Joint media release: Next steps in securing Western Australia’s offshore wind future

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy 
The Hon Josh Wilson MP, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy 

The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future by taking the next steps in establishing our offshore wind industry and ensuring that we continue to improve how the sector delivers for communities and investors.  

In Western Australia’s Bunbury zone, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy has made decisions which will likely see two new offshore wind projects delivering clean energy for homes and businesses in WA.

In the northern part of the declared area a preliminary decision to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd has been made. If progressed, the project would be more than 30 kilometres offshore and has the potential to deliver 1.5 GW of reliable renewable electricity, enough to power about one million homes, and could employ 900 workers during construction with 450 ongoing jobs.

The Minister has also shortlisted two projects: one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd for a preliminary feasibility licence in the southern area of the zone. The two applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them.

Out of the three projects, it is likely that the two applicants will progress one project each to the next stage of the development process where the Minister will consider offering a feasibility license.

A feasibility licence gives the developer the opportunity to investigate their proposed offshore wind project before they can apply for a commercial licence to begin construction. It is the first step in a multi-year process which requires ongoing community consultation and engagement.  

A Bunbury Offshore Wind Industry Committee, comprised of representatives from the companies, government, First Nations groups, local industry and unions, will be established to oversee projects and ensure local benefits for workers, industries, and the regional economy are delivered.

On the East Coast, in the Hunter offshore wind zone, Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has requested additional time to develop their commercial arrangements in order to deliver the best outcome for the Hunter community.  

The Minister has made a final decision not to offer a feasibility licence to Seadragon in the Gippsland zone.

The Albanese Government is working with the emerging industry on improving the regulatory framework and reducing barriers to development. This includes investigating how to create greater flexibility for proving financial security, establishing arrangements for data sharing, and enabling public comments on management plans for commercial projects.  

Minister Bowen underscored the importance of the declared area in strengthening WA’s renewable energy future.

“The Albanese Government is securing Australia’s energy future with the offshore wind industry the former Coalition Government promised but failed to deliver – and Western Australia is key to our plans.

“In Bunbury, offshore wind has huge potential for jobs, new industry, and clean, reliable renewable energy in the regions which have powered Australia for generations.

“Western Australia needs some 50 GW of additional generation by 2042, and we’re getting to work making sure that we deliver the new clean energy, and the good jobs, the West needs.”

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson said an offshore wind industry would contribute to the future energy needs for Western Australians powered by reliable renewables.

“This is another demonstration of our government’s commitment to building a cleaner, more affordable, and reliable renewable energy system, while unlocking new employment and economic opportunities for WA’s South West region.

“Bunbury is an industrial and economic powerhouse, and we’re committed to helping households and businesses in the region have access to more affordable, cleaner energy.”