Australian Government declares offshore wind zone off the Hunter coast

Today, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy has declared an area in the Pacific Ocean off Hunter, New South Wales as being suitable for offshore renewables development, confirming where developers can apply for licences for offshore wind in Australia.

The declared area sits alongside an existing Australian manufacturing powerhouse, home to the nation’s largest smelter, and could create thousands of new jobs and support the decarbonisation and future of onshore manufacturing powered by cheaper, cleaner energy.

The declaration follows a consultation process led by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) with existing industries including fishing, offshore oil and gas, other marine users, state and local government representatives, First Nations people and local communities.

The Minister has also issued an invitation to apply for feasibility licences for the Hunter Declared Area. Applications are open from 8 August until 14 November 2023.

For more information and to view a map of the declared area, click here.