The Hon Stephen Jones MP

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services

Member for Whitlam

Alison Byrnes MP

Member for Cunningham

The Albanese Government is taking the next step to help secure the Illawarra as a renewable energy superpower announcing the region as one of six proposed offshore wind energy regions.

Unlocking offshore wind in the Illawarra will help to power households, businesses and industries while creating local jobs.

Offshore wind will also help to provide the baseload power that a burgeoning hydrogen industry in the region will need to produce hydrogen that could be used for transport and steelmaking.

Today’s announcement signals a firm commitment to renewable energy generation with the Illawarra likely to play a key role in achieving its target of 82 per cent renewable energy generation by 2030.

Ms Byrnes said that one of the first matters she raised with Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen MP, was the fact that the Illawarra had all the ingredients to grow an offshore wind sector.

There will be more details of the public consultation process soon, with the local community, environmental groups, industry and recreational and other maritime users to have an opportunity to have their say.

The consultation periods will be an opportunity for all stakeholders with an interest in the area to provide feedback and will be facilitated by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Offshore wind industries in other countries have been established where there are good prevailing winds, a strong industrial base and a skilled workforce. The fact that we have a deep-water port makes the Illawarra’s case even stronger.

Unlocking the potential of offshore wind fits well with the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone which NSW Labor was able to secure.

The announcement was a positive end to a week of Parliamentary sittings which saw the Government pass the first legislative hurdle to lock in an emissions reduction target.

Quotes attributable to Alison Byrnes, Member for Cunningham:

“This is exciting news for the Illawarra”, Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP said.

“The fact that the Illawarra is one of the first six regions in the country demonstrates not only the potential of the regions natural resources to help deliver renewable energy but it is an opportunity for the region to build a new industry while powering existing ones.”

“In short this is the start of a process where the Illawarra could contribute to lowering emissions while supporting and creating jobs”

Quotes attributable to Stephen Jones, Member for Whitlam:

“This week was a win for Australia’s future and for people in the Illawarra. We’ve got a renewable energy target firmly in our sights and now it’s time to get to work.”

“Today’s announcement is a step forward in reaffirming the Illawarra as a prime location for renewable energy infrastructure”