The City of Newcastle welcomes the possibility of attracting billions of dollars of investment and new local jobs from Australia’s second offshore wind zone.
It comes as the Australian Government begins consultations on establishing Australia’s second offshore wind zone off the coast of Newcastle.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen announced the consultation during a visit to Newcastle.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes stated that a renewable energy sector focused on large-scale offshore wind farms would provide a sustainable new future for Newcastle, which once housed Australia’s first large-scale, land-based single wind turbine on Kooragang Island.
“We are committed to transitioning towards a low carbon economy to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy our city and region, and believe that a mix of renewables, including offshore wind, is essential to achieving this target,” Lord Mayor Nelmes said.
According to Lord Mayor Nelmes, the City of Newcastle has a long history of advocating and carrying out renewable energy initiatives and was the first local government in NSW to switch to 100% renewable electricity.
“Offshore wind also provides the perfect opportunity to diversify Newcastle’s economy by pivoting thousands of jobs in the local manufacturing, construction, maritime, transport and logistics industries into the renewable energy sector,” Lord Mayor Nelmes added.
Furthermore, Lord Mayor Nelmes said the Port of Newcastle’s accessibility and the city’s existing local talent base would allow offshore wind to catalyse the establishment of a new renewable energy industry in Newcastle and the Hunter.
“This can unlock billions in new investment in renewable energy infrastructure and pave the way for our city to become the renewable energy hub for the Asia-Pacific region,” the Lord Mayor stated.
She added that the offshore wind sector has many potential benefits for Newcastle but that measures must be put in place to preserve and deliver local jobs and assess any potential consequences on visual amenities and the marine environment.
“With the correct legislative and regulatory framework, offshore wind along the coast of Newcastle has the potential to play a significant role in sustaining our state’s future energy needs, and provide a significant boost to the local economy,” she said.
However, the Lord Mayor noted that it must be developed with the assurance that it would prioritise the employment of local employees and the use of local materials to benefit the communities.
