Amended Bunbury offshore wind zone declared

The federal government declared an offshore wind zone off the coast of Bunbury in Western Australia, at least 30 kilometres from shore at its closest point, following a consultation period launched in February to address concerns about the potential impact on marine life.

The zone was originally 7,674 square kilometres and began 20 kilometres from shore.

The government said on Monday that the zone had potential to support 11.4 gigawatts of electricity generated, and to see 7,000 jobs created during construction and then around 3,500 ongoing.

“Adding offshore wind to WA’s diversity of renewable options is particularly important in WA’s electricity network because it’s a self-contained system, unlike the interconnected system in the Eastern states,” said assistant energy minister Josh Wilson.

According to the joint statement from Wilson and energy minister Chris Bowen, the zone is about half the size originally planned, at 4,000 square kilometres. Cited in the decreased area was an exclusion of “more than 60% of the recreational fishing areas requested for exclusion” as well as “further separation from breeding areas and migratory paths for Southern Right Whales.”

According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, 2,670 submissions were received during the February 20 to 3 May 3 consultation period.

Bowen said that offshore wind projects will be required to maximise use of Australian supply chains and to closely consult with local industry and workers on project plans.

The application period for feasibility licences in offshore wind zone opens on  September 2 and closes on November 6.

Picture: credit www.dcceew.gov.au