Illawarra offshore renewable energy infrastructure: have your say

We are seeking your feedback on the benefits and effects of future offshore renewable energy projects in a proposed area in the Illawarra region of New South Wales (NSW) from Wombarra in the north, down to Kiama in the south.

At its closest, the area is 10 km off the 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.

Establishment of an offshore electricity industry in the Illawarra will create over an estimated 2500 jobs during construction and 1250 jobs during operation, and power industries with cheaper, cleaner energy.

Illawarra is the fourth area to be considered as potentially suitable for large-scale offshore wind projects. The first suitable area was declared in Bass Strait off Victoria’s Gippsland coast, with a subsequent area in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter Region in NSW being declared in July 2023. The third area, the Southern Ocean Region off Victoria and South Australia, is currently out for public consultation.

Community drop-in sessions

The community within the region and interested stakeholders can attend drop-in question and answer sessions with our staff from Monday 18 September to Thursday 21 September 2023.

Community drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for you to speak with our staff and ask questions. This provides everyone an opportunity for everyone to ask questions about the proposal. The community is welcome to attend at any time during the opening times of the sessions making it a more accessible format.

Town	Dates and opening times	Location
Bulli	Monday 18 September 2023 4pm to 7pm	Bulli Senior Citizens Centre 8 Hospital Road, Bulli
Port Kembla	Tuesday 19 September 2023 10am to 12pm	Port Kembla Senior Citizens Centre cnr Allan St and Wentworth Lane, Port Kembla
Wollongong	Tuesday 19 September 2023 4pm to 7pm	Wollongong Art Gallery 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Shellharbour	Wednesday 20 September 2023 10am to 12pm	Shellharbour Surf Lifesaving Club 115 Junction Road, Shellharbour
Kiama	Wednesday 20 September 2023 4pm to 7pm	Kiama Leagues Club 110 Terralong Street, Kiama
Gerringong	Thursday 21 September 2023 10am to 12pm	Gerringong Town Hall 106 Fern Street, Gerringong

There is no presentation at these sessions. If you are unable to make it to the start of a session you will not miss out on any information and you will still have your chance to have your questions answered.

Offshore renewable energy projects must share the proposed 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 16 October 2023.

Update: Note the new consultation close date is 15 November 2023.

Minister Bowen has announced that he will provide an additional 30 days, up until 15 November 2023, to make a submission on the proposed area.

Provide your feedback on the proposal by 15 November 2023 on our have your say portal. More information on the proposal, and access to an interactive map of the proposed area, can be found on the have your say portal.