Update
From 20 February to 3 May 2024 the Minister for Climate Change and Energy consulted on a proposed area for offshore renewable energy, including offshore wind, in the Indian Ocean off Bunbury, Western Australia (WA).
Over 2,600 submissions were received from members of the community, First Nations groups, Commonwealth, WA 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 declared the area as suitable for offshore wind on 29 August 2024.
Information about the final area declared in the Indian Ocean off Bunbury, WA for offshore renewable energy, including offshore wind, can be found on the department’s website.
The declared area extends from Dawesville to Cape Naturaliste and is now at least 30 km from the coast, and further from most towns. The department’s website includes new visualisations of what the declared area may look like if it is developed for offshore wind.
Submissions from respondents who gave permission for their submissions to be public have been published.
The Submissions summary report [PDF 814KB] [DOCX 1.6MB] details feedback from the community .
A flyer [PDF 574KB] is being distributed to 88,000 households in the South West region to inform them of the final Bunbury offshore wind declaration.
Overview
The South West Interconnected System is predicted to need 50 GW of additional generation by 2042. New sources of renewable energy are needed to keep the lights on in our homes, businesses and communities. Offshore wind offers a large scale, secure, reliable and clean energy source for our electricity network. It can play a crucial role in transitioning our electricity supply to run mainly on renewables.
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy proposed an area in the Indian Ocean off Bunbury, WA for offshore renewable energy projects. We sought the public’s feedback on the proposed area during public consultation from 20 February to 3 May 2024.
The South West community and interested stakeholders were able to attend drop-in community information sessions with our staff from Tuesday 19 March to Thursday 21 March 2024.
The Minister has considered the submissions. This feedback has helped to inform the Minister’s decision as to whether the proposed area is suitable for offshore wind development.
Information about the final area declared in Indian Ocean off Bunbury, WA for offshore renewable energy, including offshore wind, can be found on the department’s website.
Map showing proposed area that went out for public consultation
Map showing final declared Bunbury offshore wind area
Key points:
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy has declared an area in the Indian Ocean off Bunbury, WA 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.
Please see the process chart below for more information.
Please see the document below for answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Other consultation documents and resources
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