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Have Your Say On Australia’s First Offshore Wind Strategy

19 May 2022

The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with creating jobs, driving down energy prices and slashing carbon emissions with Australia’s first offshore wind strategy.

The nation leading Victorian Offshore Wind Policy Directions Paper includes procuring projects that will generate at least 2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind online by 2032 – enough to power 1.5 million homes – creating thousands of jobs in the process.

The Labor Government is now seeking feedback on how to develop offshore wind in the best way for all Victorians to maximise local jobs, build local supply chains and help deliver Traditional Owner self-determination and economic independence.

Winds off Victoria’s coastline are the best in Australia and among the best in the world and the resource can support a thriving new industry − one that will create thousands of jobs, drive economic development and help Victoria halve emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Victorian Government has set ambitious targets to bring online 2 GW of offshore wind by 2032, with first power by 2028, 4 GW by 2035 and 9 GW by 2040.

Studies show the state has the potential to support an enormous 13 GW of capacity from coastal regions by 2050.

In November last year, Victoria pledged approximately $40 million under the Energy Innovation Fund to fund feasibility studies and pre-construction development for three major offshore wind proposals: Star of the South, Macquarie Group and Flotation Energy.

Together, those three projects could generate 4.7 GW of new capacity, power around 3.6 million homes and bring more than $18 billion in new investment to Victoria.

Now, the Government is calling on Victorians to provide feedback on this bold new sector via the Engage Victoria website.

The Government will work closely with Traditional Owners, local communities, and industry to have their say on the design of the offshore wind program.

The consultation findings will be published on the Engage website later in 2022.

Have your say via engage.vic.gov.au/victorias-offshore-wind-policy-directions-paper-developing-the-offshore-wind-sectorExternal Link .

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re leading the country on offshore wind, and our targets will create thousands of jobs, new industries and help slash our carbon emissions.”

“We want to make sure this exciting new industry benefits all Victorians. That’s why we’re asking for their views on this Australia first strategy which will create jobs and help us achieve net-zero by 2050.”

Reviewed 20 May 2022

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