Consultation has opened for the proposed Bunbury offshore wind zone, which is located 20km off the coast of WA.
The Commonwealth is seeking feedback on the proposed 7674km2 area, which has been identified as an ideal location for offshore electricity generation because of the high-speed winds in the Indian Ocean.
The proposed area is also close in proximity to large energy users and could enable up to 20GW of offshore wind to be developed.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said harnessing offshore wind would provide energy security for Australia.
“Offshore wind will be a critical new clean energy industry for Western Australians as electricity demand increases, helping to provide thousands of jobs along the way,” he said.
“The Albanese Government is committed to genuine consultation on offshore wind – that’s why we want communities, industry and businesses to have their say on an offshore wind area off WA from the very beginning.”
An offshore wind project can only start construction if it is in a legally declared area, is awarded a feasibility licence and commercial licence and receives environmental approval.
Submissions can be made until 3 May 2024, with community sessions held from 19-21 March 2024 for community members.
For more information about the consultation, visit here.
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