The Australian government has announced consultations on a new offshore wind zone off the Illawarra in New South Wales.
The period is open until 16 October and includes six community information sessions across the region.
The proposed offshore wind area is 1461 square kilometres, with the potential to generate up to 4.2GW from offshore wind farms.
This would be enough to power up to 3.4 million homes.
Canberra identified the region for its strong offshore wind resource, major port infrastructure and role as an industrial and manufacturing hub.
Illawarra also has a diverse and skilled workforce, and the introduction of an offshore wind industry will bolster its existing strengths and spearhead the economic opportunities of the energy transformation said the Australian government.
The zone open for consultation would be at least 10km from shore, out to 30km at Kiama, and would be able to deliver up to 2,500 jobs in construction and 1,250 jobs ongoing.
Information sessions will start the week commencing 18 September, providing an opportunity for community members, workers, residents, industry groups and businesses to ask questions, and provide feedback on potential offshore developments.
“Offshore wind is energy rich and jobs rich but despite having some of the best wind resources in the world, Australia doesn’t currently have any offshore wind,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.
“This presents a huge economic opportunity for the regions that help power Australia – like the Illawarra, to continue to power our nation for generations to come.
“This is a genuine consultation and I encourage all community members to get involved and have their say on the proposed zone.”
In addition to the Illawarra, the Hunter and the Southern Ocean, the Government has previously announced the Bass Strait region off Northern Tasmania, and the Indian Ocean region off Perth/Bunbury as further regions earmarked for offshore wind zones.