Consultation unfolds on fourth development zone off Illawarra coast 

The federal government has opened a consultation on Australia’s fourth offshore wind energy improvement zone, and the second for New South Ridges, proposing an area of in excess of 1,400 square kilometres off the shore of the state’s Illawarra district. 

Federal minister for climate change and energy Chris Bowen said the new energy industry has “groundbreaking potential” for the Illawarra. 

The public authority said it distinguished the region for its major port, areas of strong offshore wind and position as a modern and manufacturing centre point. 

“Offshore wind is energy-rich and jobs-rich, but despite having some of the best wind resources in the world, Australia doesn’t currently have any offshore wind,” said Bowen. 

The proposed offshore wind region covers 1461 square kilometres with the possibility to produce up to 4.2 gigawatts of energy – enough to control up to 3.4 million homes. 

The zone open for discussion would be something like 10 kilometres from shore and out to 30 kilometres at Kiama. 

“This presents a huge economic opportunity for the regions that help power Australia – like the Illawarra – to continue to power our nation for generations to come,” said Bowen. 

NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas invited the start of the consultation, featuring the role Port Kembla would play in conveying offshore wind projects. 

“This is a genuine consultation, and I encourage all community members to get involved and have their say on the proposed zone,” Bowen added. 

“NSW Ports stands ready to work with the NSW and federal governments on measures to provide investment certainty for offshore wind projects – and the usage of our port facilities – to underpin future infrastructure needs,” said Calfas. 

Calfas said NSW Ports has drawn in a few offshore wind advocates in recent months to educate the improvement regarding its designs. 

Illawarra, the Hunter and the Southern Sea, the public authority have recently declared the Bass Waterway locale off Northern Tasmania, and the Indian Ocean area off Bunbury as districts reserved for offshore wind zones.