The Australian Government is seeking feedback on a proposed area covering 7,674 square kilometres, located at least 20 km from shore at its nearest point off Cape Naturaliste and Bunbury, and 36 km from Busselton.
Submissions on the proposed area can be made until 3 May 2024, with community information sessions scheduled from 19 to 21 March 2024, allowing community members to ask questions and provide feedback on the zone. An offshore wind project can only commence construction if it is within a legally designated area, obtains a feasibility licence and commercial licence, and secures environmental approval. Any potential projects will need to demonstrate their commitment to using Australian manufactured inputs, as well as provide information on the use of Australian suppliers and benefits for the local economy, such as direct local jobs and training. This information will be used by the Government in assessing the merits of project licence applications.
Western Australia becomes the sixth region to be considered as potentially suitable for future large-scale offshore wind projects in Australia. The first two suitable areas have been designated off Victoria’s Gippsland coast and the NSW Hunter region. Proposals in the Southern Ocean Region off Victoria and South Australia, and the NSW Illawarra region have each completed their initial community consultation phase. The consultation period has closed for the proposal in the Bass Strait region off Northern Tasmania.
