Australia declares offshore wind zone off the Hunter coast

This is the second officially declared Australian offshore wind zone and is in a heartland of heavy industry.

“Strong, consistent winds off the coast, along with the region’s skilled energy and manufacturing workforce, make the Hunter an ideal location for an offshore wind industry,” said the government.

The final area was declared after two months of public consultation with a smaller footprint than the originally proposed zone – balancing the views of the local community, local industry and sea users.

The declared area stretches over 1,800 km² between Swansea and Port Stephens and could generate up to 5 GW of wind energy.

The revised zone will be 20 km from the coast in the north and more than 35 km from the coast in the south. These changes will enable continued safe management of shipping and other sea industries. Offshore infrastructure will also be limited to a height of 260 m to address aviation safety.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the declaration was another big step for Australia to reap the huge benefits of offshore wind. “The Hunter is undergoing significant economic change, and the prospect of creating new job opportunities for decades to come through a new offshore wind industry is a game changer,” Minister Bowen said.

“Today’s declaration opens the door for a new industry in the Hunter, which could create more than 3,000 construction jobs and another 1,560 ongoing jobs.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said the development was an exciting opportunity for Newcastle to diversify its economy, while becoming home to a new offshore wind industry. “The Albanese Labor Government has listened to community feedback and revised the offshore wind zone accordingly to ensure it coexists alongside whale migration, bird and sea life, and our shipping industry,” she said.

“This is an important part of a suite of measures which will position Newcastle and the Hunter as a clean energy hub, including an A$100M investment to ensure hydrogen readiness at the Port of Newcastle. Newcastle has a bright future.”

Feasibility licence applications for offshore wind projects in the Hunter area will open from 8 August until 14 November 2023. During the feasibility licence stage, developers will be required to undertake further consultation on individual proposals, including detailed environmental assessments and impacts on other marine users.

Construction can only begin after feasibility stage is completed, and environmental and management plan approvals are gained.