Port Stephens Offshore Wind: What you need to know
Opposition leader Peter Dutton recently announced the Coalition government, if elected, will drop Port Stephens offshore wind.
This page will cover what you need to know about the plan and how it may impact Port Stephens and the Hunter region.
What is Port Stephens offshore wind?
Port Stephens offshore wind refers to a proposal to establish a floating wind farm off the coast of the Hunter region, in an area 35 kilometres offshore spanning from Port Stephens to Swansea.
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In June 2024, a single preliminary feasibility license was awarded for a project covering a small portion of the approved offshore wind zone.
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This does not mean the project was approved by the government. The license means the project can move into a management planning phase, involving thorough community and stakeholder consultation, environmental assessment, and surveying.
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If Port Stephens offshore wind is assessed as viable and beneficial, the license holder can apply for a commercial license. Construction can only begin if a commercial license is issued by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
Why Port Stephens offshore wind?
Port Stephens (or more accurately Hunter) offshore wind has the potential to generate cheap, reliable energy for around 4.2 million homes, while vastly reducing our impact on the local environment and reducing carbon emissions.
Offshore wind can create thousands of jobs for Port Stephens and the Hunter, directly and indirectly, while providing ideal career transition opportunities for traditional energy workers.
What are the impacts of Port Stephens offshore wind?
It’s worth noting scientists agree that carefully and responsibly establishing offshore wind to power our local communities is the most effective way we can reduce impact on the environment.
A common concern is the potential impact on local wildlife including whales, dolphins and birds. The current scientific evidence shows this concern is unfounded.
Why does the Coalition plan to cancel Port Stephens offshore wind?
The Coalition plans to cancel offshore wind because Peter Dutton wants to establish publicly funded nuclear power plants across Australia, including one planned for Muswellbrook.
The nature of nuclear and renewable power make them essentially incompatible on the energy grid, meaning in order to go ahead, renewable projects like offshore wind will need to be axed.
Peter Dutton’s alternative plan will also force at least three million household solar energy systems to shut down.
