Bass Strait Wind Zone consultation opens
October 25, 2023
Consultation has kicked off for the proposed new wind energy zone in Bass Strait.
The State and Federal Governments have joined forces in a plan they say will unlock regional job opportunities and provide cleaner, cheaper energy for Tasmania.
Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said offshore wind would support well-paid jobs for engineers, electrical technicians, cable installers, crane operators, riggers, divers and administrators.
“One spin of one turbine generates as much power as an average rooftop solar installation does in a day, and they spin roughly 15 times a minute,” Mr Duigan said.
“The zone open for consultation has the potential to generate 30 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power over 20 million homes, and will be critical to Tasmania’s ambition to get to 200 per cent renewables and help support long-term energy security for local heavy industry in Tasmania.”
The Commonwealth Government is seeking feedback on the proposed zone, which is at least 20km from shore at its closest point, and spreads for 11,159 square kilometres.
Community drop-in sessions will be held at Bridport, George Town and on Flinders Island in December with submissions closing January 31.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the consultation would provide a genuine opportunity for communities to have their say in the first part of the process.
“The Bass Strait is renowned for its offshore wind resource – and this potential zone could transform Tasmania into a new clean energy powerhouse, spurring investment in Tasmanian communities, providing energy security for decarbonising heavy industry and creating thousands of jobs,” Minister Bowen said.
“This consultation period is vital for communities, industry and businesses to have their say on an offshore wind zone in Bass Strait from its earliest stages, and we encourage everyone to put a submission in or attend a community consultation.”
Offshore wind projects cannot be developed outside of declared zones, and a zone must be declared before individual projects can apply for licensing and environmental approvals.
A number of businesses, including Tasmania’s TasRex have expressed an interest in applying for a licence.
“As we progress our plans, TasRex will build respectful relationships with communities,” TasRex CEO, Bess Clark said.
“Our commitment to coastal communities with a strong connection to sea country, including the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, is that we will approach these projects sensitively and with a strong focus on partnerships and collaboration.”
Consultation Community Sessions
Bridport – Monday, December 4, 12pm-2pm, Bridport Hotel
George Town – Monday December 4, 4pm-6pm, George Town Memorial Hall Graham Fairless Centre
Flinders Island – Wednesday December 6, 4pm-6pm, Flinders Arts and Entertainment Centre Whitemark.