Update
From 14 August to 15 November 2023 the Minister for Climate Change and Energy consulted on a proposed area for offshore renewable energy, including offshore wind, in the Pacific Ocean off the Illawarra, New South Wales (NSW).
Over 14,200 submissions were received from members of the community, First Nations groups, Commonwealth, State 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 15 June 2024.
Information about the final area declared in Pacific Ocean off the Illawarra, NSW for offshore renewable energy, including offshore wind, can be found on the department’s website.
The declared area extends from Wombarra in the north to Kiama in the south and is now at least 20km from the coast (10km further out than originally proposed).
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 are published
Submissions summary report that details feedback from the community is available.
Overview
About 90% of Australia’s ageing coal fired power stations have decided to close by 2035, and we need 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 Pacific Ocean off the Illawarra, NSW for offshore renewable energy projects, including offshore wind. We sought the public’s feedback on the proposed area during public consultation from 14 August to 15 November 2023.
The Illawarra community and interested stakeholders were able to attend drop-in community information sessions with our staff from Monday 18 September to Thursday 21 September 2023.
The Minister has considered all 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 Pacific Ocean off the Illawarra, NSW 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 Illawarra offshore wind area
Key points
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy has declared an area in the Pacific Ocean off the Illawarra, NSW 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.
Consultation documents
Interactive Map of the Proposed Area – Illawarra region, NSW
Overview of the Proposed Area Illawarra [423kB PDF] [1.5MB DOCX] General information relating to the proposed area and providing feedback
Marine Users and Interests - Illawarra region [397kB PDF] [407kB DOCX] A non-exhaustive list of identified interests provided to facilitate conversations about the potential suitability of the area for offshore renewable energy
Frequently Asked Questions - Illawarra [298kB PDF] [869kB DOCX]
Variation to Notice of Proposal to Declare an Area - Illawarra region NSW [386kB PDF] [2.13MB DOCX]
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