The Australian Government has declared an area in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter, New South Wales (NSW) as suitable for future offshore wind development that would have the capacity for hundreds of turbines.

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The declared Hunter area:

• covers 1,854 square kilometres between the Central Coast and Port Stephens

• is 20 km from the coast in the north and over 35 km from the coast in the south

• has the potential to generate up to 5 gigawatts of renewable wind energy, enough to power an estimated 4.2 million homes

• Although it has the potential to generate up to 5 gigawatts of renewable wind energy, enough to power an estimated 4.2 million homes, there is enough evidence to demonstrate that it will have significant negative impact on the marine environment and life it supports. 

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The declaration comes after a 65 day public consultation period from 23 February to 28 April 2023, with a result of 60% against. They consulted with local communities, First Nations people, community groups, industry, business, and local and state and governments.