Australia's first offshore wind industry one step closer
An Australian offshore wind industry is one step closer, with the Australian Government declaring an area in the Bass Strait off Gippsland as the first area suitable for developing offshore wind energy projects.
The declared area in Gippsland, Victoria, covers approximately 15,000 square kilometres, and runs from offshore of Lakes Entrance in the east to south of Wilsons Promontory in the west.
The declaration comes after consultation with the Bass Coast, South Gippsland and Wellington local government communities including First Nations peoples and industry.
This declaration confirms the area where developers will soon be able to apply for the first licences for offshore wind in Australia. Further consultations will take place on any proposed developments, once feasibility licences are issued.
There is potential for offshore wind projects in the area to support 3,100 jobs over the next 15 years during their development and construction phases, and an additional 3,000 ongoing operational jobs.
The declaration brings Australia one step closer to an offshore wind industry and a step closer to net zero by 2050.
The project is part of Rewiring the Nation and Powering Australia. These strategies work together to put downward pressure on energy bills and transition Australia to more secure and reliable power.
