On Friday, 28 March 2025 the government assumed a Caretaker role. Some consultations have been deactivated until further notice, in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions.

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Update

From 5 August 2022 to 7 October 2022, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy consulted on the area proposed for offshore renewable energy projects in the Bass Strait off Gippsland Victoria.

765 submissions were received from members of the public, companies across various industries, non-government and community organisations, local and state government, peak bodies, and unions in response to the area being proposed.

Information about the area declared in the Bass Strait off Gippsland can be found on our website.

All public and anonymous submissions are available on this website, and a summary of all submissions can be read in the Gippsland Public Consultation Summary Report [652KB PDF] [1.5MB DOCX]

Only answers from respondents who gave permission are published. However, all responses were included in the analysis of this consultation.

Overview

We are seeking your feedback on the possible effects of future offshore renewable energy projects in the Bass Strait off Gippsland, Victoria. This includes offshore wind.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy has proposed an area in Australian Commonwealth waters off Gippsland for offshore renewable energy projects. Commonwealth waters start 3 nautical miles from the coastline and extend to the boundary of Australia’s exclusive economic zone.

The Australian Government wants to manage the offshore marine environment in a way that recognises all users and balances competing interests. Offshore renewable energy projects must share the area with other users and activities.

The Minister will consider all submissions. Your feedback will help inform the Minister’s decision as to whether the proposed area is suitable for offshore renewable energy developments.