Department of the Environment and Energy
Commonwealth of Australia
Proposal to conduct offshore wind farm exploration activities
The Australian Government is considering a request from Offshore Energy Pty Ltd (OEPL) to conduct a feasibility study for an offshore wind farm proposed in Commonwealth waters off the coast of south-eastern Victoria, near Gippsland.
The study will involve activities to assess wind resources, sea bed conditions (potentially involving seismic activities) and environmental conditions (including impacts on sea life) in the area.
The Department of the Environment and Energy is consulting with relevant Commonwealth and State agencies on the proposal, in considering navigation, environmental and fisheries impacts, defence and communications requirements, petroleum and gas exploration activities, maritime safety and native title interests.
Further information on the proposal, location details, and submission process can be found at: http://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/renewable-energy/offshore-renewable-energy
Request for public submissions
The Department is inviting members of the public and industry to provide comments on this proposal and raise any matters of concern. Comments should be limited to the exploration proposal and not the possible wind farm construction, which would be the subject of separate consultation and approval process.
Submissions are due by 5:00pm AEST, Tuesday, 14 November 2017.
All submissions should reference the project name “Offshore windfarm exploration proposal”.
Postal address:
Offshore windfarm exploration proposal
Renewable Energy Policy team
International Climate Change Energy Innovation Division
Department of the Environment and Energy
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Email: offshorerenewableenergy@environment.gov.au