” the Minister said.

“This area is an ideal location for offshore electricity generation and could enable up to 14GW of offshore wind to be developed, which is the equivalent of powering up to 8.4 million homes.

“Renewable energy is the foundation for Australia’s future, and I’m looking forward to hear from the local community about what they would like to see from this offshore zone.”

The public consultation is an opportunity for all community members, traditional owners, workers, industry groups and local organisations to provide feedback on job and industry opportunities, visual amenity, impact on areas of cultural significance, common use infrastructure, and all other concerns.

Submissions will be open from 28 June to 31 August 2023.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will also facilitate community information sessions, which will be held throughout the region during the consultation period.

The Southern Ocean is one of six key regions around Australia with offshore wind potential, including locations off of Gippsland, the Hunter, the Illawarra, northern Tasmania and Perth/Bunbury.

For more information on the Southern Ocean offshore electricity area public consultation, visit https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/oei-southern-ocean

Community information sessions