Southern Ocean region off Victoria, declared offshore wind area

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Update

From 28 June 2023 to 31 August 2023 the Minister for Climate Change and Energy consulted on the area proposed for offshore wind development in the Southern Ocean off Victoria and South Australia.

3,285 submissions were received from:

members of the public
companies across various industries
non-government and community organisations
local and state government
peak bodies
employee groups including unions.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy announced the area declared in the Southern Ocean off Victoria on 6 March 2024.

Public and anonymous submissions are available along with:

Only submissions from respondents who gave permission have been published. However, the Minister considered all submissions and stakeholder feedback as part of the consultation process.

Overview

We sought feedback on the possible effects of future offshore renewable energy projects in the Southern Ocean off Victoria and South Australia. This includes offshore wind.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy proposed an area in Australian Commonwealth waters in the Southern Ocean off Victoria and South Australia for offshore renewable energy projects. Commonwealth waters start at 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 has considered the submissions. This feedback has helped to inform the Minister’s decision as to whether the proposed area is suitable for offshore renewable energy developments.