The Australian Government has recently granted feasibility licences for three proposed offshore wind projects in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Bunbury.
- Bunbury Offshore Wind Project – North (Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd)
- Bunbury Offshore Wind Project – South (Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd)
- Westward Wind Project (Westward Wind Pty Ltd)
A feasibility licence can last up to seven years. During this time, no wind turbines are installed. Licence holders will investigate whether the projects are viable and seek environmental approvals and prepare management plans.
Activities may include:
- Marine and environmental surveys, including vessel-based work and the deployment of equipment such as lidar buoys to measure wind and ocean conditions
- Environmental impact assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
- Consultation with existing marine users, including commercial and recreational fishers, to understand current fishing activity and potential interactions
Protections for existing marine users:
Before any feasibility activities begin, licence holders must have a management plan approved by the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator. This plan must explain how activities will be managed to co-exist with existing users, including commercial fishing.
Construction can only begin after the feasibility stage is completed and the licence holder has gained all environmental and management plan approvals. The licence holder will need to apply for and receive a commercial licence to begin construction.
Consultation on the potential offshore wind project will continue to occur throughout the life of any project.