The Australian government has declared an area in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter, New South Wales (NSW) as suitable for future offshore wind development.
The declared Hunter area covers 1854 square kilometres between the Central Coast and Port Stephens, and has the potential to generate 5GW of wind energy.
The site is 20km from the coast in the north and over 35km from the coast in the south.
Offshore wind projects in the area to create up to 3120 construction jobs and another 1560 ongoing operational jobs, the government said.
The declaration comes after a 65-day public consultation period from 23 February to 28 April 2023 with local communities, First Nations people, community groups, industry, business, and local and state governments.
The period for developers to submit feasibility licence applications for proposed offshore wind projects in the Hunter area will open on 8 August 2023 and close on 14 November 2023.
During this stage, licence holders must undertake detailed environmental assessments and further stakeholder consultation to advance their specific project proposals.
Construction cannot begin until the feasibility process is complete, and environmental and other approvals are in place.
The announcement follows the declaration of Gippsland off the Victorian coast and will improve energy security, affordability, and sustainability and bring the country another step closer to net zero by 2050 said the government.