Federal government seeks public feedback on proposed NSW offshore energy projects

The Federal government, through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is seeking public feedback on the possible effects of future offshore wind and other offshore renewable energy projects in the Pacific Ocean off Hunter, New South Wales.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy has proposed an area in Australian Commonwealth waters off the Hunter region for offshore renewable energy projects. Commonwealth waters start three 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 will consider all submissions. The public’s feedback will help inform the minister’s decision as to whether the proposed area is suitable for offshore renewable energy developments.

The area is the traditional Land and Sea Country of the Awabakal, Bahtabah, Biraban, Darkinjung, Karuah,
Mindaribba, and Worimi peoples. The government said it is an important consideration, as an offshore renewable energy industry will involve the installation of infrastructure across land and sea country in order to integrate with the NSW electricity grid.

The government said the initial area is a proposal for feedback. It is not the final declaration.

Feedback must be provided through the Consultation Hub by the submission deadline of Friday, April
28, 2023.