Submissions will be accepted until Friday, April 28, on a proposed offshore wind farm 10km off the coast between Port Stephens and Norah Head.
Feedback from the community and other stakeholders will help the Federal Government decide if the proposed area is suitable for offshore renewable energy.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen says about 3,000 engineering and manufacturing jobs are expected to be generated through a new offshore renewable energy industry off the coast.
“The Government is working to unlock renewable energy jobs, energy security and job security and the establishment of an offshore wind industry along the Hunter coast could support the decarbonisation and future of onshore manufacturing powered by cheaper, cleaner energy,” he said.
“The Hunter is already known for its strong industrial base, with mining, manufacturing and agriculture, proving this region already has the skill base for the new industry.
“The world’s climate emergency is regional Australia’s jobs opportunity, and the Hunter is uniquely placed to capitalise on this.
“An offshore wind zone along the Hunter coast presents significant opportunities to create new energy sector and manufacturing jobs, drive economic growth and reduce emissions.”
The Hunter coast is one of six priority regions around Australia with world-class offshore wind potential, with Gippsland off the La Trobe Valley the first region in Australia to be home to a new offshore wind industry.
The Federal Government previously announced another four regions earmarked for offshore wind zones – off the Illawarra coast, the Southern Ocean off Portland in Victoria, the Bass Strait off northern Tasmania and the Indian Ocean off Perth/Bunbury.
“We have some of the best wind resources in the world – just one rotation of one offshore wind turbine provides as much energy as an average rooftop solar installation generates in one day,” Bowen said.
Offshore wind turbines are the tallest renewable energy option being proposed in the area, with current heights of up to approximately 250m above sea level.
The relative height and visual effect decreases with distance, especially due to the curvature of the earth.
“I’m looking forward to hearing from the community about the best way offshore electricity can be harnessed in the region and I encourage locals to engage with community discussions and online submissions,” Bowen said.
Submissions can be made through the Have Your Say online portal at consult.dcceew.gov.au until Friday, April 28.
Sue Murray