Consultation launched on new offshore wind zone in the Southern Ocean
The Australian Government has today announced a new consultation 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 and includes Portland - home to one of Australia’s largest smelters and draws up to 10 percent of Victoria’s electricity.
Analysis of the impact of establishing an offshore wind industry in the regions shows, as well as playing a role in 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.
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 is also facilitating a number of 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