We are seeking your feedback on the benefits and effects of future offshore renewable energy projects in a proposed area of the Pacific Ocean region off the Hunter coast.
The area is 10 km off the New South Wales Hunter coast and has quality wind resources and marine conditions.
A strong offshore energy industry in the region provides opportunities to:
- drive economic growth
- support and create jobs
- provide clean and affordable power to households, businesses and industrial consumers
- help us reach net zero by 2050.
There are around 3,000 engineering and manufacturing jobs expected from the new offshore industry in the area.
Hunter is the second out of 6 priority regions identified as possibly suitable for large-scale offshore wind projects. The first area declared as suitable was Bass Strait off Victoria’s Gippsland coast.
The Hunter community and interested stakeholders can attend drop-in question and answer sessions with DCCEEW staff from Monday 6 March 2023 to Thursday 9 March 2023:
| Town | Time and Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
Wamberal |
2.00pm – 4.00pm |
Breakers Country Club |
|
Doyalson |
10.30am – 12.30pm |
The Doylo |
|
Swansea |
4.00pm – 6.00pm |
Swansea RSL |
|
Newcastle City |
12.00pm – 2.00pm |
Newcastle City Library |
|
Merewether, |
4.00pm – 7.00pm |
Bar Beach Bowling Club |
|
Hawks Nest |
11.00am – 1.00pm |
Hawks Nest Community Centre |
|
Nelson Bay |
5.00pm – 7.00pm |
Nelson Bay Bowling Club |
Offshore renewable energy projects must share this proposed multi-use area with other marine users and interests. Your feedback will help inform the Minister’s decision on whether the proposed area is suitable for offshore renewable energy.
Submissions must be made through the Have your say portal by Friday 28 April 2023.
Read more
Media release announcing the Hunter offshore renewable energy consultation
Read about how we are establishing offshore renewable energy infrastructure
