Offshore renewable energy infrastructure area proposal: Northern Tasmania, Bass Strait, TAS

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Update

From 24 October 2023 to 31 January 2024 the Minister for Climate Change and Energy consulted on a proposed area for offshore renewable energy, including offshore wind, in the Bass Strait, Tasmania (TAS).

270 submissions were received from members of the community, First Nations groups, Commonwealth, Tasmanian and local governments agencies, industry, non-government organisations, community organisations, peak bodies and unions.

All submissions were considered by the Minister in deciding whether to declare the area as suitable for offshore wind. The Minister announced the declaration of the area for offshore wind on 12 December 2024.

Information about the final area declared in the Bass Strait Region off the coast of Northern Tasmania for offshore renewable energy, including offshore wind, is on our website.

The declared area extends from Devonport in the west to Bridport in the east and is now at least 30km from the coast (10km further out than originally proposed).

Our website includes visualisations of what the declared area may look like if it is developed for offshore wind.

Read the:

published submissions from respondents who gave permission for their submissions to be published.

the submissions summary report that details feedback from the community.

A flyer was sent to 21,000 households in Northern Tasmania to inform them of the final Bass Strait offshore wind area.

Map showing proposed area that went out for public consultation

Map showing final declared offshore wind area

Map showing the initial proposed area (dotted line) and final declared offshore wind area

Key points

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy has declared an area in the Bass Strait, TAS that might be developed for offshore wind.

Offshore wind projects do not currently have approval. This area declaration is the first step, ahead of future projects being considered.

Your feedback matters. The Minister for Climate Change and Energy considered issues raised in public submissions when determining the declared area.

The environment is protected under Australian law. Any future offshore wind projects will need approval under Australian environmental laws and regulations.

Future offshore wind projects must share the space with existing marine users, including First Nations, fishers, shipping and defence.

A local offshore wind industry could provide clean, reliable energy to communities and local manufacturing, support thousands of jobs, and help us reach net zero by 2050.