On 28 June 2023, the Australian Government proposed officially declaring an area of the Southern Ocean from Warrnambool in Victoria to Port MacDonnell in South Australia, as suitable for offshore wind farms.
The Southern Ocean is one of six key areas around Australia with significant offshore wind potential, including locations off Gippsland, the Hunter, the Illawarra, Northern Tasmania and Perth/Bunbury.
The Australian Government is now seeking community feedback on the proposal, which has the potential to create 3,000 jobs during development and construction and a further 3,000 ongoing jobs.
In this article, Partner Damian Roe, Special Counsel Alison McKee and Solicitor Jess Beater, from HopgoodGanim’s Resource and Energy practice, outline how to make a submission and the next steps.
Offshore renewable energy development submission process
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy (Minister) will consider public submissions to help inform their decision as to whether the proposed area is suitable for offshore renewable energy developments.
If declared, this offshore wind area will be Australia’s third declared area. Gippsland Coast (Victoria) has commenced assessments of feasibility licences, with the Hunter Coast closely following with feasibility licence applications opening on 8 August 2023 (see update below).
How do I make a submission?
- Read the consultation documents.
- Take the survey or attend a community drop-in session.
- Submit your feedback by 11.59pm on 31 August 2023.
Map 1:
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Source: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Notice of Proposal to Declare an Area - Southern Ocean Region.pdf (storage.googleapis.com).
What is the Hunter declared area?
On 12 July 2023, the Minister declared an area in the Pacific Ocean, off the Hunter region in New South Wales (Declared Area), as suitable for offshore wind development (Declaration). This is the second offshore wind development zone declared by the Federal Government.
The Declared Area covers 1,854km2 and extends from offshore of Norah Head in the south, to Port Stephens in the north, with a capability of hosting up to 5GW turbines.
The Declaration followed consultation with local communities, state and local government representatives, First Nations people, existing industries including shipping, defence, fishing, and other marine users. The Public Consultation Summary Report is available to read online.
What are the next steps?
In response to the Declaration, the Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) and the Port of Newcastle confirmed they had finalised a Memorandum of Understanding to identify opportunities in offshore wind.
The Minister also announced that feasibility licence applications for the Declared Area will open on 8 August 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.
Once the feasibility stage is completed, and environmental and management plan approvals are obtained, construction can commence. EnergyCo has indicated that the Port of Newcastle would be the key to importing wind blades, towers and related equipment.
To read more about feasibility licence applications, please click on HopgoodGanim's recent article.
Map 2:
Source: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Area in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter declared suitable for offshore wind - DCCEEW.
These are exciting developments in Australia’s race to a greener future, and we will continue to monitor this space and provide updates.
If you would like more information on the regulatory approvals required for an offshore wind development in Australia, please contact our Resources and Energy team.