Govt starts consultation on offshore renewables area

Consultation started today on an area proposed for future offshore renewable energy projects, particularly offshore wind, in the Pacific Ocean off the Illawarra coast. The proposed area stretches from Wombarra in the north to Kiama in the south, and is at least 10km from the coast.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking public feedback on how communities and industry use coastal and ocean resources across the Illawarra region.

Community drop-in sessions will be held from September 18 to 21 at Bulli Senior Citizens Centre; Wollongong Art Gallery; Shellharbour Surf Lifesaving Club; Kiama Leagues Club and Gerringong Town Hall.

Residents can find dates of community drop-in sessions, a map of the proposed area and all the consultation documents at the Australian Government’s web page: Offshore renewable energy infrastructure area proposal: Pacific Ocean off Illawarra region, NSW. Here, members of the public can also take a survey and make a submission.

The closing date for submissions is Monday, October 16.

Industry body Business Illawarra today welcomed the news in a media release headlined 'Major Step Forward for Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone', issued after the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, made the announcement at the Illawarra Clean Energy Summit & Expo.

“Now we need the business community and Illawarra residents need to participate positively in the consultative process that will hopefully yield an offshore wind zone for the region which will generate clean and reliable energy for the region and beyond,” said Business Illawarra executive director Adam Zarth.

“Large-scale renewable energy projects are critical for the Illawarra’s energy evolution. With the potential to support one of Australia’s largest clean energy projects, this is a clear indication of the role the Illawarra will be expected to play in the new energy economy, and the opportunities and challenges that lie before us.”

Hosted by Business Illawarra at BlueScope in Port Kembla, and held in partnership with Endeavour Energy and Oceanex, the Illawarra Clean Energy Summit & Expo featured panel discussions of opportunities to make the Illawarra a future clean energy, renewables and clean manufacturing powerhouse.