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The Albanese Government is advancing its Reliable Renewables Plan with the next phase for the Southern Ocean offshore wind zone.
Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm has been offered a preliminary feasibility licence for a potential project led by Alinta Energy and Parkwind, part of JERA Nex. If the project proceeds, it could generate 1.2 GW of electricity, supplying about 10% of Victoria’s electricity needs, enough to power 650,000 homes.
The development would create hundreds of construction and operational jobs, injecting hundreds of millions into Southwest Victoria’s economy. It also has the potential to support onshore manufacturing, building on the industrial expertise and infrastructure of Portland and surrounding areas.
To maximise the economic and social benefits for the region, the government will establish a Southern Ocean Wind Industry Committee. This group will include the licence holder, state and local governments, First Nations groups, local industries, and workers’ representatives. The committee will work to increase local content and ensure broader benefits for workers, industries, and the regional economy.
Spinifex also plans to launch a community benefit sharing program and has already identified local businesses that could participate.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen will conduct further consultations with First Nations groups before making a final decision on the feasibility licence. Throughout the process, consultations with First Nations, local communities, unions, and marine users will continue to ensure the project delivers regional and community benefits. Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said,“My decision today is a big step towards powering communities and industries across Southwest Victoria with reliable renewables delivered by an offshore wind industry.I’ve made a preliminary decision to offer a feasibility licence to Spinifex’s project, which will support hundreds of new, high-value jobs and a future made in regional Victoria.Offshore wind represents a huge opportunity for regional Australia, providing reliable renewables to power homes and heavy industry while creating highly skilled and well-paid jobs now and into the future.”
If the feasibility study is successful, the developer will need to obtain all necessary approvals, including environmental assessments, before applying for a commercial licence to begin construction.
