The Australian Government is unlocking renewable energy jobs, energy security, and job security in the Illawarra, with consultations for the Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone now open.
The consultation period will be available until 16 October. It includes six community information sessions across the Illawarra.
The Federal Government encourages community members, industries, and businesses to participate and ensure their questions are addressed and concerns are heard.
The proposed Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone is 1461 square kilometres, with offshore wind farms having the capacity to generate up to 4.2 GW, enough to power up to 3.4 million homes.
According to the Federal Government, the Illawarra was chosen for its strong offshore wind resources, significant port infrastructure, and position as an industrial and manufacturing powerhouse seeking to transition to more renewable energy and flourish in a changing global economy.
The region has a diversified and skilled workforce, and the advent of an offshore wind sector will reinforce its current strengths while also launching the economic potential associated with the energy shift.
The zone open for consultation would be at least 10 km from the shore and could provide up to 2,500 construction jobs and 1,250 ongoing jobs.
The Federal Government noted that offshore wind developments in the Illawarra will provide additional renewable energy options for Illawarra industries.
Info sessions will begin the week of 18 September, giving all community members, workers, residents, industry organisations, and companies a chance to ask questions and offer input on a prospective offshore wind sector for the Illawarra.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen highlighted the transformative potential of the new energy industry for Illawarra.
“Offshore wind is energy rich and jobs rich but despite having some of the best wind resources in the world, Australia doesn’t currently have any offshore wind. This presents a huge economic opportunity for the regions that help power Australia — like the Illawarra, to continue to power our nation for generations to come,” Minister Bowen said.
“This is a genuine consultation and I encourage all community members to get involved and have their say on the proposed zone,” Minister Bowen added.
Along with the Illawarra, Hunter, and Southern Ocean, the Federal Government has already declared the Bass Strait region off Northern Tasmania and the Indian Ocean region off Perth/Bunbury as additional offshore wind zones.
