The Australian government has announced significant progress in establishing Australia’s offshore wind industry, with new decisions set to deliver clean energy and regional jobs in Western Australia’s Bunbury zone.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen has made a preliminary decision to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd for a major project in the northern part of the declared area.
If advanced, this project would be located more than 30 kilometres offshore and has the potential to deliver 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of reliable renewable electricity — enough to power about one million homes.
The development could create 900 jobs during construction and provide 450 ongoing positions.
Two additional projects have been shortlisted for preliminary feasibility licences in the southern area of the Bunbury zone: one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and another from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd.
The applicants will now work to resolve overlapping claims, with the expectation that each will progress one project to the next stage.
The Minister will then consider offering a feasibility licence for each proposal.
A feasibility licence allows developers to investigate their proposed offshore wind projects, including conducting detailed site assessments and community consultation, before applying for a commercial licence to begin construction.
This marks the first step in a multi-year process designed to ensure ongoing engagement and local benefits.
To oversee the projects and maximise regional advantages, a Bunbury Offshore Wind Industry Committee will be established.
The committee will include representatives from the companies, government, First Nations groups, local industry, and unions.
On the East Coast, in the Hunter offshore wind zone, Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has been granted additional time to develop its commercial arrangements.
Meanwhile, the minister has made a final decision not to offer a feasibility licence to Seadragon in the Gippsland zone.
The federal government is also working to improve the regulatory framework for the emerging offshore wind sector, including exploring greater flexibility in financial security, establishing data-sharing arrangements, and enabling public comment on management plans for commercial projects.
Minister Bowen highlighted the importance of Western Australia in the nation’s renewable energy transition: “The Albanese government is securing Australia’s energy future with the offshore wind industry the former coalition government promised but failed to deliver — and Western Australia is key to our plans.
Minister Bowen pointed out that Bunbury’s offshore wind sector offers significant opportunities for job creation, the development of new industries, and the supply of clean, dependable renewable energy to the regions that have long been central to Australia’s energy production.
He also stated that Western Australia will require around 50 gigawatts of additional electricity generation by 2042, and said efforts are underway to ensure the delivery of new clean energy and quality jobs needed in the state.
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson added: “This is another demonstration of our government’s commitment to building a cleaner, more affordable, and reliable renewable energy system, while unlocking new employment and economic opportunities for WA’s South West region.”
