RPS welcomes news that the next offshore wind zones will soon open for public consultation

Offshore wind in Australia continues to build momentum with today’s announcement by Chris Bowen that the Bass Strait region off Northern Tasmania will open for consultation in October and the Indian Ocean region off Perth/Bunbury, WA in November.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy shared the news at the APAC Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit.

This follows the recent announcement that the Pacific Ocean off Illawarra in New South Wales has opened for public consultation to seek feedback regarding the suitability of the location for offshore wind development.

RPS’ Offshore Wind Development Lead, Anna Crameri says today’s announcement is another positive step forward.

“Australia is moving in the right direction to rapidly establish the best locations for offshore wind projects. Certainty around locations is vital for the sustainability of this industry – not only for environmental considerations and project investment but also to support the necessary development of supporting infrastructure to bring these renewable energy sources online.

“We now have two Declared Areas: one off Gippsland in Victoria and another off the Hunter-Central Coast in New South Wales. Developers are now in the process of seeking feasibility licences to develop in these zones.

“And two areas are that are open for public consultation: the Southern Ocean Region off Victoria-South Australia where the community has until tomorrow to comment. And Illawarra – with public submissions due by October 16.”

Anna says RPS’ multi-disciplinary teams have been partnering with industry to support responsible, sustainable development.

“It is a very busy time. Our marine scientists, approvals experts, planners, project managers and community engagement consultants are working closely with our diverse clients to offer tailored advice for this emerging industry.

“Each zone that is declared offers opportunities as well as complexity. Like the Hunter-Central Coast is a different prospect when compared to Gippsland – Illawarra will have unique challenges and opportunities when compared to the Southern Ocean Region.

“At RPS, we’re well placed to draw on our extensive experience in offshore wind markets overseas as well as our local knowledge of the offshore environment.

“And with the Tasmania and Western Australia zones soon to open for public consultation – we are certainly moving in the right direction to establish a significant offshore wind industry here.”