Three offshore wind projects in Western Australia’s Geographe Bay are moving forward after receiving final feasibility licences from the Federal Government. The projects, which include one from Westward Wind and two from Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm, will allow developers to conduct detailed investigations and consultations across a significant area of nearly 732 square kilometers.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen highlighted the potential for these sites to generate approximately four gigawatts of renewable energy, providing a substantial boost to local employment. He stated, “These licences are another important step towards up to 4GW of cleaner energy for Western Australian communities and industries.” Bowen emphasized that this initiative would not only harness natural resources but also create thousands of jobs in construction and ongoing maintenance.
The Bunbury Offshore Wind project “North,” which received initial permissions in June 2025, boasts the largest footprint at 280 square kilometers and will be positioned about 48 kilometers offshore. The other two projects will be located approximately 42 kilometers from Bunbury, with the closest part of the zone more than 30 kilometers from the coast.
While the North project has progressed, the South and Westward Wind projects faced delays due to overlapping licence applications. Bowen encouraged both parties to collaborate and resolve their issues to facilitate development. The Westward Wind project, a collaboration between EDP Renewables of Spain and ENGIE from France, is situated at the southern end of the zone, just 36 kilometers from Cape Naturaliste.
Federal Assistant Energy Minister Josh Wilson noted the importance of the offshore wind zone in maintaining the South West’s status as a key provider of electricity for Western Australia, especially during the transition to cleaner energy.
Despite the potential benefits, the projects have sparked controversy. Local community members have voiced concerns about environmental impacts, leading to public protests and significant online discourse. Opposition has also come from political figures such as Ben Small, Andrew Hastie, and Tyron Whitten, who have expressed their disapproval of the initiatives. Whitten described the area as a “whale super-highway” and called for a moratorium on the wind farms to protect marine life. Small criticized the consultation process, labeling it as a “botched” effort that overlooked genuine local concerns. Peter Dutton, the former Opposition leader, even pledged to dismantle offshore wind projects in WA if he were elected in the 2025 Federal election.
In response to the ongoing debate, Bowen announced that the Albanese Government has initiated the application process for research and demonstration (R&D) licences for trials in Australia’s six offshore wind zones. He asserted that these R&D licences would demonstrate Australia’s commitment to becoming a hub for technological advancements in the offshore wind sector, attracting both domestic and international investors.
As these projects progress, they represent a significant step towards a renewable energy future for Western Australia, balancing the potential for economic growth with the need for environmental stewardship.
