In 2024, early plans for large-scale offshore wind development zones were released by the Federal Government of Australia. Surfrider Foundation Australia is monitoring these proposed developments and has been involved in consultation with the companies seeking to launch offshore wind projects within the proposed zones. The majority of these projects are in the early stages of planning.
Commercial-scale offshore wind will help transition Australia from dirty, carbon-polluting fossil fuel energy sources. Like all development, we recognise these projects will have some negative impacts, and undoubtedly, will impact coastlines. We also recognise that science tells us we must rapidly transition away from fossil fuels if we are to mitigate the detrimental and increasing impacts of climate change.
There are currently six offshore wind farm zones. A majority of these zones plan on using floating technology to reduce impacts on the marine environment. These zone areas are Gippsland (VIC), Southern Ocean (VIC), The Hunter (NSW), Illawarra (NSW), Bass Strait (TAS) and Indian Ocean – Bunbury (WA).
For this reason, Surfrider Foundation Australia has taken a cautious, measured approach to offshore wind projects. We support wind farms in principle, provided we have the information needed to assess whether these meet a high bar for environmental, cultural, and recreational protection. These expectations are based on the principles set out below.
Surfrider Australia believes the following principles must be applied when evaluating or planning potential projects:
- Consider impacts to the environment through comprehensive assessments and application of best available science;
- Consider cultural aspects such as Sea Country and First Nations’ culturally significant areas;
- Ensure public safety through design standards and development of emergency response plans;
- Require baseline data and frequent monitoring to quantify impacts on the environment and public safety;
- Protect ocean recreation opportunities, including surfing, by ensuring that project sites do not negatively impact priority recreational areas;
- Consider other human uses, including fishing, of proposed project areas to assess potential lost opportunities and evaluate trade-offs;
- Proceed incrementally and cautiously to ensure that impacts from one project are understood before expanding the size of that project or proceeding with additional projects;
- Apply regional ocean planning products and guidelines to inform the evaluation of proposed development;
- Employ adaptive management to ensure that new information is applied to assess needs for modification, mitigation, and/or removal;
- Include meaningful community input and ensure transparency in the planning process so that local communities are informed about projects and have an opportunity to provide input.
