City of Newcastle Council says a second offshore wind zone would unlock billions of investment dollars and hundreds of local jobs.
Climate Change and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen announced the start of consultation on the establishment of the new wind zone in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter region during a visit to Newcastle today.
“The world’s climate emergency is regional Australia’s jobs opportunity, and the Hunter is uniquely placed to capitalise on this,” Minister Bowen said.
“An offshore wind zone in the Hunter presents significant opportunities to create new energy sector and manufacturing jobs, drive economic growth and reduce emissions.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes said a renewable energy industry built on large-scale offshore wind farms would offer a sustainable new future for Newcastle, which was once home to Australia’s first large scale, land-based single wind turbine at Kooragang Island.
“City of Newcastle has a long history of supporting and implementing renewable energy projects, including becoming the first local government in NSW to move to 100 per cent renewable electricity,” Lord Mayor Nelmes said.
“We are committed to transitioning towards a low carbon economy to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy our city and region, and believe that a mix of renewables, including offshore wind, is essential to achieving this target.”
She said offshore wind also provided the perfect opportunity to diversify Newcastle’s economy by pivoting thousands of jobs in the local manufacturing, construction, maritime, transport and logistics industries into the renewable energy sector.
“In addition, the accessibility of the Port of Newcastle and our existing local skills base would allow offshore wind to precipitate the emergence of a new renewable energy industry in Newcastle and the Hunter.”
“This can unlock billions in new investment in renewable energy infrastructure and pave the way for our city to become the renewable energy hub for the Asia-Pacific region.”
The Lord Mayor said while the offshore wind industry offered many potential benefits for Newcastle, she was mindful of the measures needed to protect and deliver local jobs, and consider any potential impacts on visual amenity and the marine environment.
“With the correct legislative and regulatory framework, offshore wind along the coast of Newcastle has the potential to play a significant role in sustaining our state’s future energy needs, and provide a significant boost to the local economy.”
“However, its development must be done with guarantees in place that it would preference the employment of local workers and use of local materials for the benefit of our communities,” she said.
The consultation process is an opportunity for all community members, workers, residents, industry groups and chambers of commerce to provide feedback. Submissions will run from February 23 to April 28, 2023.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will also facilitate community information sessions, which will be held throughout the region during the consultation period.
Minister Bowen said the Hunter was one of six priority regions around Australia with world-class offshore wind potential. The Commonwealth recently declared Gippsland off the La Trobe Valley as the first region in Australia to be home to a new offshore wind industry.
The Government has previously announced a further four regions earmarked for offshore wind zones. These include the Pacific Ocean region off the Illawarra in NSW, the Southern Ocean region off Portland in Victoria, the Bass Strait region off Northern Tasmania, and the Indian Ocean region off Perth/Bunbury.
For more information on the Hunter offshore electricity area public consultation, visit https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/oei-hunter.
